Does anyone know the latest on when it's cool to take long term Mil leave (>1 yr)? I've heard everything from right after Indoc, after consolidation, and after probation. It sounds like AA is more lenient with this, just trying to find the right balance with my Guard job and the company without ****ing anyone off or ruining it for the bros. Thanks.

drop your orders at the interview.

It is "cool" when it is required by your Guard unit. USERRA is there for a reason.

To caveat that, my thinking was the same as yours, and I wanted to do things in good faith with both of my jobs. Just like everything in life, it depends on your situation. My goal was to consolidate before I went on mil leave because I did not want to go through training at AA for another month when I got back. My unit was willing to work with me on training and seasoning orders so it worked out for me. I consolidated and then went on mil leave.

Bottom line, USERRA is a right not a privilege. If you have orders then you tell them you have orders and will not be at work. It is not a request.

Thanks for the response. The unit has a requirement, but has some flexibility as to not tarnish our relationship. I get the legalities of USERRA, but I don't want to pop smoke immediately unless the company prefers it.

During indoc and the chief pilot visit, they both said they would prefer you to wait atleast until after consolidation before long term mil leave if you can control that. Sorry I didn't say that in my initial reply.

Concur. It is your right. Do it whenever you need to. But if you have flexibility and your unit will work with you, wait until you have completed IOE and gotten your 100 hours consolidation. Company would probably prefer that and it’s less overall pain for you, too.

Thanks for the responses guys, that helps a lot. Pretty consistent with what I've been hearing.

^This, at a minimum. Personally, I’d feel better getting off of probation first. I wouldn’t want to come back from 12+ months leave, go right into a short requal (same as an R9), while having next to no experience to fall back on and still on probation. It would be stressful...

I think you should serve out your commitment and not “welfare queen” off your private sector employer


Edit:

Not personal. Just keep in mind when another citizen utilizes their rights inshrined in law that they are not takers. I.e. don’t hate the player

It’s not easy balancing the three legged stool (family, American, Reserve gig). In a year or 2 he’ll be doing everything he can to work less at the AF job. It’s a lot more work for a lot less pay. I even know guys who’ve simply quit the Reserve job.