Can I go from National Guard to Active Duty and Reclass?

2019-06-30T15:06:04-04:00

Hi, so I am in the National Guard and have been for 2 years. I am in my first contract.

I have been seriously considering going active duty, but I would want to reclass to a job that would be similar to what I would want to do in my civilian career.
I have read the prior service business rules and some of the language is confusing.

For example it says that all MOSes are available to E1-E4s except a few. But then it says that if there are no vacant slots, then you will be reclassed for the needs of the army.

My question is how good of a chance will I have to get the job that I want, and what process will I go through with MEPS since Im already in?

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Jun 30 at 2019 3:27 PM

2019-06-30T15:27:59-04:00

What I want to know is how you been in two years and still a pv2?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2019 5:31 PM

2019-06-30T17:31:07-04:00

Go to the recruiter and have them help with a dd368. MEPs will let you know if reclass is available

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2019 9:21 PM

2019-06-30T21:21:46-04:00

The only way to get a definite Answer is to talk with a recruiter. Most of the time it’s what’s cost effective for the government. If your current job is available, it’ll be cheaper for the Army to keep you in that job because they won’t have to pay to retrain you, they can just send you to a duty location. But as I stated previously, talk with a recruiter, they’ll be able to assist you better.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2019 11:06 PM

2019-06-30T23:06:57-04:00

It depends on what jobs have training available. You would not find this out until you are at meps sitting with the guidance counselor. What job are you looking to do?

Prior service applicants need to keep their options open with regard to jobs. Recruiters have no say in job selection. Make sure your PHA is up to date. I know putting in a USAR to RA we use the PHA in lieu of a meps physical so you do not go through meps medical. I believe it is the same for the guard. Do you have a signed 368.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2019 3:23 PM

2019-07-01T15:23:35-04:00

I actually just went through this process but I am coming from the AF reserve. I had no room for negotiating with the GC. The GC basically told me it was the needs of the army even though I had credentials to stay in my prior MOS I wanted.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2019 4:34 PM

2019-07-01T16:34:33-04:00

Speaking as a current recruiter: short answers, yes you can be released from NG to active, if your unit and state is willing to let you go, otherwise you must wait until your 6 years is up. As for reclassify, that’s a crapshoot. For E4 and below, you will have a lot more options than others if there are any options to be had, but it always comes down to needs of the Army with prior service.