Should select leaders have to do 39 days of AT?

2016-01-11T15:16:32-05:00

The Pentagon is discussing the possibility of having additional training allowed, to the USAR and the ARNG, of key leadership in order to have keep our readiness levels up.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2016 3:32 PM

2016-01-11T15:32:34-05:00

This would solve a lot of problems, not least of which is the command's propensity to order command teams to training conferences in order to approve annual training plans on AT, leaving us to scrape and scramble to ensure that leaders are on orders during the Annual Training period with their troops.
Used correctly, it should improve training as well by putting the leaders in a paid status to execute planning and coordination of training events, rather than relying on FTUS or doing it on God and Country time.
I think the investment would be a good one.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 11 at 2016 4:35 PM

2016-01-11T16:35:37-05:00

Are we pretending the NG and R don't have regular jobs?

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jan 11 at 2016 8:33 PM

2016-01-11T20:33:40-05:00

I would be all for it. It would come closer to compensating those who already put in the time and serve as a wake-up call for those who don't.

Note: I don't think it should be mandatory for all, but definitely for those who desire to be in key leadership positions.

Response by CAPT Don Bosch, EdD made Jan 12 at 2016 10:08 AM

2016-01-12T10:08:20-05:00

Interesting. Since anything north of 30 days adds medical and other benefits, I'd think the Pentagon would have to swallow hard on this...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 12:22 PM

2016-01-12T12:22:31-05:00

I believe that is would be a great help, especially when we as leaders need to attend NCOES/OES. this would negate the whole "do I attend NCOES Training this year OR do i go to Annual Training to support my Troops and make sure they are mission ready" This would be a great help during the one year deployment "gear Up" cycle that way we get to do both.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 5:28 PM

2016-01-12T17:28:10-05:00

I whole heartedly agree with that proposition. We (USAR) are only authorized up to 29 days of AT, and it's no problem to get a commander/1SG authorized those days. However in the past 18 months, my company has deployed to NTC 3 times and coming up on our 4th this summer. Our company's requirement for BOG at NTC is, at a minimum, 31 days. The commander cannot stay the whole time and the highers that be during TNG, would prefer that the command team were present the whole time. As it stands, we do two rotations to address this issue with the Soldiers but the CDR/1SG still has to depart early.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 6:03 PM

2016-01-13T18:03:15-05:00

http://www.nationalguard.mil/News/ArticleView/tabid/5563/Article/630550/kadavy-increased-training-is-key-to-readiness.aspx
There's an article concerning the question, it's saying that 39 days are the minimum (1 weekend a month and 2 weeks a year), but it not limited to that. I can understand some units building up to deployment may need/want more time to prepare for deployment and, from my personal experience, the State has supplied funds to put key individuals on orders/IDT to prepare. I think it's a good idea, especially for the key personnel.

Kadavy: Increased training is key to readiness

WASHINGTON - Army National Guard troops go on active duty for at least 39 days a year for training and drill, but that may not be enough for the Guard, said its director, who is contemplating the