Are retirement rules different for ARNG vs USAR?

1SG Michael Blount — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:04:46 -0400

I'm staring at the USAR retiring me. I still have gas in the tank. Is the Army National Guard a viable alternative, or should I just put down the crack pipe and shut up?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 4:07 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:07:58 -0400

Fight tooth and nail, Top. Fight tooth and nail

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jun 2 at 2015 4:16 PM

LTC John Shaw — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:16:15 -0400

@1SG Michael Blount
By my memory...As long as the USAR action is not a QRB or MEB, you should be able to transfer to any NG in VA or adjacent state. I would start with VA NG, hopefully someone HR oriented on RP can address your question.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 2 at 2015 4:19 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:19:48 -0400

Read the fine print, before you go that way.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 4:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:49:11 -0400

1SG Michael Blount, there is a new rule in AR 601-210, Active and Reserve Components Enlistment Program, Rapid Action Revision, dated 12 March 2013-

Chapter 3
Enlistment in the Regular Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard for Prior Service
Applicants
Section I
Basic Eligibility Criteria

3–3. Age
Applicant is eligible for enlistment if any of the following apply:

a. An applicant is eligible for RA enlistment if applicant’s age, when subtracting prior honorable active Service completed in any military Service, is not more than 42 and the applicant can qualify for regular retirement with 20 or more years of active Federal Service by age 62.

b. Applicant is eligible for enlistment in the AR or ARNG if they are not less than 18 years of age and can qualify for retired pay by age 62. To be eligible for nonregular retired pay, an individual must meet eligibility criteria outlined in AR 135–180.

c. An applicant is exempt from age criteria outlined above and therefore is eligible for enlistment if they can qualify for retirement by age 62, does not have 20 or more years of active Service, and is a former member of Service who was awarded the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Silver Star Medal.

So in nutshell, PS members processing for the Reserve Components (AR/ARNG): after member is given credit for total prior service (Active and Reserve Component) the member must be able to qualify for non-regular retired pay by age 60. For members processing for entry into an RC age is not a factor as long as the member qualifies for non-regular retired pay by age 60.

I would talk to the IST coordiantor and find out if your eligible based on the regulation above.

Response by CMSgt Mike Esser made Jun 2 at 2015 4:55 PM

CMSgt Mike Esser — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:55:58 -0400

Try going warrant arng has a high demand for warrants

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 4:57 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:57:19 -0400

I think one could transfer into the Guard but there are a few factors you would be facing. First I wouldn't know how they would slot you off the bat. I am sure you would be a MSG if you came to the Guard. The Guard only has so many slots and can't over staff a unit. In addition to this commands want to promote their own into 1SG positions. I think you may be FA. We have a bit of FA in the NCNG. I am not sure about VA. But if you have gas in tank I can't blame you if you want to keep going.

Response by 1SG Scott MacGregor made Jun 2 at 2015 9:29 PM

1SG Scott MacGregor — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 21:29:19 -0400

You have nothing left to prove to anyone. Save your gas for enjoying life! Travel, spend time with the family. I had to lokk long and hard and decided family time was more improtant then to prove anything to anyone.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jun 3 at 2015 2:37 AM

SSG John Jensen — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 02:37:20 -0400

I've known some people who served in both - the Guard is good about releasing points to USAR, but USAR is bad about releasing points to the Guard and some people had to do congressionals to get all of their points together

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Jun 4 at 2015 1:34 AM

SSG Keven Lahde — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 01:34:57 -0400

1SG Michael Blount TOP I would fight to stay in. Army needs leaders as yourself. You are full of knowledge and always willing to help out others and that is something the Army needs still to this day. I say fight it TOP and why not, you earned it and don't need to prove anything to anyone. Best of luck TOP, I hope it works out in your favor.

Response by 1SG Scott Long made Jun 4 at 2015 11:41 AM

1SG Scott Long — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 11:41:50 -0400

If you want to stay in, then try. Although there maybe some hurdles that may not be worth the fight.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 6:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 18:07:32 -0400

1SG Michael Blount - just FYI, your question had me almost falling of my chair laughing. I hope you get a good answer.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 6:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 18:16:49 -0400

I am not sure of the rules for the Reserves but here in the Guard we can stay in up to age 60. The issue you may have is finding a unit that has an open E8 position because they are so few and far between and unlike the Reserves where you can move all over the country to find a position, in the Guard you are limited to the state you decide to serve in. I've know people to come over from active duty and the reserves and end up taking a rank reduction to be able to take a slot. When they eventually retire however they draw retirement pay based upon the highest rank held.

The Guard though, just like active duty, is facing personnel reductions as well and those who have received their 20 year letters are having to go up before retention boards every two years and plead their cases why they should not be retired.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 7:44 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 19:44:06 -0400

I am pretty sure the retirement rules are the same. In some States, the State adds a small amount to your federal retirement ($50/month in Michigan) if you retire from the National Guard of that State and meet all the qualifying criteria.

There are more differences in retirement rules associated with your DIEMS (Date of Initial Entry to Military Services) because you could fall into one of three different retirement systems (final pay, high 36 and REDUX). See http://militarypay.defense.gov/retirement/
for more information.

Response by SSG Joseph Thomas made Jul 1 at 2015 10:49 PM

SSG Joseph Thomas — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 22:49:28 -0400

You are better off retiring from active duty because other than that you will have to what till you turn 60 to receive your retirement pay. Good luck!!