Originally Posted by
sailingfun
You are required to notify your employer when you become aware of a military duty requirement. Failure to do so could result in a loss of protections under the law.
No. You're required to notify them in a timely manner, which is not clearly defined.
On somebody's spreadsheet list of people who are going on Det? That's not official.
Been notified of MOB by CO or personnel command, but don't have orders in hand? That's a WARNO.
Have orders, but haven't completed pre-mob medical screening? You still have a good case that it's not a done deal. Also if it's voluntary orders such that you can back out prior to execution than you can always claim you were undecided about going through with it.
I ALWAYS notify pretty late in the game. My annual drill sked is a draft and subject to constant change... don't want to do a bunch of paperwork and then have to change it all up.
Unless you painfully short-cycle the employer without good reason, reasonable notification will hold up in court. Reasonable depends on your job, how long you'll be gone, and how hard you are to replace. If you notify an employer early, you can lose out on promotions, good-deal assignments, etc. You also risk awkwardness if the MOB cancels and they've already hired/assigned and trained a temp to cover for you.
Give them time to cover for you, but don't create a lengthy "no mans land" where you're there but not really fully in play (that's more for 9-5 types, or small 135/91 ops). 30 days is typically plenty for airline pilots.
If you're great buds with the boss, then sure let him know up front.