Posted on Feb 9, 2023
SSG Squad Leader
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Went on a EUCOM rotation in August 2021; got extended for an extra month; returned to the states in May 2022. Recently PCS'ed and now the unit I am assigned to is going on the same rotation.

From my understanding, we were/are suppose to get 1:1 for our dwell time but I am currently being told that we are not "eligible" to use our full dwell as the orders were TDY.

I've read the DTM-21-005 and am currently just seeking more information.
Posted in these groups: Ar Army Regulations
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Responses: 2
COL Randall C.
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You're in the right church but sounds like you're not quite in the right pew. You've got all the resources just need a bit of help interpreting them.

The DTM never specifies that 'TDY' doesn't count. Sounds like a 'barracks lawyer' answer. It says 'deployment'. Further, it specifically defines what it says a 'deployment' is in Part II (Definitions).

"A Service member of a Military Service within the DoD is considered deployed or on a deployment on any day on which, pursuant to orders, the Service member performs service for an operation at a location or under circumstances that make it impossible for them to spend off-duty time in the housing in which they reside when on garrison duty at their permanent duty station or homeport."

The exception is if it is not an operational requirement (i.e., going TDY for a conference, fielding equipment, etc.)

For the active component, the goal is to keep deployments at a 1:3 or greater ratio with a threshold of 1:2 (2 days at home for every 1 day deployed). It states that SEDEF approval is required to deploy an AC unit, detachment, or individual with a ratio of less than 1:2.
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SSG Squad Leader
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Sir, I appreciate your response. This was my overall first time diving into a DTM and attempting to understand it.

This is currently the uphill fight I am trying to take a stand on. I wish it was a barracks lawyer but sadly it was from a Major who is currently HSMC (Rear D) CDR. I am not the only one who is going through this as there is another NCO as well who was on the same rotation but was extended further than I was. It took us a little over 1 month to get in-processed/ integrated with the division and are currently completing pre-deployment checklists (SRP, CIF, RFI, etc.) and being slotted on main body flights within the upcoming weeks.

We are doing our best to keep it to the lowest level of resolution and ultimately just trying to get some time back with our families. I have no issue with going on rotations/deployments, but it has taken a small toll on families.
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COL Randall C.
COL Randall C.
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SSG (Join to see) - You're going to have to determine if the juice is worth the squeeze. You are on the right side of the DoD guidance on deployments - it's pretty black and white. The Major's opinion doesn't change DoD's policy.

Since you're new to the Division, it sounds like you're a 'warm body' at this point. A junior NCO is also pretty fungible regarding criticality of position/function. What I mean by that is if you were a senior NCO and weren't going, are you leaving your new unit with a hole while they are deployed that could cause resentment towards you down the road if you were not to go.

If you don't want to deploy, I would approach it from your stance of "lowest level of resolution". You can try again with the Major showing him the full DTM, DoD's intent for the policy, and the specific language regarding a deployment.

You could visit legal assistance on base and have them do an objective reading of the policy and get an opinion from them (not getting them involved aside from an opinion). If not legal, you can engage one of his peers or another unit commander, the IG office, etc. Again, you're not looking to bring others in engagement, you're looking for another opinion from people that given opinions on these things all the time.

You may even want to talk to the NCO chain at your higher headquarters and see what opinion they may have.

If you are absolutely set on staying back, then you can get them engaged formally in the process.
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SFC Ralph E Kelley
SFC Ralph E Kelley
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COL Randall C. - Probably the best route.
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SSG Squad Leader
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Also to expand on this post; I do understand that dwell time can be involuntarily waived.
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