Posted on Nov 25, 2019
CPT All Source Intelligence
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I am in the National Guard and just REFRAD'ed from a 12-month involuntary deployment last month. I am applying for an interstate transfer (IST) and a potential new unit has returned a Letter of Acceptance (LOA). In talking with that State's Officer Strength Manager (OSM) seems the unit is readying to deploy.

I've reviewed the only regulation that I could find which discusses Dwell Time. AR 614-30 states:

Individual dwell time. Soldiers will accrue dwell time for combat and/or operational deployments and for serving a PCS dependent restricted tour.
(1) After 30 days on deployment, the dwell accrual rate will be 1 month deployed to 1 month dwell (1:1) for AC. The Reserve Component (RC) ratio for dwell for mobilization is 1:4.
(2) Soldiers serving PCS on a dependent restricted tour for 12 months will accrue 6 months dwell time. Soldiers on a dependent restricted tour who are voluntarily or involuntarily extended are not entitled to greater than 6 months dwell time.
(3) Soldiers may elect to waive individual dwell time to deploy, by applying in writing, through their chain of command to the first general officer. Involuntary waivers of dwell require Secretary of Defense approval.

The regulation then defines Dwell Time as:
A period of time when a unit or individual is subject to individual dwell time, that is, will not be involuntarily selected for HQDA deployments (for example, Operation Enduring Freedom) until the unused IDT is exhausted.

This seems clear enough except that the definition states a soldier or unit will not be "involuntarily selected" for a deployment while under dwell. If I transfer to a unit that is deploying in its normal cycle would I effectively be waiving my dwell time? If not, is there something in a regulation that clearly states as much?

Edit: I found an additional reference in a DOD Instruction. See DODI 1235.12 - Accessing the Reserve Components (RC) available at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/dodi/
Posted in these groups: 4f97c0e5 NGBImgres DeploymentAr Army Regulations
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 3
SGM G3 Sergeant Major
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The reg says what the reg says. Dwell time is individual, no matter where you go.
To deploy with the new unit, you would have to sign a waiver, unless that unit already has a SECDEF waiver approved to void dwell time.
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Thank you SGM Mccloud.
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MAJ Byron Oyler
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I would discuss this matter with the national guard bureau as the national guard does have some flexibility being at times both state and federally governed. Also discuss with the new unit what their chances are for deployment in your 11 months remaining on your dwell time. Is this a unit you really want and/or can help your career? I would take more into your consideration if your dwell time will be reset when thinking about switching units.
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Roger Sir. I've been trying to reach my potential future first line supervisor to introduce myself and to discuss the unit as well as this issue. I am concerned the unit is unaware of my status and I do not want to burden them by occupying a slot they would need filled at this time. I have the ability to decline the LOA and wait for a slot to open at a different unit, there isn't a need for me to show up and be high drag.

Thank you for your response.
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CPL Gary Pifer
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Just be grateful your in deployable health... I am sure all the veterans stuck in VA hospitals will be glad to hear about your problems. Yell extra loud so the deaf ones can hear you.
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CPL Pifer,

I am indeed grateful to be in good health. However, the tone of your response is unwarranted and inappropriate. It assumes too much without asking clarifying questions on intent and reasons. This is a policy clarification question - nothing more. Dwell time is set by regulation for all soldiers for all components. If it cannot be infringed, then my addition to a soon-to-deploy unit may actually be a detriment to that unit who requires that slot.

This is Rally Point, it is not a place to be disrespectful to other service members and veterans. There are other places on the internet where that behavior is, for whatever reason, expected.
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