Posted on Jun 12, 2019
SPC(P) Medical Laboratory Specialist
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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?
Edited 6 y ago
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SSG Lauro Jimenez
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The military by law are allowed to let you get ay least 4 hrs sleep and one hot meal. Suck it up! This new army is weak. Sorry I'm retired and all I hear is a bunch of whining.
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SPC Steve Bryant
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You can work in a hospital on the civilian side of things making much more, with better benefits and the ability to utilize your time off as you see fit. Take the advice of the E-7s telling you to get out if it isn't your thing. Only a few more years until your contract is up. You aren't ate up. You want decent working conditions. Retention starts within the army.

You aren't choosing the late shift, you chose your profession in the army medical field, and to volunteer years of your life in hopes of making the world better. I had a 94 ASVAB score, didn't have any slots open for geospatial intel for two years, though the army showed a need for it, got out, learned to fly helicopters, and got a couple of Associates degrees and a GIS certificate. I now work 4 tens making maps for a small water company, with great benefits for myself and family. I get PT in by improving my acreage, and love three day weekends.

Just hooah when the army says hooah, and move on when your contract is up. You seem like a bright kid, even asking for advice here as a junior enlisted. Thank you for your service.
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SPC Martin Kamm
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As former junior enlisted in a hospital unit myself, I can honestly sympathize with your feeling of being "stuck." This is usually the case. In my view, the most effective and professional thing you can do is make the necessary adjustments with yourself to optimize your time. That way, you can make your handling of a tough situation a point of pride. This will also help you prepare for the conditions if your unit is deployed, which will have even less respect for your personal sleep habits.
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SPC Mark Stevens
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SPC Davis, I am having trouble seeing why you can't get enough sleep. There is plenty of time after PT formation and before the start of your next duty shift to get at least 7 hours of sleep, and time between the end of your shift and PT to get other things done. Perhaps if we knew more about what your total day looks like?
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SPC Kenneth Fordham
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There is a chain of command for a reason. Stop thinking and do what they say.
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PO3 Kenneth Greiner
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Man up!!
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SPC Military Police
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Suck it up there princess and do it. New soldiers these days cry about everything.
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1SG Chief Medical Nco
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Kilos, I did my time on mids at a hospital so I know what you are going through, but check this you are on a fixed schedule with no field, no motor pool, and little to no details. Trust me things can be worse but wait your turn for 1st ot 3rd. I lived your life for 14 months and got through it just fine.

And also I’m sure since you are wearing the MEDCOM patch your 1SG is dealing with a ton of ABCP and APFT failures, that’s why he is making it mandatory
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SGT Tim Fletcher
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As a young enlisted man I would regularly close down the club at 0200 and be up and out on the PT field in time for 0600 start....and perform with the best. As a 40+ I would work 14 hour shifts on security duty and were expected to follow that up with PT before going home for a nap before having to be back a few hours later for security forces training. Granted I got used to performing well on 4 hours or less in basic training though:))
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Cpl Alex Moore
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I used to work assistant duty in the barracks and the NCO working duty would then let me off early enough to be at PT, sometimes without sleep. That is the job, there isn't a solution, you joined the military so do your job. Putting that aside, as an NCO, I would stand duty for 24 hours sometimes with no sleep, and have to report for an entire days worth of work. Again, that is the job, do your job. There is a purpose to this requirement. The war in 2003 saw many of the Marines invading Iraq awak for 3 or 4 or more days on only a few hours of sleep. They had to function that way. You train like you fight.
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