Posted on Mar 22, 2020
What should I do when the requirements and the location of my mobilization conflict with getting my college work done?
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I just need opinions on this situation.
March 21st at 2AM, I got a text message from my FLL stating that I was being activated, okay cool.
The unit that I was supposed to report to was supposed to call me later that day.
They never did, so I told my FLL again and he said give it more time.
Eventually he told me to report to a unit today at 0800 that was 30 minutes away, cool.
For clarification, I do not have my drivers license yet.
I get there, hop in there formation, formation ends, and then I do some paperwork.
I finish up the paperwork and just chill until further instruction.
Well one of the people from my unit comes and he is from a different battery.
He says to us from that unit, that the commander of this unit here says that some of us are not needed right now.
I mean I have a job still and I still have college classes so I tell him that and the commander stated that I can leave and if they need me they will contact me.
I tell my FLL this just to keep him informed.
Well after being home for about 2 hours, he messages me and says report to this armory tomorrow at 1000.
Well this armory is two hours away and that's a big problem for me.
Since that commander said I was okay to go until they needed me, I cancelled my LOA with work and told them I would be in for my next shift.
Plus our college classes start back up in a few days, granted they are online.
I cannot see myself working state active duty two hours away all day and getting my college work done.
March 21st at 2AM, I got a text message from my FLL stating that I was being activated, okay cool.
The unit that I was supposed to report to was supposed to call me later that day.
They never did, so I told my FLL again and he said give it more time.
Eventually he told me to report to a unit today at 0800 that was 30 minutes away, cool.
For clarification, I do not have my drivers license yet.
I get there, hop in there formation, formation ends, and then I do some paperwork.
I finish up the paperwork and just chill until further instruction.
Well one of the people from my unit comes and he is from a different battery.
He says to us from that unit, that the commander of this unit here says that some of us are not needed right now.
I mean I have a job still and I still have college classes so I tell him that and the commander stated that I can leave and if they need me they will contact me.
I tell my FLL this just to keep him informed.
Well after being home for about 2 hours, he messages me and says report to this armory tomorrow at 1000.
Well this armory is two hours away and that's a big problem for me.
Since that commander said I was okay to go until they needed me, I cancelled my LOA with work and told them I would be in for my next shift.
Plus our college classes start back up in a few days, granted they are online.
I cannot see myself working state active duty two hours away all day and getting my college work done.
PFC
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 14
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You have this backwards. You are a National Guard Soldier. This,is what you do. Your college should have an established procedure for mobilization in the student handbook or course catalogue. If not Go to your college registrar or Dean of Students and request a military leave.
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If you didn't like COL Robert Grierson's response, you probably won't like mine either....
First, you are in the US Armed Services (whether it is Active, Reserve, or Guard is irrelevant). You raised your right hand and swore an oath to obey the lawful orders you receive. If you are being told to report to a duty location two hours away, then THAT is where you should be. Be glad it isn't to some far-flung corner of the globe for the next 18+ months. The fact you neglected (for whatever reason) to obtain a driver license to facilitate ease of attending drill or other activation is not the fault nor concern of the Guard. As for the college classes, you have stated they are online. You should be able to meet the class requirement any where you have internet access provided the instructor doesn't require attending at specific times. Otherwise, I suggest contacting your school, inform them of the activation (have relevant documentation such as mobilization orders ready!), and plead your case.
First, you are in the US Armed Services (whether it is Active, Reserve, or Guard is irrelevant). You raised your right hand and swore an oath to obey the lawful orders you receive. If you are being told to report to a duty location two hours away, then THAT is where you should be. Be glad it isn't to some far-flung corner of the globe for the next 18+ months. The fact you neglected (for whatever reason) to obtain a driver license to facilitate ease of attending drill or other activation is not the fault nor concern of the Guard. As for the college classes, you have stated they are online. You should be able to meet the class requirement any where you have internet access provided the instructor doesn't require attending at specific times. Otherwise, I suggest contacting your school, inform them of the activation (have relevant documentation such as mobilization orders ready!), and plead your case.
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If you get mobilized, then your college goes to the back burner. That is the nature of the game you chose to play. You better find a way to beg, borrow, or steal a ride to the Armory that you have been ordered to report to. You better talk with your online professors to get excused. Why? Because you are a Soldier, sworn to perform your duties and obey the orders of the POTUS and the Officers appointed over you, and you have been activated and given a time and place to report to. Pack your bag(s) and get moving Troop. And one last bit of advice. I knew folks in Iraq that would pull 12-18 hour duty days and still find time to plug away on their online courses. You're just gonna have to figure it out.
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It’s not a suggestion, it’s an order. You signed a contract. You raised your right hand, that’s the deal. If your commander releases you from your mobilization then cool. I would suggest you contact your section sergeant for clarification and under no circumstance would I not report when ordered to report.
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If you're getting activated for something operational (such as to assist with corona) then that's a bit different than getting put on TDY orders to JRTC despite them having more than enough Soldiers. Unfortunately in your case, you will have to do your duty. Being a Soldier comes first in everything. Of course you can appeal this with your Chain of Command and maybe they'll feel sympathetic but truth is, it's better to be prepared to do your duty. Your school will work with you if you explain the situation. Your unit should arrange lodging somewhere. It may not be a 5-star hotel , but it will be much closer than 2 hours away. Good luck man, and stay safe.
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Ain't gonna like this snowflake but- 1. You enlisted, swore an oath. 2. You have taken our money and educational support. 3. and wait for discharge. that The distance involved doesn't matter 1 damn bit. You live up to your oath, follow your orders or stay home and turn your shit i.n I guarantee that when they get around to you it want be a pretty chapter either. AWOL, Missing Movement, desertion, etc in times of a real life National emergency- you'll be ;lucky if they don't lock you up. I suggest you start thinking damn hard before you cross the stupid line.
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You have a lot going on. Figure it out. You signed a contract, and must fulfill the obligations. The other stuff (class, job, driving) is secondary to your oath. There are plenty of people in your unit, at your school, at your job, that can help you out. You would be surprised how much people want to help. Ask and get it done.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
For sure, often the solution is just asking, if they aren't aware there is a problem that can't remedy the situation. Communication is key.
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LT Brad McInnis
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter - By and large, most leaders on all levels want their subordinates to succeed and are willing to help out all they can within regulations.
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First off run it through your chain of command to see what can be done. Also while doing this, get in touch with your college because if you manage to go to a combat theater, good luck getting anything done.
Lastly, if everything can play out in your favor, switch to E-Learning programs as they will be helpful during this time.
Lastly, if everything can play out in your favor, switch to E-Learning programs as they will be helpful during this time.
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Notify your professors that you are getting put on orders and how many classes your expect to miss. See if you can just play catch up when you get back or withdraw from the classes and retake then when you get back. Options are available to you, especially with a memo from your coc or a copy of orders as proof.
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I'm 45 years removed from service. In my day we went when told, where told. As it now stands most colleges are shut down so you should have time to try and get a waiver....in writing! Barring that, I'm afraid you're stuck. Good luck
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PFC(P) Corey Hannen
My classes are online now and if I miss the classes I will have to retake. Forking out more money
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