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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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