Tips on handling my employer when re-enlisting

[patrick03xx]

I spent 7 years in the active USMC Reserves (they graciously extended my time due to a deployment to Afg) from 2005-2012. Did my remaining year in the IRR and got out. I bounced around a bit then started a job at a great veteran owned small business that invested time and significant resources to train me and place me into an upper management position. Fast forward 2 years later and I am starting the process to re-enlist in the reserves after kicking the idea around for a while. I called the business owner to discuss my decision and he is, obviously, concerned that it will take my attention away from running my location. He is a veteran and so are at least half of the guys in management here. He understands my reason for wanting to get back in. He hasn't given me any ultimatums or anything, he's just expressing his concerns. We are having a meeting later in the week to discuss it again and I am willing to make certain concessions in the event of a deployment or extended activation so that the business I want continue to be a part of can function and be successful. Past that, though, I am kind of running into a wall to think of ways to mitigate his concerns with solutions. I've been training the guys under me to fulfill my role, but I am not sure if that is the issue or if he is more concerned about whether me wanting to re-enlist means I am not as committed to his company as he would like. Any suggestions on the matter would be helpful. I just want to reiterate that this employer is absolutely fantastic and employs numerous reservists, guardsmen, and vets. I do not feel as though he is being discriminatory. He just expressed, what I feel, are very valid concerns that he has about the situation. Thanks for any guidance offered.

[mynewunit]

This is a mix of 3 things going on. First, there are actual laws that limit how your employer handles you with military service. It would be good to go look up these rules. Some of these regulations may even help you employer. Obviously, don't throw the rule book at your boss, but keep him informed about what you learn or good resources you find.
Second, You have to be on the gas with one and on the brakes with the other. If you are building good boundaries with one, either the job or the marines, then you can be giving a little extra with the other. Your boss is hoping that you are going to try to keep the Corp in a box so it doesn't take over your whole life. Then you are more likely to show up early or stay late at the job. This is the one foot out the door problem. If you have another job, how crappy of an employee will you become. Maybe a better example, is the lets just be friends breakup. How long before you ghost him to go off with your new love of the Marines.
Last, what is the 10 year plan. For you and the boss. You being gone will mean that you and them will be changing. Acknowledge that you are hoping to stay a part of both teams, but your future, your "story", your needs, will change as you get better and stronger and used to authority. This job might be right for you for the next 30 years, but the guy who you are in 6 years might not be happy back at the job.
Have this talk with him. Let him know that you don't know the future. Let him know your intentions, and that when they change you will tell them.