I live and work 22 hours away from my NG unit. What are my options for an interstate transfer? What should I do?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 20:28:07 -0400

I'm in process of doing and IST. Today Squadron Commander says he will not be approving any interstate transfers. I live and work 22 hours away. What are my options, what should I do?
I'm in the Army National Guard. Thanks in advance!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2018 8:34 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 20:34:26 -0400

Request an audience with the Squadron Commander via Open Door Policy and state your case.

Response by COL Dana Hampton made Aug 5 at 2018 8:45 PM

COL Dana Hampton — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 20:45:29 -0400

If your unit is on the bubble for mobilization, your squadron commander may not be in a position to recommend an approval if your deployment documents are fixed. That said, a SCO can only put their recommendation on an IST packet. The approval authority is the State’s Adjutant General for all ISTs.

As SSG Livingston’s says, request a meeting with your SCO through your chain of command.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 8:31 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 08:31:11 -0400

Wait a minute. 22 hours away?
Where is your job, on the opposing coast? I could drive to anywhere in CONUS from my house in 22 hours... well maybe not Key West. I hardly think a situation like that sneaks up on you. It isn't anything resembling 22 hours from Tennessee to Texas, either.
I think that you are a case that the commander should consider, regardless of bold proclamations to the contrary.
If he still says no, I suggest transferring to the IRR and working it out to transfer to a new unit from there.
When encountering an obstacle, you can go over (Chain-of-Command), under (outside CoC, like IG), or around (IRR) it. Don't let it stop you. That commute is ridiculous.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 6 at 2018 9:11 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 09:11:10 -0400

1. Should have thought about that before this came up. 2. Beg/plead with the CO, showing the problems. 3. Was the CO's statement directed at you or just in general. 4. Contact the unit closest to you and see if they have a critical need for you/MOS in order to persuade you CO.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2018 10:27 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 10:27:18 -0400

I would request to go into the Inactive Reserve (Inactive National Guard), based on your living/working location. If you Command refuses, you could attempt to reach the higher level Command and plead your case (which should be justified If they turn you down). Once in the Inactive Reserves you should be able to transfer to any National Guard or Reserve unit of your choosing.

In the interim- I would ask to Reschedule Training (RST) or SUTA with another unit in your area. They cannot force a junior Soldier to travel 22 hours for duty, unless you are on orders & they pay for travel.

If that doesn't work, then file an IG complaint- once you've exhausted your Command's abilities to take care of their Soldiers.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2018 11:18 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 11:18:21 -0400

send a letter to the governor