Not sure why a roster would not be managed on a DA FORM 6. Regardless of how it is managed there should be a policy for how it is managed. Three things come to mind
1) How the duty roster is handled
2) Unit policy on checking the duty roster
3) Notification of the affected Soldiers.
1) What is the regulation that guides this roster?
If it is the same as the DA-6, then even if changes occur, the keeper of the roster must follow who is next up in line – not a “hey you” method. The Soldier has a right to review the DA-6 or other method that is used to assign duty.
2) What is the unit policy on how often/when Soldiers have to check the roster?
In units I have been in the standard was that the roster had to be posted by end of business on Wednesday of the week the previous roster expires.
I.E. Duty roster is run on a two-week cycle and begins every other Monday. So, the new roster must posted by end of business the Wednesday BEFORE the current roster expires on Sunday.
Then, is there a policy that every Soldier will check the roster after 1500 the day prior to a non-work day for any changes? I have seen this policy also.
3) What are the procedures to notify affected Soldiers of any duty roster changes after it has been posted?
Issues 2 and 3 above come into play on whether a Soldier is culpable for missing their shift. If there is a policy that requires a Soldier to check the roster multiple time a week, then they can be punished for missing a shift if the change was posted prior to the established time Soldiers are required to check the board. One of the units I was in required each Soldier to check the board everyday after 1500 for any changes. Normally, you would have a battle check it and let you know, but it was still your responsibility to be aware of any changes.
If it was not posted IAW the unit guidelines and a Soldier legitimately was not aware of the change, then that Soldier would have a pretty solid defense should the unit try to take disciplinary action against them.
4) Has the unit, at any level, established how team leaders, etc are to notify their Soldiers of any last minute changes?
This boils down to leadership and taking care of their Soldiers. If a Soldier was not informed of the duty, they cannot be held accountable. A simple text message from the supervisor is not sufficient to notify a Soldier, unless the Soldier acknowledges the text was received. These type of issues should be communicated verbally and directly to the affected Soldiers.
Suggestions:
1. Soldiers can speak with their Chain of Command and provide factual specific examples of the issues and provide potential solutions.
2. Soldiers have the option to speak with the Commander on Open Door Policy.
3. If Soldiers are concerned they can speak with the Inspector General’s Office. They can do so anonymously if the situation dictates.
Summary:
This has always been an issue for jobs that require shift work (MPs, Cooks, medical personnel, etc.). Best you can do to protect yourself is document everything. Keep notes of when you checked the duty roster. If there is a Charge of Quarters of duty NCO present, ask them to enter into the log that you checked the roster. This will record the time you were there in case there are any later changes.
If you choose to approach your chain of command be professional, factual, and calm.
I hope this helps.
Did you find this information helpful? I would appreciate your feedback!
Note: The following information was provided by our legal SME ECK. As always THANKS ECK!
TOP
