Will I be in the wrong for not attending my upcoming drill because I haven't been paid for my previous drill and annual training last month?

2016-05-05T21:43:49-04:00

Last month, I completed a MUTA 2 and my annual training and did not receive any payment. I checked for my pay on the last day of the training which was on 24APR. There weren't any indications in my checking acct. or on myPay that I received payment. myPay showed a blank LES for April. I contacted my section sergeant and readiness NCO the same day to inform... now showing a blank LES for May.

Update, 10/23/2019:

I haven't been on RP in awhile and can't believe the amount of responses I'm still receiving LOL. My last contract was finished back in March and I'm no longer serving. The original post was more of me venting actually and seeking any advice that I hadn't already received. I knew better to report than create any future issues for myself. Thanks again to those who provided resourceful info while I dealt with that pay issue (not the 1st one lol).

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made May 5 at 2016 9:47 PM

2016-05-05T21:47:00-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I would think so, don't chance it, duty is duty. You can never go wrong for being at your appointed place of duty, regardless of the pay.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2016 9:47 PM

2016-05-05T21:47:31-04:00

Yes it would be very wrong for you to not show up for drill because you haven't been paid for prior drills/AT.

What did your Readiness NCO tell you? If you were at AT you should have been paid prior to end of AT.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made May 5 at 2016 9:50 PM

2016-05-05T21:50:25-04:00

Yes, you would be wrong not to show up, Sergeant. I realize pay is a very big issue, but it cann be rectified quite easily by talking with your chain of command.

You do not need to be known as a NCO who only shows up for money. If that's the only reason you are in, please request an administrative reduction to a lower rank.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2016 9:52 PM

2016-05-05T21:52:35-04:00

2 wrongs doesn't make a "right." Maintain your own integrity and deal with the MUTA pay issue separately. Their error will probably won't cost anyone else issues, but missing a drill will probably have repercussions on your service record.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2016 9:54 PM

2016-05-05T21:54:43-04:00

Ok here's some questions.
What if any remarks are in the remarks section of your LES? To include verifying bank acct info.
Have you changed bank accounts? If you have did you update that information on MyPay?

Response by LTC John Mohor made May 5 at 2016 9:55 PM

2016-05-05T21:55:40-04:00

SGT Brooks,
You made a commitment to serve as well as took an oath. Think about that for a moment now. You didn't say wether your AT was a complete 2 weeks or a week or less split AT that you completed. Depending on that and the last day served it may be delayed a couple weeks sometimes. Have you now spoken with your next link up the chain yet? The Unit administrator? Keep asking and keep attending Battle Assembly or Drill. Remember you're entitled to back pay! Good luck! I've been there before but I kept going to drill! Now I'm just waiting on the retirement check when I turn 60!

Response by 1SG Tony Gemme made May 5 at 2016 10:00 PM

2016-05-05T22:00:07-04:00

You better go or they will count you Awall, and you lose points towards your retirement unless you make up the drill

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made May 5 at 2016 10:03 PM

2016-05-05T22:03:05-04:00

Well, if you don't go that's two months you won't get paid for. The third month if you come back you might win a set of silver bracelets and a slight reduction in pay for all future LES's.

The readiness NCO is your first and should be your last stop. If he/she can't fix it, go see the 1SG. Work your way up until it is resolved.

The last time I checked, it has been a bit though, AT pay was done on the second day with a PFO rep there. If you weren't on the original payroll you were added. Pay came in on the second Thursday of AT.

Not going to drill will make your situation infinitely worse and make you look like you're in the wrong and then nobody will want to help you.

Go to drill, get it fixed there before you leave.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2016 10:04 PM

2016-05-05T22:04:32-04:00

I recently did an interstate transfer into the NC Guard back in February of this year. I'm just finding out that I was not in NC's pay system and my drill pay from March was actually paid via SUTA from my previous unit. Two days ago, I had to call JFHQ myself to also look into the issue. It has been to my understanding that your active duty AT check is a very serious matter. With that being said, I'm being patient but don't think it's fair for me to fork out more money to attend drill but not receive payment with me not even being in the state's pay system.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2016 10:47 PM

2016-05-05T22:47:28-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I can understand your frustration, but pay issues can be resolved. it would be best for you to attend your upcoming drill. Good luck with your pay issue!

