Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/24/2008

Question
I am currently a 2nd Lt in the Army reserve, in my third year. I am also an Acting Company Commander. On the Civilian side, I am a Police Officer. I am often forced to miss several days a month of work due to drill, staff meetings, and other unforseen events. This greatly hurts my chances of promotion and transfers to Specialty Units I.E. VIC Narcotics, Street Crimes, or Detective within my department. These units are key for getting promotions. I was wondering if it were possible to resign under this conflict? Thank you very much for your time and assistance.

Answer
Dear David --

Civilian work conflicts are not an allowable reason to resign your commission prior to fulfilling your service obligation.  Your real options are 1) to ask for a reassignment to a less demanding reserve job than company commander, so you will not have so many emergencies that you miss your police work, or 2) ask your police supervisor to give you lighter assignments until you complete your reserve company command.

My recommendation would be to get out of your company command, since you clearly want to pursue your police career.  Then apply for a transfer to the individual ready reserve (IRR) to give yourself more time for your police work while you finish your military service obligation.  Once your service obligation is complete, immediately resign your commission and end your affiliation with the Army.

Good luck to you, whichever option you choose.