Can I begin the enlistment process to go AD, once I hit 1 year prior to ETS date?

I'm assuming you can't do a conditional release, or don't want to. A year out seems pretty far, but it never hurts to talk to an AD recruiter. They'll tell you what they're current policies are on working with prior service.

Why not simply talk to the AD recruiter who will then walk you through the process and get the ball rolling for a possible release from reserve status to go active duty. No need to ETS and go through all that rigamaroll.

Good morning! You may request a conditional release from the Army Reserve to go Regular Army at any point in time as long as your chain of command is fine with it. If they are, you need to reach out to a recruiter so they can help you fill out the DD368 and your unit will need to endorse it and forward it up the chain to the first General Officer. The caveat is if you are on a bonus contract, you may be on the hook for it if you pop smoke early.

Regardless, weigh your options and definitely get with your chain of command and recruiter. I am all for career progression because it is good for the Army and most importantly, going Regular Army is good for YOU. #TakeCareOfTroops.

Keep at it, high speed.