Response by SGT Brian Kelly made May 5 at 2016 10:56 PM

2016-05-05T22:56:12-04:00

You drill no matter what. I drilled almost 6 months with no pay. When they finally got around to it I was reimbursed for 2 months

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2016 11:30 PM

2016-05-05T23:30:30-04:00

My questions are:
Who does the pay? Is it the Readiness NCO or Training/Admin NCO?
Did you recently change your banking information? That is now done through mypay, and only you have access to the information. If you did change bank accounts , did you verify that information?
Have you notified your chain of command of the issue? You may not be the only Soldier having issues.
How you you respond to a Soldier in your team if he/she came to you with this same question?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2016 12:18 AM

2016-05-06T00:18:45-04:00

If your AT pay is not there on the last day then your Full-Time Staff did not submit the orders ahead of time. Make sure you had your orders certified and turned in to the pay personnel. Not processing the BA Pay really??? How do your full-timers get away with it. Get your FLL involved immediately.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 6 at 2016 6:28 AM

2016-05-06T06:28:36-04:00

I'd go, then let the UA know what is going on. If not resolved, I'd ask to see the CO, maybe he can help. It couldn't hurt.

Response by SGT William Howell made May 6 at 2016 9:16 AM

2016-05-06T09:16:53-04:00

Never good to blow off drill. Not a career enhancing move. I would show up to drill, go see your Readness NCO, inform him you still have not been paid and that you will be elevating up the chain of command on Sunday. Don't be confrontational just let them know you got bills and you are trying to pay them. Take notes of who you spoke to and when. Worse comes to worse, last ditch is IG, but you got to have your ducks in a row if you do that.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2016 10:28 AM

2016-05-06T10:28:32-04:00

Unfortunately yes you would be marked as a "U" for the weekend. Your pay issues are a serious concern though. Any AT orders over 9 days should have been submitted on the first day of your duty so that you receive the funds towards the end of your orders. Sounds like they did not submit until after the duty was completed so if it was submitted for pay around 24 April you should expect to have funds between the 3-7 of May. Pay issues is the number 1 reason why Soldiers give up. Its bad enough they have to wait almost two weeks after a BTA to get paid. If its delayed by the full time staff it is totally unacceptable. Try to set the good example for your junior Soldiers by going to drill anyway and helping get the problem fixed. If you don't show they are more likely to give up as well.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2016 11:14 AM

2016-05-06T11:14:37-04:00

As others said here, check into it but never forget what discipline boils down to. The fact that you ask others for advice and help is always a good step. There are resources that you can reach out to if it becomes a problem.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2016 11:53 AM

2016-05-06T11:53:38-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member , do not skip your BTA. That would just end up creating a possible bigger headache for you. That, and you still need to set the example for your troops. If your Section and Readiness NCO are aware, and yet no resolution has been done, then take it higher up the chain. Take it to your 1SG. You can also call or visit your RPAC and ask them directly why you didn't get paid. For your AT, did you submit signed orders to pay processing? If so, then someone hasn't clicked a button in the system. As for your BTA, did you sign on the lines for the pay roster? If so, then someone hasn't clicked a button in the system. These are just a few possible reasons why. Regardless, my advice is to hunt down the answer...whether you go through your CoC or call/visit your RPAC personally. Me? I would go right to the source and make a visit to RPAC. But do not just do a no show to BTA.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2016 12:26 PM

2016-05-06T12:26:37-04:00

I know it's frustrating when you have pay issues. However you are an NCO so I'd advise you to keep going to drill. Just stay on top of the soldiers who are supposed to help resolve your pay issue.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2016 4:19 PM

2016-05-06T16:19:11-04:00

Yes, it would be wrong. Frustrating as it is, our oath of service doesn't mention pay.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2016 5:06 PM

2016-05-06T17:06:40-04:00

Short answer - yes

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 11:56 AM

2016-05-09T11:56:53-04:00

My situation has been resolved as of today: I now have a LES generated for my AT and I'm in my state's pay system, finally. Persistence with calling JFHQ did the trick! Thanks all for your advice and guidance.

