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
as far as army regs your screwed no where does it state you need more then 4 hours sleep with only 2 hours being consecutive
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Alright, since you’ve primarily gotten flack I’ll tell you how to approach it.
You’ve got an NCO support channel, use it! If that fails use the open door policy.
Just be prepared to offer a solution, not a gripe. An example of a solution would be to have whoever is senior on your shift run a PT session either two hours prior to your shift or an hour after.
The leadership should be LEADING and that takes putting the mission first. The mission, in your shifts case, requires soldiers who can perform the mission safely for the patients they are caring for. Interrupted sleep patterns are not what is best.
At the same time PT during the heat of the day is not the safest time to be running, nor is the middle of the night. That may be where the 1SG is coming from. Our PT formations were at 0600 for the 0630 start time, 0530 seems really early.
You’ve got an NCO support channel, use it! If that fails use the open door policy.
Just be prepared to offer a solution, not a gripe. An example of a solution would be to have whoever is senior on your shift run a PT session either two hours prior to your shift or an hour after.
The leadership should be LEADING and that takes putting the mission first. The mission, in your shifts case, requires soldiers who can perform the mission safely for the patients they are caring for. Interrupted sleep patterns are not what is best.
At the same time PT during the heat of the day is not the safest time to be running, nor is the middle of the night. That may be where the 1SG is coming from. Our PT formations were at 0600 for the 0630 start time, 0530 seems really early.
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You go to PT. End of discussion.
Christ, what has our military turned into?
Christ, what has our military turned into?
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The replies to this post made my head hurt. All i see is lazy leadership. I'm glad im 11 years removed from this kind of thoughtlessness. Do what you gotta do. The civilian sector is going to pay you double and you'll probably be at the same hospital on a day shift.
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You get to PT formation!
When I was AD, we were told that we would always get a minimum 5hrs of sleep a day.
No one, and I mean no one promised they would be 5 consecutive hours.
Tou say that you don't want to sound like you're whining.
That is in fact what you are doing.
Do your job, which as lower/junior enlisted is: Be where you're told to be, when you're told to be there and in the correct uniform.
When I was AD, we were told that we would always get a minimum 5hrs of sleep a day.
No one, and I mean no one promised they would be 5 consecutive hours.
Tou say that you don't want to sound like you're whining.
That is in fact what you are doing.
Do your job, which as lower/junior enlisted is: Be where you're told to be, when you're told to be there and in the correct uniform.
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The military only has to allow you 4hrs of sleep and it doesnt have to be cumulative
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I also worked "odd" shifts when I was active duty for most of my time in the Army. Performing on less sleep, or in inadequate conditions or with inadequate supplies, was considered part of our training. I would respectfully go back to your platoon sergeant and present your situation again, making sure you are not whining. Ask permission to speak to the First Sergeant. You don't mention how many days a week it is, etc. If it's 5 days a week for the foreseeable future, you will need to do something to get more sleep. I believe most First Sergeants would help you find a solution if your platoon sergeant is unable to do so.
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Here's a really blunt answer... your 1sg is an idiot and your PL and PSG are spineless. Yeah yeah "don't talk about leadership blah blah blah.". Yes, you can manage your time and sleep up to 6 hours (wow) mid morning to afternoon. Sure. Because that's super sustainable when it becomes your job to treat people and using the best judgment to do so. The "suck it up" answers here are but he same clown mentality that gives you the toxic leadership you're facing now, in the future. Can you do something about it? Not much. Can you get in another field that takes rest cycles a little more serious? Absolutely. I hope your field isn't crying about retention with that kind of management. Erratic schedules put the onus of physical fitness on the individual. Can you pass a pt test? Height/weight? Great! No? Then personal management isn't your thing and you get processed out. Sorry about your luck miss, I hope you look forward to a reclass instead of just saying "f**k it I'm out". The grown adult ego babies managing you should be ashamed.
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