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
I’ve read a lot of answers here that say “suck it up.” Those are the wrong answers. The negative effect of sleep deprivation on human performance is well documented. It results in airplane crashes, Ship crashes, car accidents, etc. It’s simply not a thing you can “train for” by doing repeatedly. Our term in the Marine Corps was “training to bleed.” There’s no training or readiness benefit by asking soldiers to tolerate interrupted and abnormal sleep patterns. In an aviation unit, it wouldn’t be tolerated by anyone with flight duties.
I would personally want and extra extra sustained high performance from soldiers in a medical unit and I wouldn’t get it by depriving them of restful sleep. When we deploy, of course, things are still French different, but our junior members always step up and get the job done. Take it up the chain and see if you can get the policy adjusted so that you get your PT AND your rest.
I would personally want and extra extra sustained high performance from soldiers in a medical unit and I wouldn’t get it by depriving them of restful sleep. When we deploy, of course, things are still French different, but our junior members always step up and get the job done. Take it up the chain and see if you can get the policy adjusted so that you get your PT AND your rest.
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This is difficult to offer advice on. I have been deployed to a combat zone and for 11 months never really had a night of sleep, You sleep when you can. On the other side safe and secure on an American military base this makes no sense to me. Now if the lack of sleep is due to club hopping shame on you. But if you were on duty, then this is nuts.
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Is the HQ company separate from the Hospital operation? I assume you're in a Headquarters & Headquarters Company so even the HOSPITAL COMMANDER and all the doctors NOT working are making the PT, right - because ALL PERSONNEL irrespective of RANK are assigned to the HQ Company, so it only stands to reason the FSG's POLICY requires EVERYONE to make one of his sessions and if they're not, then you have an issue. Regardless, if you feel strongly about your issue, the challenge is to get your issue before the HQ Company Commander so they may have the opportunity to make a decision regarding the FSG's policy. Meanwhile I would also present my issue to my HOSPITAL chain of command starting with my immediate supervisor. I would put my issue with supporting FACTS and assumptions together and I certainly wouldn't be emotional about it.
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I would find out how many personnel have the 1600-0000 shift and have a PT schedule of accommodate their work schedule.
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It seems like an odd decision from your command. I was never in the med service, but my dad was for 20+ years and I never recall them having mandatory PT for hospital staff as long as they were keeping their PT scores up. Now, if those scores were going down or if Soldiers are failing it then I can understand the 1SG wanting to do something about it. Considering the nature of the work he could do a 1700 formation instead of a 1600 formation so the Soldiers can get more sleep, which is vital for those involved in patient care. My recommendation depends on what you do at the hospital. If you're not involved in patient care then I'd say suck it up. If you're handling patients or their files then accommodations should be made to avoid errors in care. I'm pretty sure there is no regulation you can go pointing to. At the end of the day you're Soldiers and are expected to suck it up and drive on. If you truly believe that it will affect the safety of the patients though then you're obligated to bring it up the chain of command, not to get out of PT, but to get a time for you and those on your shift to be able to do PT and not put patients at risk. As far as getting more sleep, my wife is a nurse and she works 12 hour shifts overnight as a civilian and she is expected to figure out her time management on her off time. You're a Soldier so do the same.
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LCDR (Join to see)
Similar to what you're saying, I've done plenty of shift work. Sometimes it was individual PT, sometimes it was group PT. However, the group PT was always led by that shift and adjacent to their working hours.
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Are you serious?! How bout you stop crying like a little girl and suck it up soldier? SMH, you wouldn't have lasted 30 seconds in the Corps!
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You may not like it and you may not think it's fair but it's a lawful order from a superior. That means you need to make the adjustments, not the 1ST Sergeant. It may not be the answer you want but it's the truth.
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LCDR (Join to see)
Should a Soldier not make requests that improve their long-term working situation? At what point did trying to improve things become a negative?
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Although the original post was awhile back, I'll comment.
I'd hate that too, but as an MP we had no choice most of the time. In your case, it seems you are a medic; specifically a lab technician. An argument could be made about a lack of sleep affecting the absolute necessity of quality work, depending on what kind of lab work you actually do.
Perhaps the 1SG/CO would be more in tune with your concerns, IF you're PT score is exceptional and your appearance is within height/weight standards. It's also possible that they might consider a time for PT for those in a similar shift situation, led by a SL or PSG - an hour or two BEFORE 1600.
