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?
Edited 6 y ago
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 1688
You said the unit has a new 1SG and Cdr. Since the 1SG knew that folks weren't going to PT, I'm going to figure he was with the unit for at least a week before the PT schedule was mandated. That Commander and 1SG had to set the tone for their new unit, and the expectation that the unit will comply with and meet Army Standards. As new to the unit leaders, it's difficult to go from being the easy nice guy to realizing you have to be a hard a$$. It's much easier to go from two mandated PT formations and every soldier is going to be there, to allowing soldiers to adjust their PT time once a pattern of attendance is demonstrated. BTW, I don't see this as a case of "toxic Leadership" of a 1SG and Cdr. I would consider this a failure on the part of the Platoon and Section Sergeants who should've been doing their friggin job by taking care of their soldiers and getting them involved in PT, even if it meant they had to do it themselves at an appropriate time, or better, set up a roster and use it to train future leaders by example and doing. Excuse me if as a retired MSG I would expect my junior leaders to do their job.
I too expect that when PT attendance returns to where it should be, and the responsible NCOs return to what they should be doing, the 1SG will be more amenable to other PT times, or a shift doing PT together at an appropriate time for their schedule with a responsible NCOIC that keeps soldiers accountable.
In the meantime, as one who is a morning person, up at 0600 even as a teenager, and doesn't do well after 2100H, I can relate to your sleep schedule trouble. We've all had times and will have times we've had to work around this, or push on with little sleep. You have to find a way to work around it, and sometimes you have to learn to "soldier on". In the meantime, try getting some sleep immediately after your shift, and take an hour or two nap in the afternoon. You might find you like it better.
The best to you in your career.
I too expect that when PT attendance returns to where it should be, and the responsible NCOs return to what they should be doing, the 1SG will be more amenable to other PT times, or a shift doing PT together at an appropriate time for their schedule with a responsible NCOIC that keeps soldiers accountable.
In the meantime, as one who is a morning person, up at 0600 even as a teenager, and doesn't do well after 2100H, I can relate to your sleep schedule trouble. We've all had times and will have times we've had to work around this, or push on with little sleep. You have to find a way to work around it, and sometimes you have to learn to "soldier on". In the meantime, try getting some sleep immediately after your shift, and take an hour or two nap in the afternoon. You might find you like it better.
The best to you in your career.
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What are the others doing on your work rotation? Are they unable to do PT for the same reason? Is your squad leader or FLL available?
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Go to the medic if you hava medical problem related to this otherwise, yeah shit sucks sometimes.
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Not trying to sound insensitive but I worked with my CO a full bird who came in at 0500 and did PT with us at 0600 go to work then left at 1800 and he would then go home with his family and be Boy scout master then get up and do all over. Just remember in combat you won't get set sleeping schedules. Why you think we drink so much coffee. Keep chin up this will soon pass and it won't bother you anymore.
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Did they actually tell you " You only get 4-5 hours of sleep " Or did you, go out the night before, knowing you had PT in the morning? If you went out, it's all on you, not your commands fault, that you can't manage your time.
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Get your lazy ass out of the rack do your PT and then go back to bed. You are a pussy!
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Are you the only in your platoon working these hours? 4 hours of sleep long term on a regular basis isn't a great situation. If there are others working the same hours, I would suggest you as a group go up the chain of command and request an alternate PT time so you can be more alert to work your shift.
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Done it many a times during my 20 year tenure. Makes a man out of you and a better soldier. But, it seems you need to make better with your time management. No need to whine, suck it up and think how good you'll feel when work is done and you can go rest.
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