Missing a drill weekend is sometimes unavoidable, and the way you ask can decide whether your request is approved without fuss. An Army RST form (rescheduled training request) is the paperwork many reserve soldiers use to ask to make up a missed unit training assembly or to be excused from it. This page shows 3 free sample layouts you can study, each offered as a ZIP download. They are sample templates for reference and preparation, not official Army forms, so always use the version your unit requires.
What RST Means and When It Comes Up
RST stands for rescheduled training. The request is normally raised when a soldier cannot attend a scheduled drill or unit training assembly (UTA) and wants to complete equivalent training at another time, or asks for an excused absence. The form gives the chain of command a record of who asked, for which dates, why, and what decision was made, which in turn helps keep attendance, pay and training requirements straight. Rules differ between components and units, so treat this page as a guide to the kind of information involved rather than as a statement of policy.
Situations Where a Request Is Typically Filed
- A civilian employer has scheduled a mandatory shift that clashes with a drill weekend.
- A medical appointment, illness or recovery period makes attendance impractical.
- A family emergency, such as a hospital stay or a funeral, comes up at short notice.
- A school exam or required course falls on the assembly dates.
- Travel problems, for example a cancelled flight, make it impossible to reach the unit.
The sooner you raise the issue, the more options your leaders have. Requests sent after the date has passed are harder to approve, and some units treat late requests differently.
Information the Sample Forms Ask For
The three samples differ in layout, but they cover much the same ground:
- Soldier’s full name, rank, duty MOS, unit and section.
- The date or dates of the training being missed and the number of periods affected.
- Whether the request is to reschedule the training or to be excused.
- The reason, stated clearly and honestly.
- A proposed make-up date, time and location, and the name of the supervisor who will oversee it.
- Signature blocks for the soldier, the supervisor and the approving commander, with an approve or disapprove box.
A Sample Reason Statement
Many soldiers struggle with the “reason” line, so here is an illustration of the right tone: “I am unable to attend the drill assembly on [date] because my employer has scheduled a required shift that I cannot change. I request to complete the missed training on [proposed date] at [location] under [supervisor’s name].” That is short, factual and comes with a plan. Avoid vague statements such as “personal reasons” if your unit expects more detail, and never give a reason that is not true.
Filling It Out Step by Step
- Choose the sample below that most resembles the form your unit uses.
- Enter your personal and unit details exactly as they appear in your records.
- List the dates and number of training periods you will miss.
- Write the reason and, where possible, offer a specific make-up plan.
- Attach any documents your unit asks for, such as a note from an employer or medical provider.
- Sign, date and pass it to your supervisor, then follow the chain of command.
- Keep a copy of the approved form for your own records.
Common Mistakes That Delay Approval
- Submitting after the training date has already passed.
- Leaving the make-up plan blank, which forces leaders to guess.
- Illegible handwriting or missing signatures.
- Using an outdated form after your unit has switched to a new version.
- Sending the request only to a peer rather than through the proper channel.
Notes for Supervisors and Unit Administrators
If you review these requests, consistency matters. Decide which form version your unit accepts, tell soldiers where to send it, and set a reasonable deadline for submissions so you can plan training around absences. Keeping a simple log of each request, its dates, its reason category and its outcome makes it easier to answer later questions about attendance. Where a soldier proposes make-up training, confirm the location, the person supervising and the time in writing so everyone knows what counts as completed. Clear, friendly instructions at the start of the training year usually cut down on last-minute requests, misunderstandings and rejected paperwork. It also helps to remind soldiers that an approved request is a record of an agreement, not a favor to be assumed, so they should wait for a written or clearly communicated decision before changing plans. If a request is denied, explaining the reason briefly and pointing to the next available make-up date keeps the process respectful and predictable for everyone involved.
Using the ZIP Downloads
Click a preview to see the form at full size, then use the download button beneath it. All three downloads are ZIP files, so extract them before opening. The contents are meant to be used as printable or editable references, so type your details if the file allows it, or print it and complete it by hand. If your unit issues an official numbered form, use that form for the actual submission and keep these samples as a guide to what to prepare. Some unit-specific names appear in the file names, such as a request for absence from battle assembly, which are examples rather than universal forms.
Template file guide
Before completing your template
- Obtain the current form and instructions from your unit.
- Keep absence and proposed training dates consistent.
- Retain the completed request and approval record.
Use the file links below to open an option directly, or continue to the previews to compare layouts. File formats are taken from the linked filenames. Extract ZIP archives before checking the files inside.
| File or resource | Format / source |
|---|---|
| Army RST form absence from battle assembly sample | ZIP |
| Army RST form excused absence request sample | ZIP |
| Army RST form rescheduled training sample | ZIP |
Army RST Form Sample Templates
Related Templates
- printable memo templates for formal written notices
- monthly report templates for regular written updates
- incident report templates for recording what happened
- meeting minutes templates for keeping a written record of decisions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Army RST Forms
What does RST mean?
RST stands for rescheduled training, meaning make-up training that a soldier completes at another time when the original session cannot be attended.
Who approves an RST request?
Approval usually goes through the soldier’s supervisor and chain of command, with the unit commander or a designated authority making the final decision.
Which reasons are usually accepted?
That depends on unit policy. Illness, family emergencies and unavoidable work conflicts are common examples, and supporting documents may be requested.
Are these the official Army forms?
No. They are sample templates for reference and preparation. Use the official form issued by your unit for the real submission.
How early should I submit the request?
As early as you can, ideally before the training date, so your leaders have time to review it and arrange the make-up session.
Can I fill these in on a computer?
The files come inside ZIP archives. After extracting, you can type into the file if it is editable, or print it and write the details by hand.
What if my unit uses a different form?
Ask your supervisor or unit administrator which version is current. The samples here are useful for seeing which details to gather, whatever the layout.
Do I need to keep a copy?
Yes. Keep a copy of the signed and approved request for your records in case questions about attendance come up later.
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