I'd hate that too, but as an MP we had no choice most of the time. In your case, it seems you are a medic; specifically a lab technician. An argument could be made about a lack of sleep affecting the absolute necessity of quality work, depending on what kind of lab work you actually do.
Perhaps the 1SG/CO would be more in tune with your concerns, IF you're PT score is exceptional and your appearance is within height/weight standards. It's also possible that they might consider a time for PT for those in a similar shift situation, led by a SL or PSG - an hour or two BEFORE 1600.
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You suck it up and go to PT. You sacrifice sleep when it's for something you want to do.
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Look, I'm going to put it to you bluntly. You signed a contract, You agreed to the terms of that contract, thus You adhere to that contract. Now, I don't give a shit and two flying squirrels about how you feel or about your whining crying little ass. Now, If you are told, to report to PT by your 1sg. Then you damn well had better be standing tall information with your little Happy Richard smiling face on ready to do PT. The alternative being. The MP's show up, take you into custody for failure to report, and guess what you're world just got extremely ugly, with a great deal less on in that paycheck.
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I'll put it to you in this manner. You signed a contract, you agreed to the terms of that contract, first and foremost, you have an obligation to that contract. I don't give to shit and a flying squirrel if you have had 1 hour or 18 hours of sleep, if you are told to report for PT your ass had better be at PT with your smile Richard Happy face on ( Period) By the way, YES it sounds like you are Whining. Now if you don't like the terms of the contract that you sign and you want to live the civilian lifestyle, then get out of the military.
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without a proposed workable solution you are whining. alter your personal schedule to allow you to attend PT. Or, possibly get others on the same schedule and set up an alternate acceptable PT. So why not your entire shift with PT at 1430 and then clean up and be at work at 1600. Adjust your preferences to meet the need of the organization. Right now you sound like you want to be exempt from PT. Take some responsibility and leadership to work through this one, it is part of growing.
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LCDR (Join to see)
"without a proposed workable solution you are whining"
You realize that the entire point of her posting here was to develop that "proposed workable solution," right?
You realize that the entire point of her posting here was to develop that "proposed workable solution," right?
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SP5 Tom Flaherty
yep and I gave some suggestions to give her some ideas. if they are going to grow they should be coming up with the workable proposals and how to present and implement them. A little "guided discovery" never hurts.
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Wow, things have changed, less than 8 hours sleep was the norm, we quickly adjusted to 4-6 hrs sleep, PT was a requirement M-F at 0500 unless you were in field, in the field it was 12 to 16 hr days 7 days a week until mission was complete
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33 hours is the most time I went without sleep.. 6 hrs. on and 6 off on the gun line in Viet Nam. With
refueling and rearming in my spare time. Lucky if we had time to eat....
refueling and rearming in my spare time. Lucky if we had time to eat....
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PO3 Donovan Kosse
Pulling on wet lines to get ammo over while the waves are trying to wash you off the ship. Carrying heavy projectiles and stores, and we were too busy shooting and getting shot at to worry about time to do PT.. I gained some muscle mass so I must have been working a little.... Boot camp was a lot harder than from what I've heard too. Pretty cushy now for the cream puffs...
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Ashley - On the battlefield, you may be told to be at a point 20 miles away to help with the wounded who are trying to hold the line. You may have had no sleep and don't believe you can possibly comply, but because of the training you're receiving today, you will comply.
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Sgt Jerry Genesio
CPT Chris McGowan - It's not a place where youngsters get to criticize the physical stamina of old Marines either. You shot the first round across my bow, Chris. Don't expect a Marine not to return your fire. Best you crawl under that desk at Wells Fargo and resume counting your beans.
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Sgt Jerry Genesio
CPT Chris McGowan - I don't have to prove anything to you, Chris, but in terms of progressive positions, I voted for both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, the only two presidents to lower the deficit in the last 50 years.
Incidentally, I'm not a Boomer. I was born in 1938 and am classified as a member of the Silent Generation: born between 1925 and 1945 and raised during a period of war and economic depression. We are the counterculture of a rebellious generation, distrustful of the establishment and keen to find our own voice. We were angry, but we channeled our anger toward hard work and loyalty to our country. We foolishly believed in "justice for all" and while we learned too late that very few politicians can be trusted, we were shocked to learn so many Americans could elect someone as corrupt, amoral, and disloyal to the country as Trump. Those who elected the likes of Trump, MT Greene, L Boebert, P Gosnar, J Jordan, M. Cawthorne, and so many other Trump-worshipping Republicans are the ones you should be channeling your anger at.
