Can I switch from National Guard to active duty while at AIT?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 20:33:43 -0400

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 7:39 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 07:39:42 -0400

Could try talking to a recruiter. Honestly, you'll probably have to wait

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 9:03 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 09:03:32 -0400

Highly unlikely. Your state paid for you to go, already funded your slot, and is already forecasting you to come back, not create a vacancy. Your best bet is to apply for a release to active when you return. But talking to the Guard liaison at your AIT can't hurt.

Response by SSG Keith Brevard made May 23 at 2018 1:02 PM

SSG Keith Brevard — Wed, 23 May 2018 13:02:03 -0400

You will have to wait until you return to your NG unit. Once you get back to your unit, make the request. depending ON YOUR Unit Administrator and Chain of Command, the process should take no more that 30 days to get processed. I processed these requests many times while I was the UA for my unit.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 4:24 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 16:24:48 -0400

If there is a will, there is a way.
Many NG recruits aren’t aware of this resource, so pass this info along to your battle buddies.
There is a NG retention office on every base that has BCT and AIT soldiers. They are there to cater to the needs of NG soldiers. You’d be surprised by what they are capable of doing.
You should pay them a visit!

Response by SPC Andrae McLeod made Nov 12 at 2018 1:41 PM

SPC Andrae McLeod — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 13:41:25 -0500

No. And I'd advice against it until you reach the terms of your contact to allow you to switch over. I learned the hard way when I switched after a year of being in the reserves to active duty. I didn't realize that it stated in my contract that I had to serve 24 months in the reserves before switching to ensure that I keep my bonus. So I had to pay back a part of my bonus which took another year of fighting to get back. Just make sure you read it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2019 1:51 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 01:51:52 -0500

You will have to wait and file a DD form 368 and it will depend on your state. When I transferred, my state made me wait 6 months from my REFRAD date before I could go active duty.

Please keep in mind active duty is nothing like tour basic trainings and AIT’s. I’ve seen plenty soldiers love their time at AIT and swap over to active duty only to realize it’s completely different, and many were miserable.

If it’s what you truly want, do it. I recommend it. Be prepared for the possibility of a reduction in rank and reclassification if you do though.