After recently getting fired due to my military service, and then starting a new job, is it worth it to go to ALC next month?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 22:43:01 -0500

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jan 8 at 2018 10:46 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 22:46:40 -0500

Hi Joe, what is your question exactly?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2018 11:26 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 23:26:18 -0500

Its sometimes hard to prove why you were fired. Often companies know it can't be because of military service but hopefully you spoke with the folks over at ESGR. If you haven't, reach out immediately for their input. They aren't your finally stop but can get the ball rolling on some fronts.
As for your current employer, be very upfront with them. Hiding things causes issues and they'll find out eventually. Should you get any grief, it would be advisable to present them with a copy of the laws. While its easy for me to stay don't work for someone who isn't supportive or rather, I wouldn't, you need a job obviously. But have an honest talk with your employer, what your military obligation means for them and how it will effect you. Be sure to lay out your loyalty and commitment to them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2018 12:01 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 00:01:11 -0500

I would speak with ESGR, consult your COC, and if need be speak with your units JA about the issue. ALC isn't something easily rescheduled so that's an issue, OCS will take up some time, and your employer also needs to learn how to cope with orders coming up on short notice.

I got tapped 1 week of additional AT to assist with work and do additional training, it was very short notice. Thankfully my employer was able to adapt to it, that said my supervisor is prior Navy so I lucked out.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2018 12:01 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 00:01:35 -0500

If you’re not active duty which it appears you’re not, this is something you should have addressed with your employer upon being hired. If your civilian job takes priority then don’t bother trying to go to ALC and OCS, that’s a slot someone else can have and benefit from.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2018 10:09 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 10:09:27 -0500

It's a balancing act and it can be very difficult sometimes, especially when/if you have an employer that doesn't understand how the reserves work. A majority of employers out there hear National Guard/ Reserves and automatically think 1 weekend a month/2 weeks a year. I'm a uh-60 crew chief so the time I need to be doing army stuff can be almost double that just to meet my yearly flying requirements. Add schools that are anywhere from 2-8 weeks long and you might as well not even bother getting a civilian job if you're in the aviation business.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2018 1:22 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 13:22:11 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I would work with your chain of command and ESGR to try to get your job back or compensation. I worked with one of my Soldiers when I was in command and we got his job back for him. Work with your new employer to see when works for you to attend ALC. If they are supportive great. If not work with your unit and see if there are other slots available that works with your employer. When you are part-time military you need to have that balance between both jobs in order to get promoted in both.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2018 1:58 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 13:58:43 -0500

Contact your JAG immediately!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2018 3:01 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 15:01:32 -0500

Yes, you should go to school.
Putting your military career on hold is seldom a good choice.
Most employers understand that you have military training requirements, so long as you give them adequate warning of upcoming events. Do that and you should be fine.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2018 3:43 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 15:43:54 -0500

It happened to me in 1988. Still p*sses me off.