SrA Private RallyPoint Member 1305770 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am approaching year 2 in my 6 year contract for the National Guard. I&#39;m going through a separation &amp; want to move back to my home state, New York. I&#39;m currently in the Michigan NG &amp; my contract has a $12,500 bonus attached to it along with my kicker &amp; TA. From what I understand this is all tied to my state (&amp; even worse, position in my current unit - I can&#39;t even leave the S2 within my unit until my contract is up without losing my bonus). <br /><br />Has anyone been successful in transferring states in the Guard &amp; the new state matching your old states incentives? I can&#39;t afford to pay back what I&#39;ve already received so far from my bonus. 2016-02-16T09:00:43-05:00 SrA Private RallyPoint Member 1305770

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am approaching year 2 in my 6 year contract for the National Guard. I&#39;m going through a separation &amp; want to move back to my home state, New York. I&#39;m currently in the Michigan NG &amp; my contract has a $12,500 bonus attached to it along with my kicker &amp; TA. From what I understand this is all tied to my state (&amp; even worse, position in my current unit - I can&#39;t even leave the S2 within my unit until my contract is up without losing my bonus). <br /><br />Has anyone been successful in transferring states in the Guard &amp; the new state matching your old states incentives? I can&#39;t afford to pay back what I&#39;ve already received so far from my bonus.

2016-02-16T09:00:43-05:00 2016-02-16T09:00:43-05:00 SPC Steven Nihipali 1305782

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>One, just stay where you are. You made the commitment to Michigan, not NY. Second, NY will screw you over if you go there and tell them what you're contract says. Third, if you want to move states, contact recruiters in NY or a unit already there. They'll know exactly how to transfer units. I almost went from Washington to Texas, but decided against it because of the hassle

2016-02-16T09:05:24-05:00 2016-02-16T09:05:24-05:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 1305811

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The ARNG uses a system called GIMS to track incentives nationwide. Your incentive will go with you provided that you meet all the eligibility criteria specified in your contract. It'll either be skill based or vacancy based-&gt; sound like you are vacancy based. If you fill a similar type vacancy in the new State you should be fine. Either way there is an exception to policy route that can waive the termination of your contract. New York is a big state guard wise and should have plenty of force structure to support whatever skill you are. Kicker should be the same story. TA is universal and shouldn't cause an issue. unless it is State TA and Michigan wants to hold you to a service obligation.

2016-02-16T09:19:25-05:00 2016-02-16T09:19:25-05:00 SPC Private RallyPoint Member 1305850

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Don't worry about this get the number to a interstate coordinator and let he/she handle the rest also make sure you explain your situation. I've had to IST and it was hassle free.

2016-02-16T09:30:52-05:00 2016-02-16T09:30:52-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 1306271

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>First off. Talk to a recruiter (NY) regarding an interstate transfer and discuss all options. Ensure and I mean ensure that you get everything in writing prior to signing and leaving. Most states want to ensure that you are taken care of.

2016-02-16T11:37:36-05:00 2016-02-16T11:37:36-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 1307780

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was in a similar situation with a reenlistment bonus. Make it known to the IST when you are transferring. From my understanding, bonuses come from the NGB and are not dependent on the individual state. Make sure you fulfill all the stipulations in your bonus and kicker contract.

2016-02-16T19:04:56-05:00 2016-02-16T19:04:56-05:00 CPT Tamara Brewer 1307860

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Speak to a recruiter. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING if they ok transfer w/o loss of bonus! <br />I had to pay back $15,000 because I became an officer 5 months too soon from an SGT(P)<br />Just be careful and read paragraph "d" meaning, read the ENTIRE contract yourself. Don't just listen to what someone is telling you. My 2 cents. Good luck!

2016-02-16T19:34:03-05:00 2016-02-16T19:34:03-05:00 SFC Jim Ruether 1311661

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would think that if you explained your situation and the extending circumstances in your life with your separation that something could be done to allow you to return to your home state without any negative issues. You may indeed have to give up your bonus or that portion of the bonus you haven't collected yet. A visit with your immediate supervisor or NCO in your chain of command is the first order of business and if she or he can't help you then move up until someone can. You will end up talking to your commander eventually as he or she will need to sign off on your transfer and then you will need to find a unit in your home state that has a position open for your MOS.

2016-02-18T10:39:38-05:00 2016-02-18T10:39:38-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 1312278

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, the receiving State has to honor the contract.

2016-02-18T13:31:15-05:00 2016-02-18T13:31:15-05:00 2016-02-16T09:00:43-05:00