Can I be excused from Annual Training in the National Guard?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 09:52:11 -0400

I recently began my Associate’s in Paramedicine and I see on my degree map that the program runs right through the summer. How do I communicate to my Chain of Command when it comes time for annual training that this program is essential to my civilian career. Is excusal a possibility? How would I make up those days? Thank you for your insight.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Aug 19 at 2021 10:05 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 10:05:48 -0400

Excused is difficult, but alternate AT's are possible. Are there any units doing AT during a time frame that works for you? The first person to see would be the Readiness NCO, who should have access to that information.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 10:07 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 10:07:22 -0400

The short answer is, yes you CAN be excused from annual training. The longer answer is it's highly unlikely and your military obligation comes first.

You can talk to your command about doing an "in lieu of" training event instead of AT but depending on your unit and your position in said unit it's not very likely. Your educational program is required to work with you to allow you to complete your military obligations and provide accomodation where they can (often times this presents as either extensions on deadlines for assignments due during AT or giving you an incomplete for any courses that finish up during AT with a pre-planned timeline on when you will makeup the remaining work and exams.) Talk to your NCO/OIC about your concerns and school dates and once your AT has been scheduled be sure to get with your institution's academic advisor and inform your professors as soon as you can about your situation. several of my soldiers completed summer coursework this summer and were able to work around our 2.5 week AT in June.

Good luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 10:07 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 10:07:58 -0400

Have you approached your leadership at all about this yet? That's what I would have done - talked to my leadership, explained the situation and go from there.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 10:15 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 10:15:01 -0400

Can you? Sure. Will you? Won't know until you discuss this with your Readiness NCO and Chain of Command. Talk with your professor(s) and ask if you can pass their phone number onto your Commander. If they say yes, give said number(s) to your Commander and request your Commander talk with them to get the info straight from the horses mouth.

Getting excused from AT is no easy task, It can be done, but it takes work and proven extenuating circumstances. You also have to remember that your Commander HAS to meet mission requirements for/at AT with personnel on top of everything else. You could very well be that one Soldier that puts the missions in BLACK status due to your absence. I'm not saying this to discourage you from asking, I'm just saying this to explain to you as to why your Commander may say no. Plus, your Commander will more than likely have to relay your request up to the higher bosses. It's more than just a simple YES or NO when asking. Consider lots of pieces of the puzzle your Commander will have to.

Response by MSgt Frank Askins made Aug 19 at 2021 10:53 AM

MSgt Frank Askins — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 10:53:30 -0400

"Can I be excused from Annual Training in the National Guard?"

Sure, just tell'em I said it was OK if you didn't show up and if they have any questions to give me a call!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 11:26 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 11:26:27 -0400

I suggest that you present a plan to perform your AT individually ahead of the unit AT. That plan is more likely to get approved if there is value added to the unit as opposed to vaguely working for the supply SGT. Prepping an area of an inspection, organizing a specific section of supply or admin areas, PMCSing vehicles that are going to AT, performing a specific post AT task such as setting up and washing tents are a few suggestions that come to mind. You could also ask to break this up into week long or shorter sections. If you can be present at the front and back of AT for example you might be able to help with load out and recovery.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 19 at 2021 11:29 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 11:29:09 -0400

To answer your question yes and no is the answer. It is up to your commander. Now you need to sell it. When do you have school breaks? Those would be good times to offer to do alternate AT. You can also point out that the amount of actual trained and experienced medics in your unit is X? By getting my associates I become a better medic, and can do things such as teaching courses to the unit in Heat and Cold Weather casualties, CBRN Sign and Symptoms, and other first aid courses. Be flexible, go in with a plan that shows you will do an alternate AT during your school breaks. Stress the importance of your course work, and your ride along/internship.

From a former NREMT-P with an AS.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Aug 19 at 2021 12:21 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 12:21:28 -0400

They will never excuse you, you have to make up the time via another units AT or in some other way. AT plus monthly weekend guard drills are the min attendance time per year that you MUST hit one way or another. AT is deemed necessary as a MOS refresher course, which makes excusing you even more problematic if they could do it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 2:22 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 14:22:50 -0400

Yes you can, and you can receive alternate orders for Annual Training usually working with the AGR and OTOT staff.

You will need to make a request though your chain of command and the Readiness NCO to request an alternate plan for AT, it would be good to have a plan ready to present and discuss with your chain. It's good for them to know you don't expect them to alter everything for you and that you want to work with them in assisting you.

The reason for the alternate AT to be sure you get a good year, meaning you meet all of your MUTA requirements.

Good luck.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Aug 19 at 2021 2:23 PM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 14:23:13 -0400

I would be willing to bet there is a process in place for this. Ask your NCOs for guidance on your unit's policy.
Next time check your unit schedule before registering for classes that conflict with your AT or drill periods.