Army National Guard and Air National Guard Questions

SSG Steven Borders — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 18:14:21 -0400

So I am seeking some guidance from of the National Guard side of the house. My ETS is in Jun 2017 a little ways out. But I am ready to leave Active.

I just have some questions and wondering if the more knowledgable SM could shed some light. I know I still need to talk to a recruiter but not ready for that yet.

I have been told that most people want to get on Active National Guard. Not sure how that happens or when you become available to do that.

I am going back to Washington State. I know I want to go National Guard versus Reserves.

Can you go from Army to Air Force? Would I have to do some type of training agian?

I know you can get Tri-Care but you have to pay for it correct unlike Active?

Sorry if these have been asked elsewhere, just looking for guidance from my fellow SM's.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Aug 15 at 2014 6:56 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 18:56:12 -0400

Spc Borders check out the below posted article. this story of getting back into the gaurd after being active and a few years between. You will have to retrain unless you ar going in to the exact same type of job that you are doing now. Tri-Care Reserve does cost but it isn't too expensive. To go from Army to AF all depends on if the AF is looking for prior Service and if they want you. It is totally up to that service to accept or deny you. So basically your best COA is to go to Washington and talk to a recruiter in the area (or call him) and get the no BS gouge from them.

http://themilitarywallet.com/joined-air-national-guard

I Joined the Air National Guard | The Military Wallet

Should you join the Air National Guard or Reserves after leaving active duty? Why I reenlisted, and why it might not be the right move for everyone.

Response by COL Randall C. made Sep 13 at 2014 9:47 PM

COL Randall C. — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 21:47:49 -0400

SSG Steven Borders, a few things for you.

First, there are a lot of discussion threads currently on RP that might answer some of your questions (I'm not just going to say that and run, but you might check them out a bit more).

I discussed some of the advice I would give to a new reservist elsewhere, especially TRICARE Reserve Select: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/advice-to-new-reserve-component-soldiers?urlhash=172063#172063

When you say "Active National Guard", I'm not sure of the status you're referring to. There is "Active Guard Reserve" (AGR) which is what I think you're referring to. From your point of view, this would be the closest thing to active duty, except at the state level. Understand, these jobs are usually few in number (the AGR jobs for Washington state are listed at http://mil.wa.gov/jobs/agr.shtml#army). If not, respond and let me know what you are asking.

Can you go from the Army to the Air Force (specifically, I think you're asking if you can join the Air National Guard in Washington)? Short answer is "Yes, it is possible". Is it possible in your situation? Ask an Air National Guard recruiter (http://washingtonairguard.org/join/ to get the phone #). I assume you are just curious and don't have something specific you're going after. One of the first things you would probably want to do is look at where you're going to be living and what units are around you (http://washingtonguard.org/locations/WNG_Locations.jpg).

TRICARE - check link I mentioned above.

Feel free to contact me regarding any other questions.

Advice to (new) Reserve Component Soldiers | RallyPoint

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to a new reserve component soldier that is different from the advice you would give to an active duty soldier?

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Sep 14 at 2014 9:32 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 09:32:07 -0400

If going from Green to Blue, you will not have to repeat basic training and will get to keep your rank. You will likely have to attend what the AF calls "Tech School" (AIT) for your new AFSC (MOS) and likely have to do the DL PME if you don't promote to E5 before you cross over. If you have the chance, opt to take the PME in residence, as a cross service transfer, it will give you a chance to get "blued" with all of out unique terms and processes.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 12:08 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 12:08:48 -0400

COL Randall C. SSgt Gregory Guina TSgt Joshua Copeland Thank you! Some advice is much better coming from other authority figures then from a father.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 12:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 12:37:05 -0400

Just be cautious when coming from AD to Guard/Reserve that there is a AGR position available that you can compete for. Right now in Virginia's case we have too many AGR NCO's and positions are being filled by the command direct process - meaning I need "you" over "there" to fill that vacancy or "get out".

