Can I switch to National Guard from active duty Army while in AIT or afterwards?

2018-08-07T10:26:27-04:00

Is it possible to switch from active duty army to national guard or reserves? I’m still in AIT and have just realized the national guard would be a better choice, is there any way I can make the switch in ait? Or afterwards without doing the 3 years?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2018 10:29 AM

2018-08-07T10:29:28-04:00

I was actually wondering this opposite of this. I’m in the NG and want to transfer to active duty

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2018 11:52 AM

2018-08-07T11:52:58-04:00

USAR and NG can only put in an AD packet after 6 months at their unit (NG pending their state's release also). As far as being released from AD, your best bet is to wait til you get to your unit and speak with the retention NCO. It would also help to call your NG recruiter wherever you would like to drill. To my knowledge there is no way for you to change during AIT. Your focus there is to train and that is the primary focus of your unit and battalion, so don't expect much help. It may also be beneficial to speak with the NG liaison there to see what you can do when you get to your unit.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Aug 7 at 2018 12:00 PM

2018-08-07T12:00:45-04:00

No. Once you have signed active duty and shipped out, you're locked in to AD for your contract length. When you're about six months out from ETS, you can start talking to the Guard if you would like to sign another contract after your AD time is complete.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2018 12:46 PM

2018-08-07T12:46:14-04:00

Most likely you will need to fulfill your contract. Funds are billed separately from each component.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Aug 7 at 2018 3:38 PM

2018-08-07T15:38:43-04:00

After your initial contact you can choose to ETS. During your ACAP process you will have the opportunity to enlist in the National Guard of whichever state you move to.

Response by SFC Douglas Duckett made Aug 8 at 2018 10:12 AM

2018-08-08T10:12:38-04:00

Enjoy the "suck", do your best and live the lifestyle. The time served will be worth it. We learn life through our decisions and actions taken. If you have a negative attitude toward fulfilling your agreed upon obligation, you will have a though row to hoe. This could lead to your early termination of your contractual obligation prior to it's completion date. This in turn could lead to a lower characterization of discharge, and thus possibly some prejudice in the civilian sector that could affect certain benefits.

Response by PV2(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2018 10:52 AM

2018-08-27T10:52:48-04:00

I know that it is possible to get a condtion release if your CO signs off on the DD Form 368 to go Active from National Guard, but I am not sure if it goes the other way.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2018 4:01 AM

2018-09-28T04:01:41-04:00

Your best path in this decision in life is to just complete this contractual obligation. Your education benefits will vest far faster in AD than NG and by time you’ve jumped through all the hoops to switch to NG you’ll nearly be done anyway, while at the same time having to go into work everyday with everyone you’re trying to get out. Just play the game do what is required of you and a clean honorable DD214 will be a golden ticket in your future life.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 9 at 2019 5:41 AM

2019-05-09T05:41:27-04:00

No, you have signed a contract for AD, you will have to meet your commitment and then transfer. Good luck.