How much off time is devoted to your Guard/Reserve service while not in uniform as a TPU?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 09:11:30 -0500

I recently was promoted to first lieutenant, and I still struggle with time management between my civilian career, life, and my military commitment. How have you, as leaders, managed time and fulfilled both obligations while balancing civilian careers, families, and life in general?

I am currently serving in a duty position I have no formal training in and I find it difficult to get motivated.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Mar 1 at 2017 9:25 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 09:25:48 -0500

If you are planning on making it a career, I would plan on a minimum of 7-10 hours a week.
If you are in a key leadership position, or hope to be a high performer, I would use a minimum of 15 hours as a planning factor.

I'm making no judgements about how it "should" be. Just how it is.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 9:33 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 09:33:29 -0500

I recently left Company Command as a TPU and I can say it is the most frustrating, challenging, but also worthwhile position. After all, we became commissioned officers because we want to lead Soldiers. Leadership takes sacrifice. I served as a commander while also being a full time police officer in a major city. Many times I would be on the monthly huddle call or training meeting call and have to jump off because of an emergency call....

A couple hints: 1. Empower your subordinate leaders. Mentor them so they become able to handle the issue at their level (always keeping you apprised for your SA). 2. Work with your AGR/ MILTECH staff to get into a schedule that works for you (I worked nights so my staff new not to contact me before 1300 unless it was urgent and demanded my immediate attention). 3. Don't be afraid to work with your commander if there comes a time where you need to take a knee and not be in a critical position. I was fortunate to have commanders who understood that TPU pay does not pay my bills and that our civilian career has to come first sometimes.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Mar 1 at 2017 9:34 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 09:34:32 -0500

I can tell you that I averaged almost 75 days a year between drill, schools, additional duties and AT. Guard units generally have additional unit training assemblies available to compensate the leadership for some of the additional duties, but if you are in a command position, I'm like LTC Stoneking, I ended up spending at least 6-8 hours a week on paperwork, schedules and planning.

Response by CPT(P) David Thorp made Mar 1 at 2017 9:44 AM

CPT(P) David Thorp — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 09:44:22 -0500

Love being a grunt. Passion for the job makes it easier to work after work. Also medication.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 9:51 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 09:51:34 -0500

Seems like most of my off time is dedicated to my Reserves. Conference calls. NCOERs. Counsellings. eLAS taskers. SSD and other DL. Training Schedules........and the list goes on and on and on.......

But there are days where I have to say "I'm not touching my email or anything else for the Army" so I can spend time with the family.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Mar 1 at 2017 9:57 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 09:57:44 -0500

Well Sir as you have learned it's a matter of person and position. Myself as a solider and as a team leader (though often fulfilling the roll as squad leader) won't require as much time as a Platoon Sergeant, 1SG, PL or Commander, but if I were to average it out over the month I spend about 5-10 hours on the Reserves, NOT including just getting myself ready for drill weekends or AT. Some months require more time; others less.

I don't envy those in higher positions who have more of a draw on their time and energy with admin, meetings, phone calls, etc. As it is for me, I'm struggling with my civilian career, grad school, family and the Reserves.

You mentioned you are in a position you were not trained up for, and that certainly happens. Seek out what knowledge and assistance you can. Good luck.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Mar 1 at 2017 10:00 AM

LTC John Shaw — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 10:00:49 -0500

LTC Stoneking nailed it on experience and expectations, when in Command expect more time and every weekend.
It is the price of being in the leadership of the Reserve.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 1 at 2017 10:29 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 10:29:21 -0500

I'll add that it helps to have a day job that allows you to pick up the phone on MIL business. You make up for it by extending your work day. Being "available" gets noticed and breaking up the time during the week into bite size chunks helps. Generally the extra time starts out lower and increases with rank, responsibility, number of people you're responsible for, etc. So you don't get stuck doing it all, it's imperative that you appropriately delegate. That said, know clearly what it is you're delegating and the level of effort to do it. So how much is enough? If you show up for drill and you don't have a discreet and small fix-it list that you'll hit the S-1 up with, you didn't do your job. Weekends are for execution, not trying to figure things out while people mill around.

Actual time in the week. COL Vincent Stoneking is in the correct ballpark. I don't know about O-1/3 level of effort because I was AD. O-4 was 10-12, O-5 was 15-17, and O-6 was 20-24. Since I was CS with the Navy, I came into work early to deal with the 3000 mile screwdriver, and then could do more localized stuff as the day wore on. I generally left after most did to ensure I gave a full measure to the day job. When you are O-5/6, some of your time is "give back" in that you're spending more time bringing good people along because you're nearing the end of your career. My normal workday wound up being from 0600-1900 frequently. That allowed for short days to referee soccer, do something with the kids, etc.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Mar 1 at 2017 11:14 AM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 11:14:09 -0500

The important part of serving in the Guard/Reserve is learning how to juggle. With chainsaws. That are sometimes on fire. For the first few years of my enlistment, I was working and going to school full time. Sleep was a foreign concept to me. I recommend using strict schedules to lay out tasks, but not times. Start with PT in the morning, hygiene, work, planning etc. But don't put times. Time will make you rush through a task if you are running out of time.

