Posted on Jan 2, 2024
What would be the pros/cons of switching over to the California NG from the Reserves if I commission?
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I am a SPC that will be attending BLC by summer of 2024, and my contract ends in 2026. I have been interested in commissioning as an officer through OCS. I am aware that there is a federal OCS out of Fort Moore and state-based NG OCS. My goal is to branch into combat arms but that is only available through the NG.
What would be the pros/cons of switching over to the NG from the Reserves if I commission?
What would be the pros/cons of switching over to the NG from the Reserves if I commission?
Posted in these groups: 
OCS
Prior Service
Sergeant
Basic Leaders Course (BLC formerly WLC PLDC)California ARNG
OCS Prior Service Sergeant Basic Leaders Course (BLC formerly WLC PLDC)California ARNG
Posted 4 mo ago
Responses: 3
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I have done both. Natural Guard may be more political.
Maybe you will be okay. As you get into a higher rank, You will find more opportunities in other states To take a Command. The army reserve pays you up to $500 in travel expenses. This may be Too much information when you just need to Graduate from o c s and go to your basic officer leadership course. The national guard does have combat arms. I was military police enlisted that I went military police commissioned. Then, as a senior first lieutenant, my branch transferred to armor. then, after I made captain. I went to civil affairs which is in the army reserve. I ended up being a civil affairs for some time and then later in a training command as an OC/T a Major. Once I made lieutenant colonel, I was able to find a slot in a one star command that needed to civil affairs position. I noticed that everybody who was hardcore ranger, infantry airborne, air assault ended up going to Logistics to be an S3/G3 and work their way up and find a different position And switching over to Logistics Branch. There are many ways to go. But I would say focus on just getting your commission and doing your best in your first unit as a lieutenant. I almost was screwed over by a Platoon Sergeant Who did not like me and was friends with the Company Commander. Most NCO's will want to make you succeed and teach you what you need to know.
Maybe you will be okay. As you get into a higher rank, You will find more opportunities in other states To take a Command. The army reserve pays you up to $500 in travel expenses. This may be Too much information when you just need to Graduate from o c s and go to your basic officer leadership course. The national guard does have combat arms. I was military police enlisted that I went military police commissioned. Then, as a senior first lieutenant, my branch transferred to armor. then, after I made captain. I went to civil affairs which is in the army reserve. I ended up being a civil affairs for some time and then later in a training command as an OC/T a Major. Once I made lieutenant colonel, I was able to find a slot in a one star command that needed to civil affairs position. I noticed that everybody who was hardcore ranger, infantry airborne, air assault ended up going to Logistics to be an S3/G3 and work their way up and find a different position And switching over to Logistics Branch. There are many ways to go. But I would say focus on just getting your commission and doing your best in your first unit as a lieutenant. I almost was screwed over by a Platoon Sergeant Who did not like me and was friends with the Company Commander. Most NCO's will want to make you succeed and teach you what you need to know.
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You'll end up a LT in the NG for a decade. Promotion in the USAR is more or less a matter of due course if you check all the boxes. If you're having promotional challenges in your branch in the USAR then jump ship to Logistics.
If you are CURRENTLY in the reserves as your profile indicates I suspect your PATH to officer through the Reserves is going to be the most straight forward. The Reserves is not going to cut you loose to commission in the NG, and you'd have to wait until you are completely free and clear of the reserves before you could start a NG commission from scratch.
With degree in hand your path to officer in the USAR starts with a visit to the Accessions Office. to go NG you need to wrap up your USAR obligation completely. What will probably happen is your USAR chain of command will push you towards the Accessions Office anyway.
If you are CURRENTLY in the reserves as your profile indicates I suspect your PATH to officer through the Reserves is going to be the most straight forward. The Reserves is not going to cut you loose to commission in the NG, and you'd have to wait until you are completely free and clear of the reserves before you could start a NG commission from scratch.
With degree in hand your path to officer in the USAR starts with a visit to the Accessions Office. to go NG you need to wrap up your USAR obligation completely. What will probably happen is your USAR chain of command will push you towards the Accessions Office anyway.
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Are you talking about transferring to Ca NG or Ca State Guard (CalGuard)? Two very different things. https://stateguard.cmd.ca.gov/public/
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SSgt Christophe Murphy
SPC (Join to see) - Thank you. The pros and cons are the same for anyone who decides to switch. Commissioning adds an extra layer and you would need to speak to some recruiters and such that deal specifically with that but as far as being reserve or NG the pros/cons are the same for everyone else asking the same question on here. NG is very State specific and reserves is more "big army" ish. You'll just need to personally weigh the differences. Some people prefer the reserves while others are die hard NG. It's the age old Pepsi/Coke debate.
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