Incidentally, I'm not a Boomer. I was born in 1938 and am classified as a member of the Silent Generation: born between 1925 and 1945 and raised during a period of war and economic depression. We are the counterculture of a rebellious generation, distrustful of the establishment and keen to find our own voice. We were angry, but we channeled our anger toward hard work and loyalty to our country. We foolishly believed in "justice for all" and while we learned too late that very few politicians can be trusted, we were shocked to learn so many Americans could elect someone as corrupt, amoral, and disloyal to the country as Trump. Those who elected the likes of Trump, MT Greene, L Boebert, P Gosnar, J Jordan, M. Cawthorne, and so many other Trump-worshipping Republicans are the ones you should be channeling your anger at.
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SP5 Tom Flaherty
Jerry check your national debt figures for Obama, depending on the measuring stick and there are 3 possibilities he raised the national debt between 2.3 and 9 trillion. Your response is more political opinion than factual.
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Sgt Jerry Genesio
SP5 Tom Flaherty - I'm looking at facts, Tom. You're talking about various
measuring sticks and "possibilities" which make your response "political opinion" by definition.
measuring sticks and "possibilities" which make your response "political opinion" by definition.
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CPL Louie Stanfield
The article is very informative, for the officers and NCO’s who need to contemplate such things. As enlisted personnel, such as the OP is, our duty is to DO the tasks asked of us, to the best of our abilities and hope that our leaders know what is best for us.
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You have a posted training schedule and a duty assignment. The TNGSCHD is not optional. Tell your NCOIC of the TNG requirements. The Onus is on leadership to deconflict. However, I think you will find that they will point out that you have little to no reason to not make the 0600 PT formation. Keep in mind it is a military organization but your own time management is crucial.
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COL Jerry C.
CPT, in response to your comment. I will first address the specifics of the actual question, and then I will respond to your general commentary regarding senior leaders, last.
Your response versus mine reflects the fundamental difference in the thinking process of Junior officers vs Senior. Your response was from a tactical view and mine the strategic. Your response was exactly what his immediate NCO or Company Level officer might provide. Absent any knowledge of the command climate and the training duty environment the information provided was at best limited. Looking at the poster's duty position one can draw some conclusions and that his senior leaders were likely medical duty positions, including the SGM as well. That being said they would be in a better position to know the reasoning for the PT schedule. As I pointed out the individual cannot lawfully be compelled to be in two duty positions at one time so from that viewpoint he has a decision to make and would not be subject to any UCMJ action and as indicated the Onus is on leadership to deconflict. There is no army regulation on a "standard duty day". Planning for sleep in training and tactical environments is a core leader competency. Leaders must know the sleep-work cycles of their Soldiers, particularly when they are working shifts, are in operational environments or are outside standard duty hours. However, Sleep does not have to be taken in one continuous period to be effective. It is preferable to give Soldiers uninterrupted sleep time at night when the brain clock is programmed for sleep. But two periods that add up to 7 or more hours of sleep every 24 hours also work. Naps can be taken to compensate. See TRADOC Regulation 350-6 for training. The bottom line is the individual has the DIRECT responsibility to use the chain of command, sorry if you see that as having to "suck it up".
The next comment is in regard to your overall indictment of "older officers". I find it is often best to not make such board characterization unless I know more. For example, I was an enlisted soldier first, as an E5, I too was disgruntled and separated for a number of years. I finished my education and obtained my commission but as a result, I was on average 10 years OLDER than my peer group so I had to work twice as hard, physically, to be in the top 5% but the difference in age also served me well as I was a little more seasoned and mature. Your comments reflect a number of flaws in thinking but only age will address that. With respect to Afghanistan and Iraq, these are discussions that are had as the war college adnausem. I will close by saying yes there were some serious failures but I will offer that, while not the exhaustive reason, some of the reasons are the direct result of forgetting what the core mission of the army is. The Army is NOT the "battlespace" for social or societal agendas. The Army is not for everyone, not should be seen as such, hence sometimes the phrase "embrace the suck" is relevant, particularly you are not in a Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF).