Follow the 1/3 and 2/3 rule. That is the rule where you give your soldiers 2/3 of the time to do the plan, and you use the 1/3 to make the plan. This helps them but it also helps you. If you have a week to setup for a training event on the weekend, spend no more than 2 days thinking it over and planning. Let the rule constrict your time so you have other time to focus on other responsibilities.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 11:33 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 11:33:27 -0500

As LTC Stoneking said, 7-10 hours a week and sometimes much more. I have spent several early mornings and late evenings working out CONOPs, etc in order to effect good training for my guys for the next drill and beyond. It's a balancing act involving life honestly. You just do it. While you don't like the position that you're in, it will change. How you handle it is what matters.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 1:52 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 13:52:46 -0500

It depends on your job and boss. I was on primary staff and command it was about 1-2 hours a night. It was much less for other jobs to a couple of hours a week. This isn't including PT which is about 30 - 60 minutes 5 days a week.
I've had AGR and MIL Tech bosses who expect daily contact Monday to Friday plus time at drill. It did help me with time management. It also made me understand what they do during the week and non-drill weekends.
I was a Brigade S-1 and understand your situation. I relied on my AGR NCO and other full timers for help. I got access to MEDPROS and other systems to help get information. You should keep in mind being picked as the S-1 is usually for the more sharper officers who can get things done. It's one of those jobs a lot of people don't like but, really helps their Army career.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 4:16 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 16:16:30 -0500

When I am planning a task or AT mission, I can spend 15-20/ week. Otherwise, at least 3 to 4 hours a week

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 5:28 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 17:28:56 -0500

Sir,
I've been serving in the National Guard for nearly 18 years. The majority of that time as an NCO and in leadership positions. I know it sucks, but you will have to accept that at least several hours out of your month will be dedicated to preparing for the next drill. If there are tasks that should be accomplished by the fulltime staff, then push back (tactfully) and make sure that the full timers are not dumping their work load onto you. If it is something that you can accomplish, take on the extra work. If you have an NCO assigned to you, split the work with them throughout the month. If you have multiple troops, divvy out the work to them throughout the month. Let them take care of the simple stuff that only requires an hour or two out of their month while you handle the rest. It can be a team effort, and you can get the troops to help complete tasks before drills. As for your situation of serving in a position you have no formal training in, you're going to have to reach out to another unit and find someone who has had formal training to mentor you and provide advice on how to accomplish the tasks of that position. You're an officer in the Army, which makes you a generalist, not a career field specialist. Just wait until you start bouncing around from position to position because as an officer in the Army you're expected to adapt and overcome and serve in any role. You can do it. Don't look at being assigned to your duty position as a hindrance. Look at it as an opportunity to succeed, excel, and show the commander that you can kick ass even when doing a job you don't find particularly interesting. Figure setting up an hour every other day to check emails, write responses, or to take care of minors tasks. Dedicate half a day on a Saturday or Sunday to complete certain assignments. If a major project comes along, ask to be put on orders so you can take time away from work to accomplish that without it cutting into your personal life, and adding additional work or stress to your normal routine. I manage 12 Soldiers, 3 x Os and 9 x junior enlisted, and have to complete training schedules and all sorts of other projects throughout the month on top of my career, family, and hobbies. You will have to figure out how dedicated you are to the military and how to manage your time. Sometimes you have to give up the party nights to be a leader and a producer.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 7:33 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 19:33:00 -0500

When I was a combat engineer team leader, I probably spent what would tally up to a day or two a month of my own time in prep for drill. Now that I'm waiting for a school slot to get qualified in my AF career field, I spend 0 hours a month on my own time as I'm practically an E-5 private. I'm enjoying the break, though this last month I realized that I really missed it, to tell the truth.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 10:24 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 22:24:39 -0500

Stay calm, work hard, learn your craft and rely on your seargants, they will ease that stress

Response by BG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2017 12:31 PM

BG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 12:31:39 -0500

The higher up you go, the more of a time commitment it is. One tip for all of you out there who spend considerable unpaid time is to document your time as "Points Only" on a DA1380. You might not get paid for that time now, but documenting those soft points can get you a larger retirement check later!