How do I manage simultaneously being scheduled for full-time National Guard duty (FTNGD-OTD) and drill weekend (MUTA)?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:03:37 -0400

Hi there, I’m in the NJARNG. I’ll be on Full time National Guard Duty- Training Duty(FTNGD-OTD)
For one week in September Monday to Saturday.

On the same week, that Saturday and Sunday will be my drill weekend (MUTA).

I was told I would have to SUTA for that Saturday, even though I’ll be on Active Duty Orders on that Saturday. This sounds wrong to me, anyone know what is the code/laws for it? Thanks I’m advance

Response by COL Randall C. made Aug 29 at 2023 3:56 PM

COL Randall C. — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 15:56:41 -0400

Short answer: It depends, but it's going to be up to your leadership.

If you're asking if there is a law or regulation that requires you to make-up drills that you have an authorized absence from, then the answer is no. Being on active duty orders (even FTNGD) is normally a defacto authorized absence*, but the decision lies with your unit commander and/or what the guidelines are from the NJNG. Additionally, there is a difference between laws & regulations and policy & influence.

It's a gray area left up to leadership. The regulations* don't say you will be required to make it up or that you are absolutely excused. It says "may" which means it will be policy, either from the state or from your unit leadership.

Who told you that you would have to SUTA? Was it someone that has the authority to excuse you (i.e., Commander) or was it your first-line leader, SGT Myboss, without consultation with the unit leadership?

Additionally, are you making a mountain out of a mole-hill? As MSG Private RallyPoint Member said, many times make-up training consists of "show me eight hours or more of online training you did on the date we're going to split you on". Unless there is something already planned that they can have you participate in, most units don't want to have to plan out an eight-hour block of training for one person.

If there is a reason you really don't want to receive a MUTA-2 for doing your split, it will come down to a balancing act of "pushing back" without "pissing off". Ask for a simple clarification why you need to do one if being on active duty orders is an authorized absence - Was there required training you missed? Is there some required certification you have to obtain? Were you on the hook to review all the dispatch logs?

However, the answer can easily be "because that's policy" and the commander doesn't want to give you an authorized absence.
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* NGR 350-1 (Training), para 2-10g - "An individual may be credited with constructive attendance.."
https://www.ngbpmc.ng.mil/Portals/27/Publications/NGR/NGR%20350-1_20210623.pdf
* NGR 680-1 (Personal Assets Attendance and Accounting), para 2-10 (Rescheduled training in concert with active duty periods) - "These Soldiers may be authorized to perform reschedule training..."
https://www.ngbpmc.ng.mil/Portals/27/Publications/NGR/NGR%20350-1_20210623.pdf

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Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2023 6:56 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 18:56:35 -0400

This happens in the Reserves all the time. Even if we are on orders over a Drill Weekend, we still need to "make up" for that missed weekend. Usually, some sort of additional DL classes from ALMS or even JKO were suffice for myself and my Commanders. Just needed to see the certs and hours to equal the number of missed hours, and a DD Form 1380 was submitted for pay and points. Even I've had to do this. And yes. It's damn annoying that we have to make up missed weekends even when on Orders.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2023 7:16 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 19:16:07 -0400

To add what has been said already, I'll tell you that "managing" nearly anything and everything in our illustrious military careers usually begins with a simple knock on the door to the commander and a polite "Are you busy? May I talk to you sir/ma'am?"

Ensure your command team is tracking your situation; give them opportunity to assist you if they feel so inclined.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2023 9:04 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 21:04:11 -0400

If the orders are for an Army School, then you are not authorized to SUTA the missed drill.

In any other case, where you are on orders and not present for drill, you are authorized and required to SUTA that drill, unless the commander grants an authorized absence.

NGR 37-104
NGR 680-1
NGR 350-1