Response by SGT Michael Little made Sep 14 at 2014 1:40 PM

SGT Michael Little — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 13:40:57 -0400

Though it looks like you have the correct answers from the Colonel, let me elaborate a little. I was AGR for over 5 years or so. I was an ARNG Recruiter. There are limitations to the AGR slots in the form of unit MTOE. We are limited in slots by NGB so first you'd have to be a member of the National Guard, then apply to the AGR program. Both can be accomplished during your lasy 90 days of AD. Now, if there are no slots in AGR, HRO will put you on a type of wait list. Majority of AGR slots, Air or Army, are at state headquarters so keep that in mind. You'd have to relocate. All slots are MOS specific but retraining is available. All AD standards are strictly enforced in the AGR program so keep in shape. Go ahead and go to your inter-service recruiter now and start your packet is my recommendation so that is out of the way. I'm retired now or I would send it to you to fill out.

If you have any questions message me or post here and I will try and assist transition.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 16 at 2014 9:14 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 09:14:18 -0400

Everything that COL Randall C. said plus AGR slots are highly competitive and highly political, maybe less so in a bigger state than RI, but its all about who you know. Get in the Guard branch/unit first then immediately start shining while inquiring. The tough part of AGR is promotions. You may have to change units or wait for someone to retire and/or die for the next rank slot to open up. Say you get an Air Guard E5 AGR slot, You can't necessarily get promoted to E6 in that slot The E6 slot may be allocated to another unit or may not be available as all allocated E6 slots are full. I had a friend who was an E7 AGR who went OCS and waited 5 years for a 2LT slot to open so he could take his commission.

If you are AGR you get TRICARE prime if you are M-Day - weekend warrior - you pay for it . There is another post about TRICARE and paying for it as your insurance which can be a good thing: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/tricare-reserve-select-comments-requested
Best of luck in your transition.

TRICARE Reserve Select - Comments Requested | RallyPoint

I'm interested in hearing from reservists who use TRICARE Reserve Select - especially those who use it now and have previously used private insurance. Looking at its premiums, its considerably cheaper than my private insurance. How has your experience been using it? Plusses and minuses?

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2014 2:59 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:59:54 -0400

Yes it is possible to swap over to the Air Guard. Each unit is different, some may want a similar Army MOS that directly translates to an Air Force AFSC like intelligence. Some don't care and are willing to train. The guard will try to hire a current and qualified person with the AFSC code first then they will try to hire from within.

It is almost damn near impossible to pick up an AGR slot coming off of the street, with some exceptions like RPA crew members being sensor op or a mission intel coordinator for a Predator or Reaper unit. WA st does not have an RPA unit. I believe they have intel near Seattle and a KC-135 unit in Spokane. Usually an AGR position in other units comes available it typically will go to an ART or Air Reserve Technician. ART's are full time guardsmen except they are on title 32 civilian or state orders. They hold dual status as a military person and are also a federal civil servant with a GS pay grade. They are mostly GS pay except drill weekends and AT's then they are on Title 10.

Since ART's work for their unit full time they will most likely be the first to try to gain a AGR slot. Once in while this does not happen and a AGR becomes free for all. There is also the possibility the Traditional reservists/guard will apply AGR as well.

Like I mentioned it is not impossible to get an AGR off the street, but very unlikely. I would not have high expectations to come off the street and get a AGR slot. They typically like to vet out people in the unit before handing those slots out, because they very coveted slots to the Air Guard. I would see what ART positions are available or look to some traditional positions that may have more opportunities to get on orders like becoming a airborne refueling technician or boom operator on a KC-135.

Hope that helps

Response by SSgt Ed Lewandowski made Oct 10 at 2015 2:52 PM

SSgt Ed Lewandowski — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 14:52:31 -0400

reserves have a tendency to accommodate more then guard. and more willing to cross train . at least that's how it was when i in from ad.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2016 9:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 21:47:15 -0500

Welcome to Washington State (when you do come).

The LTC Answered many of your questions. But I wanted to let you know that if you have any questions concerning TriCare Reserve Select I would be happy to answer them. My family and I have been on TRS Sine May of 2010 and have dealt with referrals, OBGYN, pediatrics etc. TRS does not cover dental, that is a separate entity through Tri Care Dental which is MetLife (and is so much better than united concordia). So if you do have any questions, please feel free to message me.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Jan 7 at 2018 8:46 PM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 20:46:24 -0500

Many questions few answers so far. Don’t limit yourself to NG. PLEASE Look at what the Army Reserve has to offer. Normally can not jump from Army to Air Force unless you are special branch - Chaplain, Medical, JAG etc.

With Regards to Active Guard Reserve AGR - most MPC O positions are at the rank of CPT and are for those that are MOSQ to perform a job in admin support of their particular unit only after OBC is completed.