Is there anything I need to know to study Abroad in Ireland for one month while in the National Guard?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 14:56:52 -0500

i am interested in studying abroad with my university for one month in Ireland i am about to put in a split train request to my unit and was wondering if there will be any other forms i need to fill or training that is required to go abroad. i don't think anyone in my unit has ever done this so i just want to be prepared knowing exactly what i need to do encase they don't know.

Response by SPC David Willis made Dec 6 at 2017 3:08 PM

SPC David Willis — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 15:08:01 -0500

Leave anything tying you to the military at home.

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2017 4:20 PM

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 16:20:04 -0500

You will need to complete a SUTA request, and get it approved through your CoC. They will probably advise you to go to the US State Dept website to research any known travel issues in the country. Shouldn't be an issue if you start it 60-90 days out.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2017 9:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 21:25:28 -0500

Assuming you have a security clearance you also need to submit a foreign travel report through your unit security manager. That covers you in case of future reinvestigations or if any issues were to arise.

V/r

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2017 1:47 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 01:47:47 -0500

You need to create an account with the APACS website, notify the nearest embassy or consulate. You need travel clearance from your S2. You need to have approval from your unit. I had a Soldier who went permissive TDY to Ireland for one semester back in 2011, if my memory is correct, he also had something from the ed Center for the GI Bill. Good luck in Ireland.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2017 8:41 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 08:41:48 -0500

Yes, especially if you have a security clearance. As a USAR or ARNG Soldier, when traveling off duty as a civilian you still need to do almost everything required when traveling on duty as a Soldier. Contact your unit security manager for details. I doubt the DoD FCG for Ireland requires an ISOPREP and I don't think you need a DA 31, but may need to request RST. You will likely require annual Level 1 anti-terrorism training, SERE 100, and annual OPSEC training. Submit a foreign travel memo/form, receive a foreign travel briefing, register your travel dates with State Dept's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), current on all medical immunizations (DoD, EUCOM, US CDC, and Ireland). Definitely need a valid passport. Doubt you'll require EUCOM theater clearance.

Or you just ignore all military travel requirements and hope your next background investigator renewing your security clearance (or fed employment) does not check your passport travel log and discover you traveled abroad without properly reporting it. Again, contact your unit security manager for guidance

Additionally, see if you can get the military to pay for your school (i.e. tuition assistance) You will likely run a debt with SGLI so check on that. Are you in TriCare? How is your medical covered in Ireland? I'd have a plan instead of rolling the dice. What about a phone/internet plan? Carry a credit card and leave the debit card at home (ATM card is okay). Credit cards have far more legal protections, max loss is $50, and often free buyer protections/insurance. Debit cards have few legal protections, fewer overseas, and you can lose more than everything in your account. Have copies of your passport data page available to share instead of handing over your actual passport at commercial establishments. Have an electronic copy on your phone/laptop to assist in obtaining a replacement if your passport is lost.

DoD Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil
https://command.eucom.mil/J4Home/Pages/MR-FHP.aspx
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ireland
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/step.html
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ireland.html
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel_and_recreation/travel_to_ireland/
http://www.eur.army.mil/TravelSafe/

DoD Electronic Foreign Clearance Guide

If you are on a non-.mil/.gov domain and require access to the site as a DoD employee, US military member, DoD contractor supporting a DoD contract, or for official DoD or government business, please request a username and password from the webmaster at EFCG@leidos.com.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 11 at 2018 3:01 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 11 May 2018 03:01:46 -0400

I know his might perhaps sound like a trivially unrelated question, however, I have an interest in such things...what major are you? What is the program in Ireland for, so far as you might care to say? How does it relate to your degree, presumably a bachelors, I'm assuming? Also, are there any possibly simpler CONUS substitutes that might make your finishing your program easier, or is your eagerness to go a matter of personal preference? I only ask that out of curiosity, as I found your problem of interest, as I'd said...obviously, I realize you might not be able to or prefer to not answer any or all of my thought questions, however, I merely ask of, as I hadn't heard quite that scenario asked about on here before, I'd be most eager to hear more, many thanks...interesting question....