Your response versus mine reflects the fundamental difference in the thinking process of Junior officers vs Senior. Your response was from a tactical view and mine the strategic. Your response was exactly what his immediate NCO or Company Level officer might provide. Absent any knowledge of the command climate and the training duty environment the information provided was at best limited. Looking at the poster's duty position one can draw some conclusions and that his senior leaders were likely medical duty positions, including the SGM as well. That being said they would be in a better position to know the reasoning for the PT schedule. As I pointed out the individual cannot lawfully be compelled to be in two duty positions at one time so from that viewpoint he has a decision to make and would not be subject to any UCMJ action and as indicated the Onus is on leadership to deconflict. There is no army regulation on a "standard duty day". Planning for sleep in training and tactical environments is a core leader competency. Leaders must know the sleep-work cycles of their Soldiers, particularly when they are working shifts, are in operational environments or are outside standard duty hours. However, Sleep does not have to be taken in one continuous period to be effective. It is preferable to give Soldiers uninterrupted sleep time at night when the brain clock is programmed for sleep. But two periods that add up to 7 or more hours of sleep every 24 hours also work. Naps can be taken to compensate. See TRADOC Regulation 350-6 for training. The bottom line is the individual has the DIRECT responsibility to use the chain of command, sorry if you see that as having to "suck it up".
The next comment is in regard to your overall indictment of "older officers". I find it is often best to not make such board characterization unless I know more. For example, I was an enlisted soldier first, as an E5, I too was disgruntled and separated for a number of years. I finished my education and obtained my commission but as a result, I was on average 10 years OLDER than my peer group so I had to work twice as hard, physically, to be in the top 5% but the difference in age also served me well as I was a little more seasoned and mature. Your comments reflect a number of flaws in thinking but only age will address that. With respect to Afghanistan and Iraq, these are discussions that are had as the war college adnausem. I will close by saying yes there were some serious failures but I will offer that, while not the exhaustive reason, some of the reasons are the direct result of forgetting what the core mission of the army is. The Army is NOT the "battlespace" for social or societal agendas. The Army is not for everyone, not should be seen as such, hence sometimes the phrase "embrace the suck" is relevant, particularly you are not in a Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF).
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I think I responded to this before or it maybe on someone else posting. Managing your time is no different than managing your finances. Look at it like this! If you had a 9 to 5 work schedule you would be up for at least 8 hours after work before going to bed. The day is in 24 hours with 3, 8 hour increments. 8 for work, 8 for sleep & 8 for awake. Some times you have to rob time from others to pay extra time for others. Maybe your section can request a meeting with the Commander to come a alternative that everyone agrees to. Please use Chain of Command to do this request.
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Take a nap, go to PT, then you have 9-10 hours before you go back to work.
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Main point up Front. Do your required PT.
FIND and read the Reg. This is all part of gaining knowledge. With computers, CD'S, and Smartphones,
its simple. Years ago locating a hard copy Regulation was tedious. Do some research.
Main Point,
Don't use your MOS as an excuse. Do your mandatory PT.
Regards, Paul Ayotte, US ARMY,
1SG, (Retired).
FIND and read the Reg. This is all part of gaining knowledge. With computers, CD'S, and Smartphones,
its simple. Years ago locating a hard copy Regulation was tedious. Do some research.
Main Point,
Don't use your MOS as an excuse. Do your mandatory PT.
Regards, Paul Ayotte, US ARMY,
1SG, (Retired).
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man whats it like getting 4-5 hours of sleep? i'm grateful for more than 2 hours of uninterrupted sleep. maybe suggest a mid day pt group for those on assignment to odd hour duty? ask for a different assignment? fall asleep at work? i'm just seeing this is over a year old, dont know why it came up in my feed. hope you figured it out. btw life only gets harder in case you didnt know, add in a wife kids, stress , deployments, etc you get a whole crucible of effed up. seems like yesterday i was a spec 4 in the desert, pulling duty an hour before stand-to, so then i had to do both back to back, then go and perform my regular job. now its been 20 years since i was playing spades in the motor pool on sept 11th and getting told we were deploying. ah where does the time go...
