Posted on Jun 12, 2019
I am being told to go to PT by the command on only 4-5 hours of sleep. As a junior enlisted, how do I solve this problem?
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We have a new 1SG and new commander. The 1SG noticed one day that only 5 people in the whole company showed up to PT. Now he put out to all the platoon Sergeants that everyone must show up to PT at either the 0530 formation or the 1600 formation.
However, my section is the only one in the hospital that has a 1600-0000 shift. I am being told by my first line that the 1SG says that I have to be at the morning formation, no exceptions.
I don’t want to sound like I’m whining but at the same time it’s unfortunate that I have to explain to myself as to why this isn’t right.
As a junior enlisted I do feel stuck.
How do I bring this issue up and solve this effectively and professionally?
Also: Do you know of any Army Regulations that can support anything?
However, my section is the only one in the hospital that has a 1600-0000 shift. I am being told by my first line that the 1SG says that I have to be at the morning formation, no exceptions.
I don’t want to sound like I’m whining but at the same time it’s unfortunate that I have to explain to myself as to why this isn’t right.
As a junior enlisted I do feel stuck.
How do I bring this issue up and solve this effectively and professionally?
Also: Do you know of any Army Regulations that can support anything?
Company Commander
Physical Training
Army Regulations
Policy
Edited 6 y ago
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 1688
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Your post sounds like you feel singled out. You aren't... if the new orders say "everyone must show up" it's not about you, it's a lack of team cohesion. Why are you only getting a few hours of sleep? Make better choices.
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This is a do-over, yes? In any case notheingvhas changed. There is what the should do and what they can do, they can dictate participation. The first time I better articulated more.
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Do you work a shift? Do the other shift workers do an alternative PT session for example, lets say you meet at the company to do PT at 1400. Maybe it’s just you but I doubt that. Your leadership needs to come up with a PT plan and present it to the 1SG and see what he has to say about it.
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LCDR (Join to see)
It looks like his NCOs didn't lead by example. That's why he's needlessly being put in a crappy situation.
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I cannot believe my eyes that this question is even being asked. Ask yourself what happens between 0000 (midnight) and 1600 (4 pm)? You have 16 hours off. You are obviously poorly educated in time management or missed that class.
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Well I know I've been retired for awhile but, wow. Having started my military career as a 91C, what you now call a 68C. I can and will tell you we did PT just like everyone else,and when I was attached to the 82nd in boots as well. And yes my NG Capt there were a few times we showed up hung over(and paid for it).But I do have to ask when did this become a punch the time card kind of job? As this person is promo to E5, I'm guessing this isn't their first PDA. Or has the Army changed that much in 20years?
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MAJ Lee Goehl
SSgt Joseph Baptist - Well all I can say to that is having been an E6 section NCOIC before I got my commission. I have a real good idea what it takes to take care of patients with a minimal of sleep. I can't speak to how things were done in the AF but I remember pulling some 16 and 20 hour stints because of being short handed. Plus, my late wife was a 92B2T precursor to the current 68K and believe me that 8 hour duty shift isn't all that strenuous. So I will state my original thought and guess that things have really changed.
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Physical training requirements build strength & make one physically fit & mentally alert~! The body adapts & that is plenty of sleep for a soldier or the military would not ever endanger your body...the Army's investment. Believe me, that much sleep in a war zone would make you dream you were in Hawaii, on R & R~!
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SGT Martha Cain
Yes, & hand weights, especially kettles are under the bunks. keeping fit, to be ever ready (like the bunny) & is a personal commitment. It is a matter of duty pride for a soldier to be able to save a comrade, when needed. battlefield "do-overs" are rarity rather than rule & life & death decisions must be instantaneous & backed up with muscular development & strength training. In war, every soldier is a first eschalon medic, always...there & able to give aid...till "doc" gets there.
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LCDR (Join to see)
SSgt Joseph Baptist - The ironic thing is that this Soldier doesn't even have time to go out and get drunk! I mean, if she's going to pay the drunkard's price, she should at least have the chance to earn it!
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SPC Davis,
I encourage you to research how other hospital units work around shift schedules, acquire some higher ranking support to present these options to your 1SG, and stand by the decision.
Sometimes a command is attempting to “teach” through means not always clear to all. Have you tried speaking with your 1SG? As an E4 I would (privately) have coffee early in the AM (0430’ish) with one of my 1SG’s to discuss matters of the day so my team would be in the know.
Being pro-active to the greater good of all is a leadership quality. If you strive to be a leader, then it would behoove you to try one or all of these options. Blessings in your endeavors in this situation. For no experience is without an opportunity to learn.
I encourage you to research how other hospital units work around shift schedules, acquire some higher ranking support to present these options to your 1SG, and stand by the decision.
Sometimes a command is attempting to “teach” through means not always clear to all. Have you tried speaking with your 1SG? As an E4 I would (privately) have coffee early in the AM (0430’ish) with one of my 1SG’s to discuss matters of the day so my team would be in the know.
Being pro-active to the greater good of all is a leadership quality. If you strive to be a leader, then it would behoove you to try one or all of these options. Blessings in your endeavors in this situation. For no experience is without an opportunity to learn.
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You talk to your first-line leader (“FLL”) and present an alternate solution. If it is your entire section that works 1600-0000, suggest to your FLL that he run it up through the NCO Support Channel (i.e. from him to the section sergeant) that the NCOs on that shift be allowed to manage an alternate PT time for your section (or something else entirely that may work for your unit’s specific circumstances- be creative but not Wile E. Coyote). This demonstrates that you are not merely w complainer but someone who seeks to solve problems. Until that is approved, you go to PT and adjust your schedule as needed to maximize your sleep.
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Soldiers are only required to receive 4 hours of sleep and they do not have to be continuous. I would raise the issue through your NCO support channel and see if accommodations can be made.
What is the average PT score of your unit? Commanders often make decisions like this when they have a lot of individuals failing the APFT or on the ABCP.
Worse case scenario you just have to suck it up and drive on until you PCS/ETS. Commanders don’t have very many limits on what they can do to achieve their missions.
What is the average PT score of your unit? Commanders often make decisions like this when they have a lot of individuals failing the APFT or on the ABCP.
Worse case scenario you just have to suck it up and drive on until you PCS/ETS. Commanders don’t have very many limits on what they can do to achieve their missions.
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LCDR (Join to see)
A leader needs to focus on what they SHOULD provide for the service members entrusted to them, rather than being focused on the minimum they are required to provide.
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LCDR (Join to see)
1LT (Join to see) - There are. You'll probably feel like it's an uphill battle against them until you're a Major. But then you get to work on bringing the next generation up right.
I probably sounded like a lot of these guys until I was a LT. Fortunately, I had a LCDR take the time to show me what it really meant to take care of my Sailors. I'd like to think I did it right on this past tour.
I probably sounded like a lot of these guys until I was a LT. Fortunately, I had a LCDR take the time to show me what it really meant to take care of my Sailors. I'd like to think I did it right on this past tour.
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