Posted on Oct 25, 2016
TSgt Weather Forecaster
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I'm 3 years into my career in the Air National Guard, and I've been active since day 1. I feel like I'm really not getting what I wanted out of the military in my current career field. I'd like to stay active so cross training isn't necessarily an option for a full time job with our unit about to stand down for two years, and active duty is not accepting anyone in the 1W0X1 field so I've been looking into the Navy.

My questions are:
1. From a guard/reserve leadership standpoint, why would you stop a troop from being conditionally released?
2. What can I expect as far as the process of swapping branches?
3. Any other advice or insight you have into this?

I just came off a mid shift so I apologize if anything I just typed was incoherent.
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 5
MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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1) If your particular skill is in critical need in my unit and there are no real chances of getting a replacement, then mission requirements would probably dictate denial of release. However, if (and I have requested this) one of my Soldiers wanted to go AD so bad they ate, slept, breathed AD, then I would ask them to write myself and the Commander a very compelling letter explaining why.
2) Swapping branches, well...the things you will have to deal with is the different paperwork and possible waivers each branch is going to want/require.
3) My advice? Don't give up the fight. If this is what you want, then make your case and reasons so strong they would feel like a heel for possibly keeping you held back.
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TSgt Weather Forecaster
TSgt (Join to see)
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Thanks SSG. I know the guard and active duty are two different beasts but it is something I've wanted to do since initial active duty training.
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SMSgt Security Forces
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1. With the numbers being down for recruiting no leadership wants people to leave thier command, just isn't good guard wide .
2. The process is straight forward. Make sure you reach out and read the AFI for yourself to make sure understand then ask questions as needed.
3. Talk to your supervisor and First Sergeant, they can and should help you to see why you feel the way you do. Maybe they can help peak your interest. Leadership can't help keep Airmen in and mentor them in the right direction if they don't know the issues. ACA two way communication tool
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Capt (Other / Not listed)
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1) if you got a bonus or retention is low in your field.

2) it's tough to do. Your best hope is they need your job or people to train into a particular job that you qualify for and are willing to accept.

3) be flexible and willing to cross train. Also, you stand a better chance of switching branches than you do going active from the ANG to AD AF.

Good luck.
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