Posted on Dec 27, 2017
How far is too far to travel to drill? Are there any regulations pertaining to driving distance?
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I joined the National guard when i got out of the Army in December of 2016. I joined the closest unit that had my MOS and had drill quarterly. The distance on way is 480 miles. This year drill is going to be almost monthly. I have contacted my Chain of command and i am trying to get it sorted out. My question is do i have a leg to stand on in trying to avoid making that drive for a weekend drill? Are there any regulations pertaining to driving distance? Thanks for all of the help.
Travel
Drill
Posted 7 y ago
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I've know guys who moved out of the state and still flew in on drill weekends. I believe they were in the process of transferring to another, closer unit but until then, they were expected to show up. Your COC might be able to help some but I don't think there's any regulation regarding driving distance. Like with anything else in the Army, you have to be in certain places at appointed times. It's your job to make sure you're there. You might look into changing MOS' in order to find a closer unit to drill with. Just a thought. Good luck.
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SPC(P) (Join to see)
Switching MOS' is not really something i am interested in (Currently have the best mos in the Army.) I understand the right place, right uniform, right time idea and have always done so and will if i have to. I was just hoping there was a way to avoid stretching my finance past my limits.
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SPC(P) (Join to see) National Guard is a little more complicated than USAR as there is technically no requirement to limit travel like the USAR has. If this is causing a legitimate financial hardship or a work conflict, I recommend reaching out to your CoC. They will likely be accommodating if you can provide a documented reason why this is difficult for you. However, RST is an option. Find a unit nearby and determine if they will let you drill there. Then work with your CoC to coordinate. Make sure that you provide your chain with options. They're more likely to approve something if they have options versus an ultimatum. Best of luck!
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SPC(P) (Join to see)
It will most definitely cause a legitimate financial hardship. Seeing as how i have to take a day off of work on either end of drill so i can make the drive, and then lose pay for the days i am at drill. 3 days of drills turns into 5 days of pay loss.
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Went through this myself. Moved from AL to CA while in an AL ANG unit. The move was my choice. Traveling from CA to AL for drills was too much. Wound up speaking with my Commander about it and started hunting a unit in CA. Eventually I was fortunate enough to earn my current position otherwise would have retired.
My advice would be to have open and honest communication with your leadership, and find a position closer to where you are. You may have to change MOS, or even service branch to make it work for you.
My advice would be to have open and honest communication with your leadership, and find a position closer to where you are. You may have to change MOS, or even service branch to make it work for you.
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