How do the weekend passes work at Fort Drum? Will I be able to go to NJ on the weekends without taking leave?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 20:55:32 -0500

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 22 at 2019 10:08 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 22:08:09 -0500

You have to go thru your chain of command there, many posts have limits on how far you can travel w/o being on leave, If you are off for the weekend, do as you please except exceed the travel limit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2019 9:04 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 09:04:52 -0500

Fort Drum is 250 miles, I believe (maybe 300?). I think that’s standard across the board. You’ll have to make a DA 31 form with an extended mileage request. I can’t remember the exact terminology. Just hit your first line leader up asking about going over the mileage and what the proper steps are. But it’s up to your commander. So just because your PSG says it’s fine doesn’t mean it will get approved.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2019 9:28 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 09:28:57 -0500

250 mile radius for ordinary passes. You'll need an extended mileage pass. Either way you'd need the pass signed by the company Commander. So long as the pass doesn't exceed four days it will not be chargeable leave.

A pass is a privilege, not an entitlement, so you anyone in your CoC can deny it. If you are trying to go every weekend, it's not likely that it will be approved every time, but that is up to your CoC. Just giving you realistic expectations.

You'll be in the field alot at Drum too. You may not want to spend half of your weekends driving.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Nov 23 at 2019 11:32 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 11:32:55 -0500

For a regular 2 day weekend, probably not. Extended weekends you would need special permission if it is over a 250 mile radius.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Nov 23 at 2019 12:48 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 12:48:04 -0500

You're going the wrong way. Travel a little further north to alex bay and go fishing on the weekends.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2019 12:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 12:51:40 -0500

Here is a question...

Did you ask your TL?

Response by SGT Albert Thompson made Nov 24 at 2019 4:43 AM

SGT Albert Thompson — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 04:43:52 -0500

First, inform your chain of command. When you do, have a set plan in place to get yourself back there quickly & dependably, in case an alert is called. Then, enjoy your weekend! From my experience, that’s the best way to cover your ass. Save all your units contact info in your phone, keep it on & charged at all times. If an alert is called, you’ll have 6 hours to report to your unit, no matter where you are. Handle your business responsibly and you’ll be fine.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 6:47 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 06:47:56 -0500

Regardless of where you are going you are withheld by a 250 mile radius to fort drum. But you can get mileage passes on 4 days

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2019 7:53 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 07:53:44 -0500

To get a mileage pass you go through your squad leader and they will grab you the paperwork for the mileage pass then you turn it in to your training room along with a LES and da-31