Should volunteering count as RST time?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 10:53:25 -0500

In the Reserves and National Guard, there are many MOS's that do not generally do training that relates to their duty MOS during a battle assembly. I recall the 8 years I spent as a 68W in various reserve units and can count on one hand the number of times my soldiers and I were able to do training other than conducting a CLS class. That said, do you think volunteering for organizations like the Red Cross, volunteer Fire Departments, and the like should count as RST time and paid training for Reserve Component soldiers?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2017 11:12 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 11:12:13 -0500

As long as its approved in advance and the SM receives training that is relevant to their position or MOS than yes it can be used as a RST. I have done this in the past with Reserve Fire Fighters. They have conducted off site training with civilian fire fighters and were paid for RSTs for future BTAs.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Dec 28 at 2017 11:59 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 11:59:30 -0500

I think 1SG Private RallyPoint Member has it right. If your MOS/AFSC is disaster ops and you can train with the Red Cross, why not? You do have to check all the boxes and have your paperwork all in order or it won't work.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Dec 28 at 2017 12:32 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 12:32:35 -0500

In the Air Force, they push volunteering extensively. In fact its part of your EPR (Enlisted Performance Report). With that in mind, I don't see why certain volunteer work shouldn't also be counted.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Dec 28 at 2017 10:06 PM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 22:06:39 -0500

Speaking as a prior commander as a general rule the answer is NO. In some cases the answer may be Yes if ALL conditions of the soldiers MOS can be meet by the volunteer organization during the RST. If this is the best fit opportunity out of all other, then OK. I would look for other medical units or active duty base opportunities for the 68W to train with before Fire departments and Red Cross. It will require an alternate training schedule and someone coordinating for billeting and food but it is worth the work for the soldiers to get trained.