How do I prepare on my civilian job for my upcoming deployment?
The first step to ensuring a smooth transition when called to active duty is making sure to proactively establish with your supervisor open lines of communication about your service. Keep your supervisor informed about what you do in the military and when you do it. This will help to set the stage for a positive interaction when informing them about an upcoming deployment or activation.
After receiving notice of an activation or deployment, let your employer know right away. Federal law guarantees the right to take time off to attend to your military responsibilities. If you miss work days due to your military service, your employer is not obligated to reschedule you to make up the time lost. However, if non-military employees are allowed to make up time lost, you must be treated in the same manner. Further, you cannot be required to find a replacement worker for the days or shifts you will miss as a condition of being given the time off by your employer.
The more you and your employer know about reserve component, service member re-employment rights, rules and obligations that are protected by law, the less chance there will be for misunderstanding. For more information on communicating with your civilian employer about your service, visit ESGR.mil.
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