Response by PFC Were Wolf made Feb 26 at 2017 10:13 PM

2017-02-26T22:13:16-05:00

What do I do in the IRR,I have 11 months left?.I have an honorable discharge,but I am going to do 11 month's in the IRR.I just do not, know much about it!

Response by TSgt Tommy Amparano made Mar 3 at 2017 11:24 AM

2017-03-03T11:24:44-05:00

I could not even comprehend not showing up for a UTA, because of a finance error. Did you think you were allowed to go on strike in the military? Grown ups have responsibilities even when things don't always go your way.
Glad you got your issue resolved, but seriously.

Response by SPC Rob Lewis made Mar 3 at 2017 12:14 PM

2017-03-03T12:14:37-05:00

Are you in the military or not? I did not get paid for over three months while in the active army. Did not mean I stopped being a soldier, just meant PB&J for awhile. Pay got fixed when I got to Germany.

Response by LCpl Jim Pleace made Mar 3 at 2017 4:37 PM

2017-03-03T16:37:41-05:00

Yes. You signed a contract and owe them that time. It's what leaders are expected to do and NCOs are supposed to do. I know a guy who lost rank for not MAKING UP a missed drill. Don't be a maggot

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2017 5:20 PM

2017-03-03T17:20:27-05:00

Might be better to attend the drill and get things straightened out.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2017 5:50 PM

2017-03-03T17:50:25-05:00

I understand your frustration, however don't make that mistake because it could lead to a reprimand where you are the one that faces consequences for failure to show up to drill. Bonus and Pay will not justify you not showing if if an article 15 is placed for not appearing or insubordination. Contact your chain of command or your unit career councelor before making the mistake of not showing up.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2017 6:16 PM

2017-03-03T18:16:11-05:00

All - If you read the comments, you'll see that SGT Brooks had this issue in May of 2016, and it was (relatively) quickly resolved.

However, if anyone is having similar issues - Just go to drill. It's a great time to corner (with respect) the full-time members of your organization and get them on your side. Give them everything they need to help you and give them a reasonable amount of time to do so.

If they can't or won't help you for whatever reason, then you can elevate it to the next level, or call the Inspector General (IG).

While everyone signed on the dotted line and owe the government the time they signed up for, that contract stipulates that the government will keep up it's end of the bargain as well. So, you show up and do your job. The government will try to do it's job to, but it's big and full of holes so that it might take some time.

If you can't drill anymore, for whatever reason, you can ask for a hardship discharge. Be prepared to support your case. If you insist on having unexcused absences, you will be considered Absent Without Leave (AWOL), and subject to disciplinary measures.

Response by Lt Col Paul Maxwell made Mar 4 at 2017 4:35 PM

2017-03-04T16:35:52-05:00

Go to drill. You will have opportunity to follow up on pay problem while there! This is not a pattern of 2-3-4 months of screwed up pay, which is a different issue. If you haven't had a late pay, or a slow travel voucher, you haven't been in Reserves very long. It sucks, and it isn't right, but it happens. SHOW UP, perform your duty, earn the $$ for this month. Good reservists are there for much more than just a paycheck. Be a good reservist.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2017 2:20 PM

2017-09-20T14:20:59-04:00

Yes. You'd be wrong. Inform your first-line leader and let the Chain of Command work it out.

Response by 2LT Ronald Reimer made Apr 12 at 2018 7:38 AM

2018-04-12T07:38:31-04:00

Yes, you will be “in the wrong”

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 12:00 AM

2018-08-06T00:00:53-04:00

Yes, you will be in the wrong. My pay has been screwed up many times, but as a soldier I respect the lawful orders of my superiors. You know it will be corrected as it was obviously correct before April.

