Am I obligated to report for duty if I have no orders?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 09:57:25 -0400

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2017 10:17 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 10:17:38 -0400

Formation for AT as ADVON is at 0530 tomorrow (Monday). Group orders HAVE NOT BEEN CUT YET. I have been asking for weeks for orders. I only got my flight info after 2130 3 days ago (Thursday).

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 12 at 2017 10:57 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 10:57:23 -0400

What do the rules say, or regulation say? I would say yes.... But, like all things it comes down to the letter of the law, not the intent, in this case.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Mar 12 at 2017 11:18 AM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 11:18:03 -0400

Despite not having orders yet, it is still expected that those on ADVON be present for duty as each of you have already been briefed on where to be and the time for your formation. Let the CoC dig a little more deeper into this and deal with the responsibility to find out where the processing and dissemination of orders in a timely manner failed. Chances are the ADVON may just be given their orders the day of departure while in accountability formation at 0530 hrs. If not, you were still at least present for duty and as a leader and NCO in your unit. The last thing you want to be held accounted for is missing your own ADVON flight. Not having your orders in your situation is not the right answer for those who were proactively engaged to ensure they had all blocks checked like you had done weeks prior but unfortunately this happened. Trust me, someone else will be found accountable.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2017 11:34 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 11:34:41 -0400

I should note that I also have 3 pay inquiries in for missing pay and leave that have not been responded to for 2 months. I'm sure this will be resolved, but I believe I have reasonable doubts that it will be timely.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2017 1:40 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 13:40:26 -0400

I feel like this is hazarding your Civilian job not having a set of orders cut for ADVON and AT. Could you have a memo drafted to satisfy that need in the mean time until a proper set of orders can be produced?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 12 at 2017 3:48 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 15:48:17 -0400

MSG Private RallyPoint Member if you know you're supposed to be someplace and the time you should be there, then you show up ready to deploy. If it turns out you weren't really needed, then whoever is in charge will send you home or to other duty. The alternative is possible charges under the UCMJ for "missing movement." Keep the pay issues separate from the deployment requirements.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2017 9:55 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 21:55:20 -0400

Here's a little update I received at 2100: Orders are approved but nobody has access right now to print them. They will be e-mailed "during the day." Since I've been ordered to fly in uniform I hope that will not cause issues because I won't have military orders.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Mar 12 at 2017 9:59 PM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 21:59:30 -0400

You're an NCO and you have to ask this question?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2017 8:42 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 08:42:05 -0400

If it's not in writing you're not obligated until orders are completed. I know you've gotten opposite answers but, they're from active duty people. They in honestly don't know it's different in the reserves and National Guard with orders.
You need to hold the people who issue orders accountable. It is a quick action for them to issue orders. A unit tried sending out before orders were issued. I told them no orders or any paperwork to give to my employer. I will not report until then. In less than a day orders or some memorandum was completed.

Response by SPC Kirby Rider made Mar 15 at 2017 10:50 AM

SPC Kirby Rider — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 10:50:00 -0400

I know I have gone out on assignment with the National Guard without having orders (only verbal confirmation of assignment), and it was a pain to get everything caught up on the back end. With that being said, I would rather deal with the headache of fixing orders, than missing movement. Adding the employer factor into things, it makes things a bit more difficult. However they should be understanding that your state can be delayed in processing. Just my two cents though.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2017 4:24 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 16:24:22 -0400

Just a little update for everyone:
I kept getting denied access to dining facilities because I did not have orders in hand. It was a hassle to have to convince them that orders had been cut but my unit had failed to provide them. I finally received a copy of the group orders and annex with my name on it yesterday... after 21 days on orders!