Army National Guard and Air National Guard Questions
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.
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?
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?
All I know is that I am ready to leave Active Duty. I have been blessed with the opportunities that the Active side has presented me. But I feel it is time to move on.
I did wind up calling the Air National Guard and they can't work with me until I am 120 days out of my ETS.
Again, thank you Sir. I really do appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions for me.
AGR is program providing full-time support to the National Guard or Reserves. For all intents, you're active duty, but you are (normally) focused on support to the specific reserve component. Most AGRs are there to support the M-day soldiers (for example, your standard Troop Program Unit (TPU) will have full-timers to take care of the day-to-day administration, supply issues, etc), although on the other side, I've served with AGRs who never saw the inside of an Armory and were Regular Army soldiers for all intents (aside from assignment, etc).
You can go from active duty to the AGR program (sort of) by doing a discharge from active duty with a concurrent appointment in the National Guard or Reserves, then entering the AGR program. This will take coordination between your reserve component recruiter and your personnel folks.
The program (at least in the Army) is governed by AR 135-18 (http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r135_18.pdf) and should answer a lot of the questions you would have.
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.
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
If you have any questions message me or post here and I will try and assist transition.
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.
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.