Is it possible to conduct a split Annual Training (National Guard) with an active duty unit?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 11:20:43 -0500

Shot in the dark here...I will have to split my AT into two separate weeks this FY. Does anyone with extensive National Guard experience know if it is possible to conduct a split AT with an active duty unit? Looking to cover the 14-day AT requirement. Nothing more, nothing less.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2016 12:46 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 12:46:42 -0500

Hey there, SGT,
If it is a COCOM, I would suggest reaching out to the Reserve Manager. They would know best. Also, they could grease the skids.

--The plus: you could be "free chicken" and learn a new facet of your tradecraft.
--The minus: if there are clearances to be passed, accounts to be set up, training, etc., 2 weeks may be futile for a AD unit.

Good luck!

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Dec 4 at 2016 12:48 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 12:48:25 -0500

No idea as to the answer to your question the way you posed the question. However, you do know that if you substitute your units AT and make it up with another in state NG unit? So why not find another NG unit in your state with your MOS and attend their AT instead of your units AT? You get the same AT basically but with a different NG unit. I think that would be a lot easier then attempting to change an Active Duty units training schedule.

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Dec 4 at 2016 7:39 PM

1SG Al Brown — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 19:39:55 -0500

First of all, I have no idea what I'm talking about concerning AT's. But what a great idea! I've never seen it before, but you may be on to something in the future. We used to get AD E5 augmentees to help OC at the NTC, but I don't remember any NG personnel when there wasn't a NG unit in training. Also, it seems like the AC / RC folks coordinated Reserve E5s for AD ranges from time to time, but not NG. But why not? Probably a Title 22 issue? Who knows? Sounds like a good training opportunity though.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2016 4:10 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 16:10:26 -0500

Assuming you already have a AD unit who is willing to have you conduct AT with them, then it is up to your Commander to allow you to do AT with them. Since the unit has you on their pay status codes they would need to cut you the orders needed for the dates you are requesting. Your unit will need a POC for the AD unit you will be with, this will allow them to verify your training days and send notification upon completion to your unit.
I have done this with several of my Soldiers in the past. The only thing to keep in mind is the location where you will be conducting AT and if the unit is willing to cover the costs. Talk to your readiness and Commander to get what the unit policy is on conducting AT.

Response by SSG Jessica Bautista made Dec 6 at 2016 8:42 AM

SSG Jessica Bautista — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 08:42:50 -0500

I have actually done this more than drilling with my unit. I get permission from my unit, permission from the active duty unit, and the AD NCOIC will send an email to my Readiness NCO stating what I did after I complete my SUTA. Some units may require a memo or a form, so double-tap with your RNCO.

Response by SPC Geoffrey Jenkins made Dec 6 at 2016 9:43 AM

SPC Geoffrey Jenkins — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 09:43:27 -0500

I never heard of that,you do the whole 14 day's unless there is an emergency and then you have to reschedule or not go at all and the possibility of being(UNSAT)for the fiscal year of training.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 9:48 AM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 09:48:06 -0500

If your Commander oks your split training form then yes you can!!!

Response by SSG Paul Carrier made Dec 6 at 2016 2:58 PM

SSG Paul Carrier — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 14:58:48 -0500

As a Readiness NCO I was able to arrange this for a soldier who was going to be in Korea for her college studies for 6 months.
The active duty FSB was willing to take her in and let her do her AT and drills she owed in their shop.
It was a win win for everybody.

As an m-day soldier I did my AT over the course of three five day periods a couple of times due to circumstances. The reason it was three five day periods is the maintenance shop I was going to work in didn't work weekends.

Response by LTC John Wilson made Dec 6 at 2016 3:24 PM

LTC John Wilson — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 15:24:13 -0500

Almost anything is possible if you have coordinated approval from the command you are assigned to and the command you wish to conduct alternate training with. You will need documentation from a commissioned officer with knowledge of your duty performance to receive pay, however. Your full time AGR/Techs can help with the administrivia.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 3:35 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 15:35:51 -0500

Let me say that I appreciate all the input, thus far. The active duty unit I have in mind is actually my previous active duty unit...personnel from both have had some operational collaboration before so, I figure it would be a win-win...

Response by PO1 Donald Vinson made Dec 6 at 2016 7:01 PM

PO1 Donald Vinson — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 19:01:37 -0500

I would say yes, it's very possible but go through your Chain of Command and as long as it is a legitimate reason most Commands will try to work with the individual. If you Active Duty counterpart has a job for you hopefully they will work with you and your situation.

Response by MSG Don H. made Dec 8 at 2016 2:09 PM

MSG Don H. — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 14:09:31 -0500

do you understand that to have a good year for retirement you need 60 point. you get 15 points for being a member of the guard. if you attend all drills you will get 48 points for a total of 63 so you really don't have to do an AT.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2016 12:27 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 00:27:27 -0500

First thing I'd ask is have you spoken to your 1SG, Co CDR and RNCO? If not, start with your RNCO to get a feel for the unit training needs at AT and what deals might be both within regs and okay with your Co CDR. He probably talks to him/her several times a week and should have a good feel for what is gonna fly and what won't. If you've been a solid performer, give me a good reason why you need an exception and someone else can fill your shoes, I would personally have no issue.

As far as splitting with an active component unit, I'd ask why is that necessary? Maybe I'm missing something, but there's plenty of work you can do in your own armory/at battalion - inputting DTMS, supervising an ADVON or trail party, going to a short troop school, etc.