Can I commission to serve in a different state through ROTC?

2020-09-11T02:16:47-04:00

I’m a sophomore in college and I’m doing ROTC to gain my commission as a 2LT. I’m currently serving in the Kentucky National Guard, and I go to college in Kentucky. Upon commissioning, could I switch to a different state for my officer contract?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2020 5:34 AM

2020-09-11T05:34:22-04:00

Short answer is Yes

Response by Amn Kim Bloodgood made Sep 11 at 2020 7:10 AM

2020-09-11T07:10:57-04:00

This would be a great question for your Cadre as they are trained to answer such things. From what I understand the only way to transfer to another unit in the Guard whether it is Kentucky, California or whatever there has to be a position open that you would qualify for. In addition, the Kentucky National Guard has to be willing to release you to the other Unit. Again, ask your Cadre! That's what they are there for.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Sep 11 at 2020 8:51 AM

2020-09-11T08:51:00-04:00

You are not locked in to the Kentucky NG once you commission. You should speak with the state's Officer Strength Manager and whoever handle inter-state transfers. The other thing you will need to do is speak with the Officer Strength Manager in the state you want to live. He or she will have a list of vacancies they need filled and can work with you to get slotted. Be advised though, if you are looking at one of the competitive but somewhat small branches such as Aviation, Military Intelligence, or Medical Service Corps; you may find yourself at a disadvantage to the cadets currently serving in that state's NG. This is simply them selecting a known quantity over an unknown person. That may not be the case but I want to set expectations.

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Sep 11 at 2020 12:22 PM

2020-09-11T12:22:09-04:00

The issue with that is Branch selection. Make sure you choose a branch that is in the National Guard of the state you want to move to Also when you contract with ROTC get a Reserve contract (not sure what it’s called) and find a unit in the state you want to live in and get a Letter if Acceptance from the Battalion Commander accepting you into that unit when you commission. Branch selection is important otherwise you will end up doing 2 OBC’s. An officer in my OBC class did Chemical OBC then moved to a state with no Chemical units, ended up in an Artillery unit and a few months later went to FAOBC

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 11 at 2020 4:33 PM

2020-09-11T16:33:29-04:00

ROTC should earn you a Reserve Commission. You can request active duty or reserve duty. Guard duty would require you to go to a Guard unit with an open officer slot. Commissioned career field is a whole separate discussion. Of course the needs of the Army will Trump and personal requests.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2020 10:13 PM

2020-09-12T22:13:30-04:00

SPC Roberts,
All the answers below are correct. CPT Wilson's answer is probably the most relevant for you initially. At the time that I commissioned all 2LTs received a reserve commission and then had to apply for federal recognition, regardless if you were wanting to serve on active duty, the reserves or the national guard. If, after commissioning you move to another state that is more than 50 miles away from your original duty location they have to let you request an IST or interstate transfer. You definitely want to start talking to the state you want to go to and look at their force shaping projections over the next decade as some branches can be here today and gone tomorrow. One of the best things about the guard is if you know you want to get a particular branch that the gaining state has, if you have done the coordination and gotten the letter of acceptance you will tend to get assessed into that branch for that duty position, with the reserves and active duty you could say you want to be a hardcore Infantryman and they can say 'Congrats, you are now a transportation officer, have a nice day.' Good luck.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2020 6:58 AM

2020-10-25T06:58:46-04:00

So when you go to CST after your Junior year, they have a branch day where all the branches show you all the cool stuff and try to lure you in. When I was there, there were tents for different state National Guards, and even Reserves. You can essentially go wherever you want, you just have to make sure there’s a vacancy for the position you want to be.