What must employees do if their military service conflicts with regular work schedules?

If employees find that their military service conflicts with their regular work schedules, it is essential for them to notify their Station, Section, and/or Unit Commanders as much in advance as possible. This proactive communication is crucial, as it allows the respective leadership to be aware of potential scheduling issues and makes it easier to assess how to accommodate the employee’s military obligations while maintaining operational effectiveness.

By informing their superiors early, employees help ensure that there can be discussions around potential solutions, such as adjusting work schedules or finding coverage for their duties, thereby minimizing disruption to both their military service and the work they perform within the law enforcement agency. This process reflects the commitment to duty that is expected from military personnel and aligns with the legal protections afforded to them under laws such as the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

Other options, such as requesting to change their military service schedule or canceling obligations, might not always be feasible or within the employees’ control, while filing a formal complaint suggests a level of unresolved conflict that should be avoided through proper communication. Therefore, immediate notification to command is the most appropriate and effective first step in managing any conflicts between military service and work schedules.