Attending police academy while being a National Guard officer?

2017-07-10T14:24:31-04:00

Long story short. I am a newly commissioned 2LT. Haven't attended BOLC yet. I will be attending the CHP academy for 27 weeks. Drilling will be difficult for me because there is a 8-hours driving distance between the academy and my unit. I am aware that officers are not eligible to be in Inactive National Guard. What are my options? Thank you.

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Jul 10 at 2017 2:36 PM

2017-07-10T14:36:13-04:00

Have you contacted the Adjutant General of California National Guard? I would inquire there first - followed by the National Guard Bureau in Washington to inquire about deferred duty status

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2017 2:38 PM

2017-07-10T14:38:32-04:00

I myself graduate the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy this thrusday. My commander was generous enough to excuse me from attendance at drill for the four months of Academy. The time will likely need to be made up with schools and or suta's, but it is possible. It just depends on those involved. May just need to ask and find out what options they are willing to entertain. You could also offer to suta with another unit that is closers to the CHP Academy. You would just show up whenever they drill and it would be reported to your unit that you are in attendance. There's lots of possibilities.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2017 2:43 PM

2017-07-10T14:43:00-04:00

You should talk to your CO CDR and your S1. There are ways to make it work. You owe them a discussion before contacting state or national headquarters.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2017 2:52 PM

2017-07-10T14:52:22-04:00

I attended a Police Academy while in CA Guard and was approved ING status, but I was enlisted at the time. I have heard this too regarding officers, but was recently told by a very knowlegable AGR that this is no longer the case. I would talk to your Commander and AGR because I think you can actually go ING for this as an officer. However, there are other options too including being excused for a period if your unit allows it. Now Let me ask you this: Is there a closer military base/armory to the CHP Academy (it's in Sacramento right)? If so there is also the possibility of doing your drills elsewhere on a temporary basis. At any rate, you want to try to go with the option that will affect your career the least (obviously). IRR should be the last option in my opinion. Bottom line is that--believe it or not--your situation is very common in the guard, and there are a lot of potential options. From what I can tell, it pretty much boils down to what your command will let you do.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Jul 10 at 2017 2:55 PM

2017-07-10T14:55:09-04:00

I am with CPT Bayles here. Talk with your CO, and the two of you should also talk with your BN CDR as well. I doubt a commander at any level would not work something out with you regarding this. If they don't, well then...you'll have to do some serious career thinking on which way you want to go.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2017 3:10 PM

2017-07-10T15:10:47-04:00

I see you're at the 40th ID. Sir you will be fine, just talk to your CoC about this.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2017 7:13 PM

2017-07-10T19:13:58-04:00

Can you flex drill?

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 10 at 2017 8:43 PM

2017-07-10T20:43:40-04:00

If I were your Skipper, I'd be falling all over my ass to make sure you are able to attend and have the XO make sure the S-1 has a plan for you to get a good year. It will involve doing inactive duty along with a properly scheduled BOLC. Bottom line, it's counterproductive for a Command to mess with a major civilian career objective that, regardless of your designator, makes you a better asset. That said, I've seen the NG do the most profoundly stupid things to their people admin wise. Seems the NG has quite a state to state variability to have a clue. BTW, once you're a real Chippie, make sure you work the scheduling piece well to demonstrate to both bosses you're capable of handling the combined load. Always have a periodically refreshed two year plan and execute to it.

Response by SFC Rob Moore made Jul 11 at 2017 8:35 PM

2017-07-11T20:35:50-04:00

I was an Sgt. when I went through the academy. My academy was for the WSP, which is about the same amount of time. My unit also had other officers going through similar city academies in WA. I would advise you to go talk to your leadership and let tell them know that you are going into the CHP academy. Knowing the demands on your time at the academy, I am willing to bet that they will be accommodating. They will also know that have a CHP officer in their unit will be helpful. My unit was very willing to let me not drill while I was at the academy. I just talked to them and informed them that I intended to make up all of my drill days later. I did a lot of SUTA drills, but it was worth it. They had a happy soldier who understood that they were willing to work with me. Also, They knew that my civilian career was my primary career. Most Guard units see the benefits of this and understand it.

Response by 1SG John Mohon made Jul 16 at 2017 2:33 PM

2017-07-16T14:33:25-04:00

I went to the Academy back in '85 while a CA ARNG member. My unit worked with me to let me SUTA, write training plans, etc to make up drills. I made the drills that were not scheduled for the same weekends I had field problems, though. Even if you have to take the hit for a "bad year", it's worth it to further your LE career. After you graduate, it's very important to supply your job with the YTC as soon as possible. My department constantly butted heads with me over the Guard, but that was primarily the top two administrators. My coworkers were good with it. BTW, don't jump right to State or NGB level without going through all the intermediary steps first. Good luck, LT.

Response by BG Donald Currier made Jul 20 at 2017 11:31 PM

2017-07-20T23:31:37-04:00

Your first stop is with your company commander. I know the 49th MP Brigade has a long tradition of working with Soldiers of all ranks while they attend police academies. You need to be realistic with your commander about your future with the Guard. After the academy you will be in FTO training and may very likely be transferred to another part of the state.