National Guard: Does my unit/state have to allow me to complete annual training?

2020-07-19T10:05:00-04:00

I'm currently living in Germany with my active duty AF wife. I come back to the US 4-8 times per year to complete IDT (usually 3 months bundled together), ADT (schools and marksmanship competitions), and AT. This year, due to Covid, my state (ILNG) is currently refusing to allow me to return to the US to complete an annual training due to the risk that travel could be restricted again. They are concerned that if I am not allowed to return to Germany, they would be required to keep me on orders until such time that they could provide travel back to the EU.

I've done some research and haven't been able to find the answer. Is there any regulation or is the ILNG contractually obligated to ensure I'm allowed to complete annual training each year?

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Jul 19 at 2020 10:13 AM

2020-07-19T10:13:58-04:00

More details please.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Jul 19 at 2020 10:26 AM

2020-07-19T10:26:13-04:00

Nothing that I know of requires them, I reached out to a few contacts.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2020 10:26 AM

2020-07-19T10:26:38-04:00

These times of COVID have certainly thrown a wrench into everything. As you know completing AT is required to have a satisfactory retirement year however COVID restrictions are preventing some travel. I’m in a similar situation whereas I cannot drill with my unit due to the military travel restrictions to and from my home state. Check with your command to determine if you would be permitted to complete your AT with a unit in Germany if they are not permitting you to travel to the U.S.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2020 10:59 AM

2020-07-19T10:59:16-04:00

You may be able to do an additional duty school with the 7th msc (USAR) like usar eur antiterrorism, physical security, UPL, etc or get into contact with the 7th, theyre on Daenner Kaesern in kaiserslautern

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2020 11:14 AM

2020-07-19T11:14:11-04:00

COVID is making things difficult for everyone and everything to include training. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/family-life/covid-19-resources/covid-19-changes-for-national-guard
https://themilitarywallet.com/guard-reserve-service-requirements/
AR 135-200 addresses training requirements, but you will not find anything that addresses quarantine or travel restrictions (especially related to COVID).
Even without annual training, you should be able to get enough points for a good year. You need 60 points; you get 15 for membership and there 48 for drills (=63), plus any medical and AT.
Yes, your unit should have funding set aside for your AT and the command should be willing to work with you. Safety comes first and we are in the unknown. No one can predict how much exposure you will have traveling to and from. You could always ask to do your AT with a reserve unit in the area. One benefit is saving on TDY travel. Talk with local units and see what they have scheduled so you can present a persuasive argument to the command. This is not a guarantee of getting permission.

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Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2020 12:17 PM

2020-07-19T12:17:38-04:00

They might allow you to do some sort of virtual AT. Not 100% sure how the NG is navigating AT during Covid, but they might allow you to assist an unit in Germany and count it for AT.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2020 12:47 PM

2020-07-19T12:47:45-04:00

Find a Reserve Unit out there, ask if they will do a SUTA. Get your Command Concurrence. Get the proper paperwork. Signed. Keep copies of it. Make Sure your unit codes you as "SUTA K" on the DA 1379

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2020 2:09 PM

2020-07-19T14:09:13-04:00

The law states you are entitled to 15 days of active service each year but does not stipulate AT. It could be Special Training, formal schools, any type of Full Time National Guard Duty, etc and it doesn't stipulate where the duty is pulled. You could train with an active unit in Germany if your TAG will allow and the active unit agrees.