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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I'd say show up to the 0530 formation, but also go through the chain of command to point out this apparent dilemma. Maybe an exception can be made for your section.
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LTC (Join to see)
Back in 2013-2014, I was the mobilization officer for Fort Jackson. I had a SSG who struggled to make the mandatory early formations while being a single mother to one son. Working with HHD, I was able to get her an exception to policy. I suppose it helped that I was a MAJ at the time.
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I hate to say this high speed but as a Junior Soldier you won't be able to solve this. Now with that being said, your command needs to put together a plan that will accommodate soldiers on shift work. I'm sure there is an NCOIC of your shift that should competent enough to conduct PT for his or her shift. I did it myself as a squad leaders with my Joes when we worked night flights. And if he or she isn't capable of doing that then they shouldn't be in charge of anything.
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LCDR (Join to see)
I expect the Sailor to go to PT as ordered. And I expect the LPO to let the chief and Div-O know that we're screwing this Sailor over so that we can get the issue resolved. If either one doesn't happen, then there's an issue. The Sailor's issue can be corrected with EMI. The LPO, however, would have lost my trust.
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Oh my Gosh. PLEASE !!!!!!!! What has happened to the Military? And I mean ALL Branches.
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LCDR (Join to see)
The real question is what happened to leaders who were willing to fight for their people? Too busy chasing the next rank, I guess.
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PT plus an 8-hr shift? You got it easy. I recall working 10-16 hour shifts PLUS having to be in unit formations. (even a couple 20+ hour shifts). Granted, we didn't have unit formations every day, being a maintenance and logistics unit, but we only had one crew...day crew (0700-1630) where 1630 really meant until we reached a stopping point or the current logistics emergency was completed (red-stripe).
Sorry but this is one case where you just gotta suck it up. You joined the military and an 8-hr shift with a regular schedule is a luxury many do not have. While deployed we worked 12 on 12 off and were expected to PT on our own time and be ready for PFT, all while under threat of indirect fire constantly. Sleep? What's that?
If you are only getting 4-5 hours of sleep with 8-hour shift work, that sounds like a time management problem. I don't understand the problem. I routinely only got 4-6 hours of sleep when we actually had 8-hour shifts (family still required my time, too).
Sorry but this is one case where you just gotta suck it up. You joined the military and an 8-hr shift with a regular schedule is a luxury many do not have. While deployed we worked 12 on 12 off and were expected to PT on our own time and be ready for PFT, all while under threat of indirect fire constantly. Sleep? What's that?
If you are only getting 4-5 hours of sleep with 8-hour shift work, that sounds like a time management problem. I don't understand the problem. I routinely only got 4-6 hours of sleep when we actually had 8-hour shifts (family still required my time, too).
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SSgt (Join to see)
SSgt Joseph Baptist - Can't have unit PT when mission is to provide logistics support to 4+ combat squadrons. Best we did was shop PT, unless there were bare firewalls. The fact you don't get that is understandable, it merely a culture difference (Marines vs Army, Air/Logistics vs Ground side). Regardless, i don't see how reading and math skills have anything to do with time management. You are in the military, you do what you are told. You want to change it, present a point paper and discuss it. If you're lucky somebody will listen. Otherwise, too bad.
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SrA Ronald Moore
One of those times will be met with your body shouting down for lack of 8 hours of sleep,You are buying trouble and setting your self up to fall asleep where you need to be awake
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Are you kidding me? You are in the military; do what you are instructed to do. Quit whining, handle your job, professionally. What are you going to do if the world blows up, and you have to pull a 72-hour shift saving lives? "Sorry that you have a lacerated femoral, but I've only had 5 hours of sleep; I'm outta here." Good lord.
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LCDR (Join to see)
You know there's a difference between "the shit hit the fan" and "here's your bag of suck for the next four years," right?
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