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File: 970207_aadcv_017.txtTOPIC AREA: VOLUNTEER VS. MOBILIZATION SUBMITTED BY: HQ AFRES/SGXO ISSUE: Employer and family hardships imposed by volunteering. OBSERVATION: The adverse impacts on a volunteer are far greater than on those involuntarily recalled. DISCUSSION: Many individuals had a difficult time explaining to their employers that they were "volunteering" for active duty. In some cases this had adverse effects on reinstatement rights of the employee, as well as affecting other civilian employee benefits. When calling for volunteers, the most qualified individuals are not always available; What you see is what you get. Many families were disrupted due to not knowing the duration of the volunteer deployments, and not being aware of dependent benefits and support organizations which the active duty force has the benefit and use of. Also, the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act cannot be taken advantage of in a volunteer status. IMPACT: Volunteers faced financial as well as personal hardships. RECOMMENDATION: Depending on the size and scope of a contingency, efforts should be made to utilize an involuntary recall vs. a volunteer force. This will provide employers with specifics as to the duration of an employees absense and the legal responsibilities of both. Financial aid will also become more easily obtainable for affected families. 16
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