How should I handle my employer asking my command to remove me from a professional development class?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 11:45:21 -0400

I am an Army Reservist and just received orders for a professional development class. My employer does not want me to go, and seems to be asking my command to remove me from the class, even though it is for career progression. I don't have a specific question, but does anyone have any thoughts or insights on this?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2018 11:49 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 11:49:30 -0400

Orders are orders, your employer cannot do anything about that, and if they try to retaliate against you you can have the government step in.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Apr 5 at 2018 11:58 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 11:58:26 -0400

I would suggest contacting https://esgr.mil/ in order to help facilitate (your employer's) education and understanding of what you do, and the laws concerning your service.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Home

With an ESGR committee in each state, territory, and the District of Columbia, there is an ESGR representative able to help you forge a stronger bond with your supervisor through a greater understanding of your military service.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2018 12:02 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 12:02:24 -0400

You have orders. Your responsibility entails telling your employer your are leaving, providing them orders, and returning at the end of your orders to your place of employment.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2018 12:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 12:17:00 -0400

Thank you all for your responses. This is what I suspected, and wanted the clarification.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Apr 5 at 2018 1:30 PM

SGT Eric Davis — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 13:30:55 -0400

Record yourself giving them your orders and walk
Away!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 5 at 2018 9:27 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 21:27:06 -0400

They can ask till they cows come home- It is up to the chain of command to determine if going will help the unit and you- they do NOT have to help your employer.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Apr 6 at 2018 11:09 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 11:09:05 -0400

Tell them to suck it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 2:50 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 14:50:37 -0400

I’m a reservist and an HR professional in my civilian job. It is not illegal for you employer to reach out to your command, though it is unethical and unprofessional. I recommend contacting your HR department and making them aware of the situation, of course I am assuming that it is your manager/supervisor contacting your command. If it’s your HR reps that are reaching out to the command, I recommend that you contact your JAG for assistance.