This is such a great topic that I’ve dealt with for years in the USAR and my perspective is solely from being a TPU.  I currently spend at least 10-15 hours per week doing things related specifically to my unit and that doesn’t include professional development and education I do on my own.  Over the last 3 years I’d say the average has been around 2-3 hours per week.

I recognize that I spend more time than most TPU Soldiers doing work for the unit, but I can think of very few times where I was “pressured” or directed to complete things quickly outside of BA.  I believe that most of the effort I put in comes down to my own dedication, mixed with some obsessive behavior, rather than being forced to do it.

On the flip side I see many Soldiers in/around my organization are unwilling to do anything outside of BA weekend.  Quite honestly these Soldiers have handicapped the unit.

I think there needs to be a balance between these two extremes and I believe the organization would be dramatically improved.  I don’t think it’s unreasonable for Soldiers to spend 5 hours a month between BAs to maintain their readiness and prepare for training.  For leaders the number should be a bit higher.  I’m planning to start pushing for the completion of DA 1380s to at least compensate Soldiers with retirement points for work performed outside BA.

I think that the people that aren’t willing to put in 5 hours a month for the Army I most likely to depart as soon as they possibly can.  This may not be a bad thing for the Army as a whole.  And, almost on a side note, I think that offering large incentives for Soldiers to join doesn’t exactly bring in the most dedicated people in the first place.  I can think of numerous Soldiers who wouldn’t come to BA at all if it weren’t for the threat of losing their bonus.