Can my CoC force me to change my CIF turn in for ETS and Phase 2 physical appointments IOT conduct training when I’m about to ETS?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 15:24:45 -0400

I am a E6 with 47 days left until I start terminal leave. Due to a lack of Manning (so they say) I am be forced to change my CIF turn in as well as my phase 2 appointments by my 1SG and PSG so that I can go out and conduct training with my unit. By the time we get back I will only have about 4 days until I start clearing post. Can they force me to change these appointments knowing full well it’s going to screw me over by only giving me a few days to finish everything or are they justified in doing so?

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Aug 5 at 2020 3:57 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 15:57:20 -0400

I'd bet they can. I know you're supposed to be given all this time to do what you need to do to process out, but I can only tell you my experience. After I had turned in all my TA50, did Phase 1 & 2 physicals, and they still made me go to the field with just over 2 weeks before terminal leave.

I had to push a couple appointments out as well as come in from the field to make a couple others (this includes a conference call with my wife, real estate agent and title company so I could "attend" the closing on the house I was buying). My time in the field consisted of "guarding" blank ammo in the back of an LMTV...yeah, that was time well spent! Hell, my unit even left me all alone out in the middle of B.F. Egypt (OK, more specifically, Ft. Bliss's expansive training area) for about 4 days. The desert gets cold at night, so it was a good thing I purchased my own Woobie, because I had turned in my sleep system and most of my household goods--including bedding--had already been packed!

I came back from the field with 4 days until I signed out to get everything else done which includes closing out my post housing, wrapping up the last of my DTAP stuff, etc.

My advice: Regardless of what regulations you might or might not find, the biggest favor you can do for yourself, is do all you can ahead of time just to make it easier on you later.

Good luck!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2020 3:59 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 15:59:07 -0400

"Can my CoC force me to (insert anything at all legal here)?"
Yes.
Your commander is not even required to approve transition leave, and he can also revoke approved leave.
Have you talked to your CO about this?

Response by Sgt(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2020 5:27 PM

Sgt(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 17:27:48 -0400

I would suggest using the open door policy to escalate it to higher. Your leaders are putting you in a bind as you are trying to clear the military.

Response by SGT Herbert Bollum made Aug 5 at 2020 5:36 PM

SGT Herbert Bollum — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 17:36:58 -0400

the terminal leave is the sticky part there - they don't have to let you do much if any terminal leave.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 5 at 2020 8:11 PM

SSG Brian G. — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 20:11:11 -0400

Short is yes they can. They technically do not have to give you any time other than to clear post.

Response by SFC James Cameron made Aug 5 at 2020 8:28 PM

SFC James Cameron — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 20:28:55 -0400

Uncle Sugar guarantees you 10 days to clear. Your Command is required to enforce those policies. Anything beyond that is discretionary to Commander’s Intent and Mission. Sometimes it just sucks to suck and you get to ride the big green weenie for one last hoorah.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 6 at 2020 3:28 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 15:28:52 -0400

Unfortunately, yes. Not sure about their reasoning. I can say that SSG is critical to training, as you well know. If I were the 1SG your attendance would depend on the training posture of the unit. It is not about your readiness, rather the Soldiers you will train.