Does anyone have good information on missing annual training?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 14:17:12 -0400

I could not attend annual training due to a series of reasons, the heaviest is that I was going to fall into a financial hardship since I was going to miss work for almost 30 days, and also would only make about $468 in that month from the reserves or the VA since I can't double dip. Since I was paid both, VA comp and Reserve pay last year, this year I am only getting $18 per day/per pay period that I am active. That means I was not going to be able to pay for even a fifth of my expenses and most importantly my daughter's expenses which is the main reason I missed. I also have several medical problems, the causes of my VA comp.
I came to my chain of command with all this information and tried to make it to the top of the command at the battalion level and they said I was only making up excuses and that I was not excused. I explained they were not excuses and that it is the truth.
I was under such stress I could not handle and felt like I was going to lose it. I decided to leave at mid-day and went looked for help (medical help). I was called by the company XO telling me they could send someone to look for me at my job and arrest me, which made my anxiety even worst. I cannot understand the lack of support going on in this unit. I know I could be discharged with a "other than honorable" characterization and I accept it if they decide to do that. But, I have a series of valid reasons to miss that training. (between us, I'd like to have gone, I like to travel and the field)
What can I do? Who can represent me and my reasons and what is the worst I can expect?
I talked to IG and the retention NCO's and they told me pretty much that the worst is to be "other than honorable" discharged. Why would the XO threaten me with such comment?? is he training to intimidate me?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2018 5:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 17:13:35 -0400

I can't say I have all the answers to the questions you ask. I would like to see if I can help point you in the right directions. First, a few deep breaths can help.

Missing AT can often be made up at a different time if the command allows. Sounds to me that being in the reserves is causing you hardship so you may want to consider going into the IRR until you are on a better financial situation. I do wonder why you aren't getting BAS and BAH during the time you're on orders though.

Employers are usually required to pay differential for order up to 15 days. That would cover 3 weeks of training. Why is your unit doing more than 2-3 weeks of AT? You should check with your employer on their policy if they would cover the period of your oders.

If your financial hardships are as you describe, your first line supervisor should be doing something to help guide you in getting that squared away. Is that person aware of all your issues? Would something like an AER loan help the situation?

Response by SPC David Willis made Mar 22 at 2018 5:24 PM

SPC David Willis — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 17:24:08 -0400

I've honestly never heard of the military paying someone 18 dollars a day on active orders. Why didn't the VA adjust your payments during this previous year to make up for the over payment?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 22 at 2018 5:32 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 17:32:26 -0400

1. The needs of the Army come 1st, tho we try hard to balance the SM needs, sometimes the SM loses out. Yes they can discharge you. Yes, since you went AWOL, they could have tried to have you arrested for that. I suggest you calm down and go talk to JAG, explain the problem and see what they say, since they will be the prosecutor and the defense team.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Mar 22 at 2018 7:02 PM

SGT Eric Davis — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 19:02:52 -0400

Well annuals training come 1st and if you was going to be in orders for 30 or more days then I know you would of made more than $468 that month. If being in the military is bothering your other things in life then get out. You can be arrested cause you was AWOL