What holiday schedule would you like the services to adopt and why?

MSG Bobby Ewing — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 14:57:59 -0500

I have experienced 3 different versions of a holiday schedule:

1. Day on/ Day off for the two weeks covering Christmas and New Years.

2. Half day schedule during the same time period and most individuals are home by 1300.

3. Split days which was a half day schedule, but we had morning and afternoon shifts to cover a full duty day.

I know there are certain duties that are nonstop and cannot afford the opportunity of a holiday schedule, but I have heard a few SMs from all branches say,..." why don't services just shutdown or go to a skeleton crew for those two weeks?" (obvious, a complete shutdown is out of the question)...

I'm curious as to how the other Services operate during the holidays and any holiday schedule experience worth passing up my channels. I'm not a fan of the half days, because those in demanding positions will typically do full days anyway. I find myself playing catch up during this time. The day on day off worked best and can still operate at skeleton crews very well. The split days worked well for those whose mission is 24hrs. I have worked them all and feel the services should leave it to unit commanders on how they can man their organizations while accomplishing the mission.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Dec 30 at 2013 3:32 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 15:32:28 -0500

understanding that not all units are built the same, I believe split shift half days would be the most equal Holiday schedule if one was adopted across the D.o.D.Most people take a block leave during the time any way, leaving the ones who didn't behind with the work load. As long as the mission is fullfilled properly with a split shift half day, it allows everyone time to unwind a little, and have a little more time with family (at home, or via skype).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 4:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 04:46:13 -0500

i'm a firm believer of rolling 72's (1 on then 3 off).

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 2:25 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 14:25:01 -0500

I think the way we (Navy) do it is a good schedule if possible. We have a roughly 20 day period where you are 24hrs on duty, with 48 hrs off. You also have this period split in half where the crew has an option of taking one half or the other for leave. This gives an opportunity to have either christmas or new years off. This obviously doesn't work if a deployment training schedule is in progress, but I will admit I am not sure exactly how these cycles work for our other branches.