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I can remember doing pt always on short sleep or going to the field at 0300 for artillery training , you will just have to deal with the short sleep and since you work at the hospital you at least get to return to sleep. if something don't feel right you can make your case known but you still have to deal with the circumstance until it is addressed. as part of the E4 mafia you get stuck with both having to carry out orders and some times having to lead others while doing it.
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Make an appointment with your ISG. Purpose: to explain your work situation relative to company PT policy. You should be given an opportunity to explain your concerns. Ultimately, your ISG will decide the right course of action. If he/she makes an exception for you, he/she will likely have to consider other exceptions. PT is essential to a Soldier’s ability to perform his/her mission, i.e. unit readiness.
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I agree that it is not the ideal situation to work a second shift and then have to show up for PT on 4-5 hours of sleep. But, you volunteered to be in the military and all that has to offer good and bad. I was awarded the combat medical badge during my enlistment and while getting 2 maybe 3 hours of sleep a night if I was lucky. The grunts that cared for were appreciative that Doc was always there for them. Simply put, the enemy doesn’t care how much sleep you get. Training under stress will help you prepare for the stress of combat and will help you manage the stresses you will face later in life after the military. Keep in mind you always have the weekend to catch up on the sleep you are missing during the week.
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Get your ass out of bed and report to formation. It's not difficult to understand. What is this new generation coming to when they whine and cry about not getting enough sleep in the military. If you are a non-hacker get out and let someone who actually wants to serve, fill your half-assed slot.
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It appears the 1SG and his company definitely have an issue. His company is very specialized and the soldiers need 7-8 hours of sleep to routinely keep their patients alive.
It appears a powwow is needed with his senior NCO’s; PT is an important function of all soldiers. I’m sure a training schedule can be maintained for all shifts. It is possible to structure the 1SG’s PT request (demand). As all soldiers understand, a ‘No-Go’ stamp on your PT card is a decrement to a soldier’s future for promotion, Advanced course, MOS, and personal time.
Any change to any schedule, will not have everyone content but the Command and enlisted can conduct their PT and work standards better with 7-8 hours of sleep. Hooah!
It appears a powwow is needed with his senior NCO’s; PT is an important function of all soldiers. I’m sure a training schedule can be maintained for all shifts. It is possible to structure the 1SG’s PT request (demand). As all soldiers understand, a ‘No-Go’ stamp on your PT card is a decrement to a soldier’s future for promotion, Advanced course, MOS, and personal time.
Any change to any schedule, will not have everyone content but the Command and enlisted can conduct their PT and work standards better with 7-8 hours of sleep. Hooah!
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I'm in the been there done that, though not with a medical unit.
My last assignment was with a joint DOD Remote Operating Facility (ROF) with government civilians, Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force personnel working 24/7 rotating shifts. Like yourself, we to had to contend with the demands of our parent and supported organization. If it wasn't PT, then it was military training, and heaven knows what else. If individual PT isn't an option, then best solution, in my experience, was to have PT accomplished at the shift- or platoon-level immediately following your tour of duty.
Set PT schedules that conform to "day shift" schedules, which do not recognize personnel working shift schedules is the "easy" way for unit leadership.
My last assignment was with a joint DOD Remote Operating Facility (ROF) with government civilians, Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force personnel working 24/7 rotating shifts. Like yourself, we to had to contend with the demands of our parent and supported organization. If it wasn't PT, then it was military training, and heaven knows what else. If individual PT isn't an option, then best solution, in my experience, was to have PT accomplished at the shift- or platoon-level immediately following your tour of duty.
Set PT schedules that conform to "day shift" schedules, which do not recognize personnel working shift schedules is the "easy" way for unit leadership.
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Well, Specialist, I've seen this thread in my feed off and on over the past 2 years and am curious what happened. Obviously neither the Commander nor 1SG are no longer "new". I'm certainly not offering any "advice" as I never had command over anyone working in a hospital, my troops were all line company tankers or artillery and this circumstance never happened to them. Heck, over the past 2 years maybe you're not even in the same job or unit.
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The 1SG noticed only 5 people showed up? How big or small is this company?
