As a National Guard officer, is one allowed to switch over to the Army Reserves before completing the initial 6 year commitment?

2021-08-22T23:06:00-04:00

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2021 11:43 PM

2021-08-22T23:43:01-04:00

Yes, you can transfer. Work with a recruiter to find a reserve unit and submit your transfer packet to your unit. It takes a while but if not flagged or in a critical position which may prevent transfer at the current unit then you should be able to. Good luck!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2021 12:31 AM

2021-08-23T00:31:38-04:00

Technically no. There is no “transfer” that happens. You must be released from your current contract with the condition that you join another branch. This is called a conditional release and is completed with a DD 368.

How you became an officer will have a lot to do with whether it gets approved. If you received any ROTC or minuteman scholarship, it probably won’t happen. Other factors also come into play. Ultimately it’s the decision of the TAG.

I’m curious as to why you want to switch though. What is it you think the reserve offers that the NG doesn’t?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2021 7:22 AM

2021-08-23T07:22:29-04:00

Possible yes. Depends on if your command will release you from the unit to transfer to the reserves. As the SFC said if you have any benefits or scholarships as part of your contract with the national guard then that can complicate things since you signed a contract for those benefits and the guard paid them and you belong to them. Speak with a recruiter and your command to let them know you want to transfer and why and they can start the process if they agree to release you.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Aug 23 at 2021 11:52 AM

2021-08-23T11:52:09-04:00

National Guard officers have a Reserve commission in the parent service. That is how Bush 43 became the first USAF officer to be POTUS, Reagan was USAAF after he transferred from the cavalry.