Can an employer change my potential hire date, based on me having to attend military training?

2LT (Join to see) - In reading your response to SGT Matthew S.... Yes, your employer CAN change your date of hire if you will not be available for required orientation and/or training. Be glad they are willing to keep you on for the next cycle. Many would just say, "well, we'd like to hire you but you don't meet our standards." Most Police Academies run on set schedules. If you can not attend all the required training, P.O.S.T. stipulates you CAN NOT be certified as a police officer.

*P.O.S.T. -- Police Officer Standards and Training

Absolutely.
You have no protections with regard to a potential employer.
As others stated, be glad they offered to bring you on when you return.

I know this sounds hard... but as an employer,
_If I don't need you for 4 months; I don't need you at all.
_If I do need you, but you aren't available; I need someone else.
Is it really fair to ask a Law enforcement agency and a community to go short for four months to accommodate you?