Can commander force soldier to cancel wisdom teeth surgery for training?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 May 2019 16:35:06 -0400

I was supposed to have surgery to remove my wisdom teeth. I waited 3 months to get it scheduled and 4 days before I was told my commander said I have to cancel it so I can go to squad stx. Is that even legal?

Response by SGT Nicholas M. made May 31 at 2019 4:45 PM

SGT Nicholas M. — Fri, 31 May 2019 16:45:18 -0400

Uhh yes.. perfectly "legal". Is there some law somewhere that says you have to have your wisdom teeth pulled? Is there a law that says once you schedule an appointment, it cannot be cancelled or moved around? From your post, it doesn't sound like this removal is of medical necessity. Are you in severe, daily, and constant pain? Appointments are supposed to be scheduled around training, not the other way around. There are a few routes you could try, but they all end in your chain of command labelling you a "shitbag". So if you want to continue that route, go ahead and reply.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2019 4:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 May 2019 16:59:06 -0400

Respectfully, the answer to the question ‘can the Commander do XYZ?’ is almost always ‘yes’. Realistically, this is actually a battle you could probably win. However, is that the hill you want to die on?
Unless you’re wisdom teeth are impacted, infected, and you can’t eat, sleep or think straight, reschedule the appointment. (As they scheduled it 3 months out, it doesn’t sound like they are). Explain the situation to dental, and they’ll most likely work with you to get it done in a timely manner.

Best of luck

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2019 6:36 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 May 2019 18:36:44 -0400

Commanders can order you to reschedule medical appointments per whatever mission requirements they need to meet. If, according to Metrics and mission requirements, your Commander needs you out in the field more than they do you having your wisdom teeth pulled, then yes they can. The Commander has to explain the Metrics. You just have to follow orders. Your best COA is to reschedule your wisdom teeth extraction.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2019 12:04 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 12:04:20 -0400

The short answer is yes. I have a question. Did you know about the training before you scheduled the appointment? You have a short range and long range calendar at both the battalion and company level. If you did, you were wrong and justice was served. If you didn't know, your dentist better is going to have to justify it as a medical emergency or you will be going to field.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 1 at 2019 12:43 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 12:43:49 -0400

Yes. Is this condition making you nondeployable? I would write an MFR that describes what you did to fix it and what you've been directed to do. Mail it to yourself and don't open it, preserve the dated post mark. Hold on to it in case it comes up later, different Commander.

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