Are there any programs to help a Split Ops get housing or to transfer into active duty?

2020-02-12T18:53:05-05:00

Hey, so I have a problem. I am split ops, I am 17. I already finished bct last summer. I told my recruiter i'm not signing the contract unless I can go active right away after highschool. Now my unit and other people are telling that's very difficult to do and that's not likely to happen. Problem gets worse, I turn 18 this march. I don't live with my parents due to abuse and other things... So i live with my friend and her parent. And I am getting kicked out. Very soon. I pay her most of my paycheck (i have a civilian job also since i am in the reserves) so i have nothing left for me. I am in california. Living cost are very expensive here. I don't know what to do.... i don't know where to live. Reserves pretty sure dont help you with housing.... I told my recruiter one of the reasons im joining the army (active duty) was so I can finally live in peace without having to stress bout the roof over my head. Or finding my next meal. Now i'm on the verge of being homeless and since my recruiter pretty much lied to me, i'm stuck in the reserves thing (which i hate bc i love active duty life). I have been through so much poverty ever since I was born (from a 3rd world country) and right now I an actually getting fed up in life. And going back deep into depression. So just asking is there any programs to help me with my situation?? Any military programs?? (Ps this isnt a sob story, i just really need help and I dont know what to do anymore. I have been providing for myself since I was 15)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2020 6:57 PM

2020-02-12T18:57:00-05:00

Walk over to an active duty recruiter. You'll still end up needing a conditional release no matter what

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Feb 12 at 2020 7:10 PM

2020-02-12T19:10:08-05:00

Still in HS?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2020 7:35 PM

2020-02-12T19:35:25-05:00

You need to walk into a Active Duty recruiting office like 15 minutes ago. You are going to need a conditional release from the reserves which will allow you to go active duty. I don't know if reserves does anything like Army Emergency Relief, but if the do, I would look into that.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2020 7:52 PM

2020-02-12T19:52:16-05:00

First and foremost you need to start talking to an active duty recruiter. You’re going to need a conditional release to be released out of the reserves. Next thing is you will need to graduate high school, then go to AIT so you can be MOS qualified. I’m a recruiter. If you have any questions feel free to message me. Best of luck Soldier.

Response by SSG Fritzner Saint Valliere made Feb 13 at 2020 7:37 AM

2020-02-13T07:37:36-05:00

When one door is closed , others are open.. try the air force , navy you already have the edge , be focus and go get it, don’t give up !!!

Response by SPC(P) Brandon Jenkins made Feb 13 at 2020 7:56 AM

2020-02-13T07:56:09-05:00

Ok, I just read your post in the entirety. If you weren't in your situation, I would have said don't go active with that MOS. I was active as a 92M for 4 years (now a reservist as the same) and you will either be in the 111th or 54th QM in Fort Lee, VA for your first duty assignment or Korea, both of which are not good. Maybe, if you are very lucky, Hawaii. But since you sound like you REALLY need this, I say go for it. You will get used to the units there and Virginia countryside is to die for.

Response by SSG Fritzner Saint Valliere made Feb 13 at 2020 2:59 PM

2020-02-13T14:59:24-05:00

Hope all is well ..

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2020 7:36 PM

2020-02-14T19:36:32-05:00

I assume you’ve approached your reserve unit leadership with this since you’ve initiated the 368 conditional release process. If there are any programs available to assist you, your leadership should be able to point you in the right direction. As far as the justification memorandum is concerned, I’d be happy to help you with that. Give me your email address and I’ll send you a template. I can’t say for sure, but given the situation, your command may be able to “expedite” the conditional release process a bit. If not, be prepared to wait a while. It can take up to a year to be approved by the CG. Hope everything works out for you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2020 4:06 PM

2020-02-18T16:06:44-05:00

Unfortunately, you're going to have to get a Conditional Release, aka a DD368. Every unit has their own SOP for how to process these kinds of packets. Essentially , you'll have a bunch of paperwork and some of it will include a memorandum -- this is where you will wrote why you should be released to go Active Duty , and definitely cite your hardship. Unfortunately, I dont have the exact regulations on hand but there are certain circumstances of which you can be released early, and hardship is definitely one of them. You can also apply for Active Duty tours on mobcop.army.mil, or pfi.dod.mil. With MOBCOP, you will be attached with actual military units ( whether they be Reserve, Guard, or Regular Army), and PFI will have you working with a DOD Agency, so pretty much civilian work but you will be uniformed. I have done both extensively. Theres a boat load of info I can give to you, but you can just shoot me a direct message if you need it. Theres a few things you can do, but it's really all up to you. Good luck, and you can always contact me if you need help. I've been in your shoes since I was a 17 year old, and am now almost 23. If I could help someone, it would be my honor. This one is kinda personal to me. Anyhow, best of luck and try to keep your chin up.

Response by SGT(P) Abner Lozano made Mar 7 at 2020 11:15 AM

2020-03-07T11:15:09-05:00

You’re for sure going to need a DD Form 368, a conditional release form. Basically a form stating you are being released from the branch or component and will be enlisting in another. This will need to go up the chain and signed by an O-6 or higher with the first people signing it being the Active Duty recruiter and yourself. This can take a long time but talk to your unit to help you expidite this process. For the Army, you will need a DA Form 4187, Personnel Action to go along with it, and just a letter to your unit commander explaining why. Once all is signed, you bring it back to your recruiter to continue the process and get you into the Active Duty component of the Army. As mentioned by others already, you will have to graduate high school, get a GED, or equivalent. Good luck, Soldier. I hope all works out for you!