My old unit wants me to attend a layout because they can’t find everything, I’m no longer signed for anything. Do I have to go?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 15:07:23 -0400

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Oct 18 at 2018 3:10 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 15:10:55 -0400

No, but if you can help and not burn bridges it is always better.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2018 3:12 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 15:12:42 -0400

Even though you're no longer signed for anything, doesn't mean you can't help a brother out. If they can't find it, but you know where it was last seen....why not throw them a bone?

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Oct 18 at 2018 4:02 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 16:02:38 -0400

Haha, yeah, tell them good look with their search. You're not responsible for their mistakes.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Oct 18 at 2018 4:51 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 16:51:25 -0400

If you aren't signed for anything you aren't responsible.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Oct 18 at 2018 6:09 PM

SSgt Dan Montague — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 18:09:59 -0400

The unit you just left wants you there? Kinda BS especially if you are checked out and with another unit. I would say no. But if you are directed to go, you need to consult with your new Chain of command.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2018 12:53 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 00:53:09 -0400

Um...needs and wants. Your old unit needed to sign off on you leaving. Now they want you to possibly get dinged for missing gear?

Your new unit needs to say ‘nope’. And your new NCO should want to go with you, at your convenience (as a courtesy to your old unit), to inform them that you aren’t signed for any gear and don’t have any gear.

*disclaimer. Not being signed for something is irrelevant. If you have something, inadvertently or otherwise, return it.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Oct 19 at 2018 11:23 AM

SGT Tony Clifford — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 11:23:42 -0400

There are some other factors to consider. If you're no longer in their unit, you undoubtedly have a new unit with its own obligations for work. I would probably talk to my new supervisor about this. It's possible that whatever gear that they can't find was issued to you by your current unit. If they were to take that from you, it could cause problems with your new unit. Then there's the obvious issue that giving orders to a soldier from a different unit could be stepping on another chain of command's ties. You can correct a soldier, from another unit, or even direct them in the event that an emergency has arisen, but telling them what to do outside of that usually does go well with their NCOs.

Side note, if you do have what they're searching for, give it back to them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2018 11:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 11:34:29 -0400

You should tell your old units to contact your supervisor in your new unit if they want a piece of your time.
If you have left the service then there are multiple reasons why you should not go back. To start with, you will not be covered medically if something falls on you and you get injured.