How far is too far to travel to drill? Are there any regulations pertaining to driving distance?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 21:18:17 -0500

I joined the National guard when i got out of the Army in December of 2016. I joined the closest unit that had my MOS and had drill quarterly. The distance on way is 480 miles. This year drill is going to be almost monthly. I have contacted my Chain of command and i am trying to get it sorted out. My question is do i have a leg to stand on in trying to avoid making that drive for a weekend drill? Are there any regulations pertaining to driving distance? Thanks for all of the help.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2017 9:36 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 09:36:05 -0500

I've know guys who moved out of the state and still flew in on drill weekends. I believe they were in the process of transferring to another, closer unit but until then, they were expected to show up. Your COC might be able to help some but I don't think there's any regulation regarding driving distance. Like with anything else in the Army, you have to be in certain places at appointed times. It's your job to make sure you're there. You might look into changing MOS' in order to find a closer unit to drill with. Just a thought. Good luck.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2017 10:44 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 10:44:08 -0500

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member National Guard is a little more complicated than USAR as there is technically no requirement to limit travel like the USAR has. If this is causing a legitimate financial hardship or a work conflict, I recommend reaching out to your CoC. They will likely be accommodating if you can provide a documented reason why this is difficult for you. However, RST is an option. Find a unit nearby and determine if they will let you drill there. Then work with your CoC to coordinate. Make sure that you provide your chain with options. They're more likely to approve something if they have options versus an ultimatum. Best of luck!

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Dec 29 at 2017 10:50 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 10:50:47 -0500

You cannot be assigned against your will to a unit outside of commuting distance (50 miles, unless something has changed). However, if you agreed to join a unit, you are required to attend drills, regardless of distance. There is an IDT travel reimbursement program (assume it's still a thing, it was in 2015, last I looked).

My shortest one way commute was probably 10 miles, my average was probably 80. I did 280 for several years. My longest was...(runs to the google machine) 753 miles one way.

If it causes as legit financial hardship, it should be possible to get the CoC to agree to a voluntary transfer, unless there are special circumstances. Though I would expect that you might well NOT be able stay EOD, which might mess up your pending promotion.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jun 16 at 2018 11:20 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sat, 16 Jun 2018 11:20:22 -0400

Went through this myself. Moved from AL to CA while in an AL ANG unit. The move was my choice. Traveling from CA to AL for drills was too much. Wound up speaking with my Commander about it and started hunting a unit in CA. Eventually I was fortunate enough to earn my current position otherwise would have retired.
My advice would be to have open and honest communication with your leadership, and find a position closer to where you are. You may have to change MOS, or even service branch to make it work for you.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2021 11:22 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 23:22:05 -0400

I understand that it was posted 3 years ago but if you're over 150 miles away or even an hour away from your unit; your are out of the commuting distance and will not be disciplined for not showing up so as long as you let your unit know.
They will be upset and threaten you with an article or ucmj but I promise you they can't do that. If you have any questions contact GI Rights Hotline @ [login to see] and they'll speak on your behalf.