Response by SSG James Oliver Nathan Jr made Jun 3 at 2019 11:18 AM

2019-06-03T11:18:51-04:00

No you should go too Drills and show your unit that your their to do your Job. Make sure that they pay you in full. and talk to your PAC Office and see if they can do anything for you.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Jun 3 at 2019 9:09 PM

2019-06-03T21:09:50-04:00

Most definitely. The commitment is to serve. The pay is bonus. :)

Response by Sgt Rich Campin made Jun 6 at 2019 6:34 AM

2019-06-06T06:34:36-04:00

Yes, you would be wrong. You don’t go on strike from your duty.
You do your job, fix your problem and move on.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2019 9:31 AM

2019-06-07T09:31:57-04:00

Wow... I’m usually very cautious when I comment on rally point. Some people on here either have balls of steel or are just to stupid to realize who they are talking to and the potential ramifications...

Response by COL William Oseles made Oct 13 at 2019 11:48 AM

2019-10-13T11:48:24-04:00

The question is WHY you are not being paid and you have not posted any information on that.
TWO months should have been long enough for you to contact finance and find out why you have blank LESs.

All we know is that you checked your LES

Response by SPC Craig Miller made Oct 14 at 2019 8:40 AM

2019-10-14T08:40:35-04:00

This will go on because there is very little accountability for admin not doing the minimal proper job.

Response by SFC David Xanten made Oct 14 at 2019 12:13 PM

2019-10-14T12:13:26-04:00

Yes, you need to man up and do your job. Have someone in your chain of command call Finance to get this pay stuff to straighten out. But in the meantime don't be a baby.

Response by CPT Robert Holden made Oct 22 at 2019 8:42 PM

2019-10-22T20:42:28-04:00

I’ve never known someone not to get paid. But I guarantee you’ll get reduced if you don’t show up

Response by SP5 Gary Smith made Oct 23 at 2019 12:39 AM

2019-10-23T00:39:59-04:00

Yes.

Response by SPC Matt Dolan made Oct 23 at 2019 11:41 AM

2019-10-23T11:41:58-04:00

No. If you stop soldier functions, they don't pay you, so I believe if they don't pay you, you should be able to return the favor.

Response by SGT Maximo Sebastian made Oct 23 at 2019 11:50 AM

2019-10-23T11:50:26-04:00

You need to still attending your drills your obligation with your nation, you will get pay eventually, it happens to everybody that been in the military for a while. Not a big deal, keep in contact with your training NCO, about your pay issue, follow the channels to always cover your ass. Honor, duty, respect, selfness service, this is what it really matters. When you signed to become one of the finest, ou signed to defend the constitution of this great nation and second, always to keep the mission first, make sure you'll never ever forget that.

Gulf war, OIF war
Combat veteran

Response by SPC Jacob Viano made Oct 23 at 2019 8:24 PM

2019-10-23T20:24:59-04:00

I didn’t get paid for nearly 6 months while on active duty in Germany after 9-11. These are issues you bring to your chain of command. Not showing up results in AWOL and will hurt your chances of promotion . There’s a process for these problems and generally very good reasons why they are happening.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2019 7:38 AM

2019-11-01T07:38:03-04:00

If you have to ask then yes. As an NCO you know better, it fucking sucks that you haven’t been paid so go stand on your readiness ncos dick and make him submit that pay if that doesn’t work go to your commander I’m jumping several in the chain but there is a process. Saying fuck it and not showing up is just wrong and not the example you want to set for your troops. Well I didn’t get it so to hell with this. If your gonna act like that take off your stripes and get out. Be that backbone of the army that NCOs are supposed to be.

Response by SPC John Messenger made Jan 29 at 2020 9:39 PM

2020-01-29T21:39:44-05:00

It is not wrong for not wanting to go, but in respect of the uniform and fellow soldiers you should attend, and talk to command, you will eventually get paid, but use the chain of command