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Get sleep when you can. Having been an army nurse myself (though never a medic or LPN 91Charlie) I know the meddac enlisted folks get tasked with all kinds of additional duties. Sleep discipline is vital. Force yourself to carve out time and dial way back on coffee and other caffeinated beverages. I would still show up for PT and then either go to sick call or just inform your NCOIC of your fatigue from your 4 to midnight shift. They should have you doing afternoon PT so that you are done and showering up at 1530 in time for your shift. Ordinarily hospitals work folks from 7am to 1500, then 1500 to 2300. But in my case 0700 to 1900 or 1900 to 0700 was the norm. The hospital CSM said PT was an individual responsibility. In general you could ordinarily pair up with a buddy for a run at end of shift. I went to indoor pool at the Brought Gym mainpost Ft Sam.
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What a whiny, sniveling snowflake. Having worked both rotating 8-hr days/swings/mids and rotating 12hr shifts while in the service, I know it can be done - but rarely in conjunction with pub-crawling.
It's the Army, Mr. Brown. And you have neither a counselor for hurt feelings nor rights.
It's the Army, Mr. Brown. And you have neither a counselor for hurt feelings nor rights.
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Seriously? LOL Sorry but I can't help but laugh. You get 4-5 hours of sleep?? Really?? LOL Good thing you did not join the US Navy and serve on a destroyer at sea or try to move to another field where you actually saw combat in the field, because you would not make it.
You chose to serve. And the clock and the schedule do not revolve around your beauty sleep. They revolve around the US Military and the command that runs it. And PT is a very well known standard in the military to insure all personnel are in shape enough to fight at a moments notice if called.
Sleep is something you can do all you want as a civilian or when you die. There is no such thing as sleep in the US Military. There are only moments of resting your eyes before the next duty calls.
You chose to serve. And the clock and the schedule do not revolve around your beauty sleep. They revolve around the US Military and the command that runs it. And PT is a very well known standard in the military to insure all personnel are in shape enough to fight at a moments notice if called.
Sleep is something you can do all you want as a civilian or when you die. There is no such thing as sleep in the US Military. There are only moments of resting your eyes before the next duty calls.
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Boo-dee-hoo. In an actual deployment the bad guys don't punch a time clock and don't think you should, either. Look at the situation as a training opportunity. Then make it a second training opportunity by calmly explaining to the CO the situation and offer an alternative such as a PT appointment for noon. The CO just wants the numbers to get him a promotion and isn't that worried about what time the numbers get added up.
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The problem here isn't that a Soldier is being asked to do PT one day with minimal sleep. The problem is that the Soldier is being consistently asked to do PT with minimal sleep. Splitting up sleep shifts negates many of the values of a night of rest, and could cause the Soldier to make medical mistakes.
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To CLAB about it isn’t going to help you. Perhaps you should develop a possible solution to the problem and present it to the 1SG (properly utilizing your support channel) for approval. It should be your plan for your physical training coupled with a risk assessment, or a suggested time that is conducive to those with your schedule. Having said that, your 1SG isn’t being mean, he’s ensuring the physical combat readiness of his soft skilled Soldiers. Perhaps you should suck it up and thank him.
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As I see it you have 2 options. 1 - Attend the 0530 formation and catch your sleep when you can. 2 - Ask if another formation can be held. Since the shift is 16 - 0000 other soldiers must also be affected. Remember, this is the Army.
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Back in the day we would drink all weekend and roll out for Monday Morning PT in our Banana Suit PT uniforms and and be sent back in the B's in Germany to get our MOPP Gear for MOPP 4 PT. This was late 80's Germany, so we prepped for war constantly. if you couldn't go from the club to MOPP 4 and run you were gonna be Dead if the balloon went up. The Soviet Liaison Missions were following our convoys, the girls at the clubs either wanted an ID card and a ring, or Intel on your unit.
4 hrs sleep downrange used to be a dream.
4 hrs sleep downrange used to be a dream.
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Question: How is working in a hospital, etc. different from getting 2-4 hours sleep in the rain and mud, then handling weapons and explosives? Just a thought.
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Honestly I say suck it up and be there with your best attitude. That is what gets you noticed and the best attitude brings huge rewards (special assignments and duties). It won't last forever and I'm betting as a junior enlisted you are pretty young, so you can handle it (didn't we used to party all night and work the next day?) LOL, so you will get through this.
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Really, If you can't handle that, then you really have to think, am I really cut out for this. Maybe it's time to find a new career. I remember having to work late, getting less than 4 hrs sleep and having to do PT at 0530 and going back to work and doing it all over again. Army life is meant to be tough because lives are at stake. My advice, manage your life better and come to know what's important.
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