Can TDY request be denied?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 06:19:41 -0500

I requested to attend a course as a military training. It was denied and I was told that I need to attend BLC first. I am currently 7 months postpartum and would rather not waive my deferment. Should I use the open door policy or let it go?

Response by COL Randall C. made Jan 24 at 2023 6:33 AM

COL Randall C. — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 06:33:11 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, first to your topic heading. Of course it can be denied. You don't have a right or entitlement to go TDY.

Now to the embedded question. Going on the limited details you gave, it sounds like the training you want to go to has a pre-requirement of BLC. If so, then regardless if you're within your 12 month postpartum period or not, you'll have to attend BLC first (unless the requirement is waiverable by the course, but that usually only happens when some equivalent criteria is met).

I would do more research into the course if I were you. If the course does have alternative requirements you can satisfy and you can show that you meet these, then request again. If it is denied after you show you can meet the course requirements (and that is the reason you are still being given for the denial), then you can speak to your leadership chain - except this time you'll have a full understanding and can properly address any concerns.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 24 at 2023 8:24 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 08:24:29 -0500

Yes it can. Unless the Soldier who is in good standing, fully eligible and required a particular course based on promotion they are not guaranteed
Any training. As the Col. Stated do your homework and speak to your command.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Jan 24 at 2023 9:06 AM

CSM William Everroad — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 09:06:21 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member since the question itself has been answered, I will provide some more context that may help you have some conversations with your command.

There is a large push to ensure that Soldiers progress through their PME on time, especially those within their window of consideration. Some commands even have a policy that eligible Soldiers attend PME (in your case BLC) before any other TDY assignment. If you are SPC(P), your promotion is waiting on your successful completion of BLC. Most 1SGs would get roasted for allowing a promotable Soldier opt out of going to PME and taking a TDY to a different course.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2023 6:00 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:00:44 -0500

Here's the bigger picture for you.
The Army sets its total funding for schools based on what the Army needs in requirements and capabilities, not what the individual Soldier finds interesting.
The Army's priority for filling schools is, and always has been:
1. MOS
2. PME
3. ASI on MTOE
all other ASI, SI and functional training.
That would also be the priority for your DIV, BDE, BN and Company Commanders.

You are MOS qualified, the next priority for you above all else is PME, in your case BLC.

That said, you may want to approach your CO with the proposal that you get a reservation for BLC to report 7-9 months out from now, and commit to reporting to it, and attend this other course in the meantime.