Can a unit commander deny a SM's leave request if they made it on the Olympic team?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 22:30:49 -0400

Curious because I've seen jokes about our SM's competing in Rio saying "That would of sucked if their packet got denied". And I'm actually really curious if there is a policy/regulation anywhere that could override/exemption a denial for this occasion or similar?

Response by SFC Anthony Franke made Aug 16 at 2016 10:38 PM

SFC Anthony Franke — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 22:38:52 -0400

Well, I suppose a Commander could deny a leave packet to compete in the Olympics. However, it would be career suicide for that Commander.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2016 10:47 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 22:47:16 -0400

That wouldn't happen. They Army has the World Class Athlete Program. If you are good enough to compete on an Olympic Team. I knew one guy that tried out but didn't make it. If you are selected you will belong to the Army WCAP and your unit has no control.

http://www.armymwr.com/wcap/about.aspx

WCAP: About Us

Learn more about the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Aug 16 at 2016 10:49 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 22:49:38 -0400

They can, by might be overruled by another for public affairs purposes.

Response by PO1 Felix Rivera made Aug 16 at 2016 11:19 PM

PO1 Felix Rivera — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 23:19:40 -0400

Never heard of it. Being in the CG never heard of anyone qualifying for the Olympics but for other major events, and the CG ate it up. Imagine it was free publicity and to have your people win is just a cherry on top.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 16 at 2016 11:30 PM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 23:30:59 -0400

Pretty sure that would do the Commander's career no good. I can't imagine a sane commander denying an Olympian.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2016 1:00 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 01:00:25 -0400

They can, but it is extremely unlikely to happen

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 17 at 2016 1:07 AM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 01:07:28 -0400

I doubt that the service member would even have to take leave. I'm sure their command (if they're not a member of the Army's WCAP) would probably cut them fully-funded TAD orders.

Response by PO1 Richard Mahan made Aug 17 at 2016 9:45 AM

PO1 Richard Mahan — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 09:45:50 -0400

Recruiting would make sure that person was there, as well as the service's public relations!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 17 at 2016 10:11 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:11:09 -0400

You don't have to be an Olympian to get special treatment. We see academy football, basketball, etc. stars paying back their owed time before getting out for the pros. There is pretty good pressure on the flesh peddler shop not to put them in any real danger lest having to deal with a media problem later. Yes we've lost some, but they pushed for going out to the badlands. I can't remember the name of the basketball guy who got back to back tours at Coronado, then out.

Response by SSG James Dennis made Aug 17 at 2016 6:46 PM

SSG James Dennis — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 18:46:46 -0400

I cannot answer the question but I would hate to be the Company Commander who DID deny a SM's packet who qualified for the Olympics.