Can I transfer from reserves to active duty easily?

SPC Ted Ronayne — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 11:48:26 -0400

I am looking to join the reserves right now. I have heard that it is difficult to transfer from reserves to active duty, and I may lose bonuses to be classified as "prior service" is this the case? I'm potentially looking to become an officer when I finish college (I'm a college sophomore) but I want to start my military career now and finish my degree on time.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2018 11:49 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 11:49:37 -0400

I would recommend trying to get into ROTC. I know you need at least 2yrs left, but it’s worth it

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2018 12:54 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 12:54:40 -0400

If you do commission through ROTC and end up in the Reserves as an officer, almost yearly (recently) the do a Call to Active Duty for Reserve and NG officers and Warrants to serve indefinitely on Active.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Apr 1 at 2018 4:43 PM

SGT Eric Davis — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 16:43:56 -0400

How much longer you have in college? If you can wait then enlist active first then try to become an officer but if you wanna become an officer don’t do reserve. You can also join the military as an officer but an hard process. Do do reserve then try to switch!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2018 8:48 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 08:48:43 -0400

Ted, it is super difficult to transfer over. In fact, just because you ask it doesn't mean that your command will let you. You will become classified as prior service, so it will restrict your enlistment options. Any bonuses you receive may have to be paid back. If your end goal is to be Active Duty, then enlist Active Duty. You can always attend OCS or go in the Green-to-Gold program once on Active Duty. I tell you this as someone who in the end always wanted to be Active Duty, but instead chose Reserve due to peer pressure. It is my biggest regret. I am in the process of trying to get a transfer to Active Duty. It has been 3 years and it has been a lot or trouble between me and my unit.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 6 at 2018 10:24 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 10:24:50 -0400

Easiest would be to just join the nearest ROTC program-

Response by MSG Lance Kelly made Apr 6 at 2018 11:39 AM

MSG Lance Kelly — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 11:39:07 -0400

Good responses, I agree it is generally difficult. I finished my career as an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) in a Reserve unit and reviewed all transfer requests to active duty. Don't ask why JAG is doing G1's job, that's another story. Our Commanding General wouldn't approve transfers to the active duty of a Soldier was on his first enlistment. His thought was the Reserves just spent a lot of money to train you and that he wasn't going to simply give you over to the active duty side. It's a pot of money issue as well as the need for Soldiers. Some Reserve units are hard to fill so commands don't like to give up easily. Sometimes they look at you and say you signed a contract for the Reserves so you need to keep your commitment. I know there are good reasons for wanting to transfer to active duty but part of it depends on the command you are in and what is the intent of the commander. I went from active duty to the Reserves and then wanted to go back active but they weren't taking my rank or MOS at the time and then someone suggested going AGR. That turned out to be a great career move for me. I hope things work out for you.

Response by MSgt Andrea Gutierrez made Jul 11 at 2019 10:31 PM

MSgt Andrea Gutierrez — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 22:31:32 -0400

As a Reservist I know that it is difficult to go AD. You would be prior service in this instance as you will be on AD for initial training. I'd finish college first. You'll do better.