Can an interstate transfer affect accrued dwell time?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 14:32:56 -0500

I am in the National Guard and just REFRAD'ed from a 12-month involuntary deployment last month. I am applying for an interstate transfer (IST) and a potential new unit has returned a Letter of Acceptance (LOA). In talking with that State's Officer Strength Manager (OSM) seems the unit is readying to deploy.

I've reviewed the only regulation that I could find which discusses Dwell Time. AR 614-30 states:

Individual dwell time. Soldiers will accrue dwell time for combat and/or operational deployments and for serving a PCS dependent restricted tour.
(1) After 30 days on deployment, the dwell accrual rate will be 1 month deployed to 1 month dwell (1:1) for AC. The Reserve Component (RC) ratio for dwell for mobilization is 1:4.
(2) Soldiers serving PCS on a dependent restricted tour for 12 months will accrue 6 months dwell time. Soldiers on a dependent restricted tour who are voluntarily or involuntarily extended are not entitled to greater than 6 months dwell time.
(3) Soldiers may elect to waive individual dwell time to deploy, by applying in writing, through their chain of command to the first general officer. Involuntary waivers of dwell require Secretary of Defense approval.

The regulation then defines Dwell Time as:
A period of time when a unit or individual is subject to individual dwell time, that is, will not be involuntarily selected for HQDA deployments (for example, Operation Enduring Freedom) until the unused IDT is exhausted.

This seems clear enough except that the definition states a soldier or unit will not be "involuntarily selected" for a deployment while under dwell. If I transfer to a unit that is deploying in its normal cycle would I effectively be waiving my dwell time? If not, is there something in a regulation that clearly states as much?

Edit: I found an additional reference in a DOD Instruction. See DODI 1235.12 - Accessing the Reserve Components (RC) available at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/dodi/

DoD Issuances

The official website for the Executive Services Directorate

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Nov 25 at 2019 6:52 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:52:55 -0500

I would discuss this matter with the national guard bureau as the national guard does have some flexibility being at times both state and federally governed. Also discuss with the new unit what their chances are for deployment in your 11 months remaining on your dwell time. Is this a unit you really want and/or can help your career? I would take more into your consideration if your dwell time will be reset when thinking about switching units.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 7:39 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 19:39:22 -0500

The reg says what the reg says. Dwell time is individual, no matter where you go.
To deploy with the new unit, you would have to sign a waiver, unless that unit already has a SECDEF waiver approved to void dwell time.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Nov 25 at 2019 11:19 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 23:19:54 -0500

Just be grateful your in deployable health... I am sure all the veterans stuck in VA hospitals will be glad to hear about your problems. Yell extra loud so the deaf ones can hear you.