How will my not attending AT in the final year of my Army Reserves contract impact going into the IRR?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 11:41:05 -0400

I am in Army Reserve and about complete my 6 year of Service. In September 30 this year, I am qualified for going to IRR. Question is If I do not go to AT (June12-26) for this year does that mean I cannot go to IRR in September?

Edit1: Trying to skip in person AT!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2021 1:02 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 13:02:49 -0400

Possible. Since the IRR packet requires Commander signature. Also, since it's September when you're able to transfer to IRR and AT is in June.....unless you have a damn good reason to convince your Commander.....pack the bags because you're going to AT.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 21 at 2021 1:08 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 13:08:07 -0400

AT is several months prior to your ending USAR. If you don't go to AT then you have not met the requirements for the year. Your commander can based on that refuse any attempts to go to the IRR, until your USAR requirements have been met.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2021 9:45 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 21:45:55 -0400

As everyone is saying, just do AT, it really is far enough away from your IRR window you are not going to be given any latitude. Not going will further complicate an IRR packet process that takes way longer than it should (my opinion, when the IRR window opens a soldier should drop off the books before the next BA).

I've seen folks get dragged around until their ETS window ends up coming sooner than an IRR approval process.

Don't assume your IRR packet is quickly getting pushed up to the approval authority.

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Push comes to shove, if you go Congressional you will want to be able to articulate you fully met the conditions of your 6/8 contract. You can't do that if you flake out before 6.

Response by LTC John Wilson made Mar 22 at 2021 9:44 AM

LTC John Wilson — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 09:44:42 -0400

Even if your Commander was willing to release you early to the IRR, I would encourage you not to skip Annual Training (AT) if for no other reason than POINTS. If you should decide to continue service later down the line and collect a military retirement stipend, every point you earn for service adds up to more in your retirement check.

But even if you don't ever want to wear the uniform again, finish STRONG and make them miss you. :-)

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Mar 22 at 2021 2:18 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 14:18:03 -0400

Can you take an alternate AT? This gives you a good year, as opposed to possibly getting a bad year. This may be a better way of going.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 23 at 2021 9:37 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 09:37:38 -0400

The best way to go about this is to speak to your CoC. But, you occupy a position on a team. Others are counting on you. Your presence and attitude at AT matters. As simplistic as it sounds, you made a commitment. Unless there is a really good excuse to miss AT, you need to be there. For yourself and for your team. Simply wanting to or not wanting to is irrelevant.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Mar 24 at 2021 6:24 AM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 06:24:30 -0400

You contracted for your years of service, an honorable person fulfills their obligation.