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 9 y ago
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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
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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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Anyone out there with experience regarding conditional release?
CMSgt Darrell Lamme
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1. For the past few years, the National Guard has had problems with meeting their end strength numbers for membership. Conditional releases if I remember correctly have to be approved by the Wing Commander or TAG. Not sure what the policy is in your state but it's not easily accomplished if member numbers are down.

2. May have to complete specialty training again for the specific for the Navy. I am a Navy and Army veteran also and my Navy training transferred over to the Air National Guard. Not for sure if the Navy has any specialties that will be accepted without retraining.

3. If this is what you want, don't give up. I have honored over 27 years of service to my country before retiring. I would have not done anything differently.

Good luck to you and your future.
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TSgt Weather Forecaster
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9 y
Thanks Chief! I do not intend on giving up
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MSgt Electrical Power Production
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The conditional release is a pretty straightforward process. First and foremost your commander must be willing to sign your conditional release. And you would be released on the condition of enlisting in the other branch. My first suggestion would be to talk to a Navy recruiter if that is your preference to find out if they have a billet and would enlist you. The recruiter would probably take care of the paperwork and contact your command for the release. Once you are released you enlist and start drilling with the new unit. I have done three releases in my career.
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Lt Col Homeland Defense Officer Al Ang
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Right on the money talk to the recruiter, first get your requirments one of which is conditional release.
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