Can I transfer to another unit within the National Guard in the same state?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 00:12:48 -0400

I am currently a member of the AZNG and originally travelled roughly 3.5 hours to drill. I recently relocated to a place even farther due to a better school, change of scenery for my kids, overall better quality of life. That commute is now nearly 6 hours to drill. I don’t mind it so if all else fails, my unit is awesome and the drive is worth it, however, what process can be initiated to transfer to a unit closer to me? I have a MOS Specific bonus attached to my contract as well. Thank you for your time and insight.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2021 12:21 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 00:21:32 -0400

Find a new unit that looks like it would be a good fit. Talk to the full-time unit staff of that unit and see if they have openings that fit your MOS/rank (or if they are willing to reclass you). Take the para/line number for that position to your current full-time unit staff and ask them to request to allow you to transfer. If the commander approves, your current unit must initiate the transfer request.

It's a fairly simple process if you do all the leg work. If you expect your AGR staff to track down a new position for you, you're going to be waiting... and waiting... and waiting.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 6 at 2021 12:38 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 00:38:39 -0400

Normally Guard units have a distance, and transfer is possible. If you move, change MOS, (correct me if I am wrong) you will loose your bonus. FYI, the last 10 yrs of my Army Reserve career I travelled about 8hrs one way to drill. Worth it to me, I got my retirement.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2021 8:50 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 08:50:07 -0400

Your bonus is contingent on both your MOS and the UIC (company) you contracted for.
If either one of those changes, you lose the remainder of your bonus. You can submit an ETP for that, but as this move is not due to a unit shutting down or a command direct, it has little chance of getting approved.
Find out what units are closer to you, call them or walk in, explain your situation, and ask if there is a vacancy, find out if you will need a reclass, odds are that would be a 4 week school.
Then when you find something to transfer to, get the UIC and position number, and submit a Personnel Action Request (PAR) in IPPS-A Self Service, or ask your unit to do that.
Once that process is started, if one or more drills come up before it's complete, you can continue to drive six hours to drill, or you can submit a SUTA request to your CO, get that approved, drill with your new unit, have them sign that SUTA form, and you send it back to your unit to get paid.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Aug 6 at 2021 9:45 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 09:45:05 -0400

In state transfers shouldn't be difficult. 31E MOS? Not my side of the world, but how does that fit in with most MP units?
I would sit down with my COC and tell them what you are trying to accomplish. Their blessings help smooth theses processes. Then hit up the Readiness NCO. He should be able to at least tell you what units are in the area and may be able to give you a POC.
Bonuses are pro rated, so if you decide to move, you will probably have to pay back a portion of the Bonus.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2021 10:29 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 22:29:28 -0400

Six hours is rough and depending on who you talk to in the AZ ARNG or any National Guard or Reserve unit will depend on the amount of sympathy you'll get. For example, I knew a Colonel that traveled from Michigan to Arizona to drill, granted he's a different scenario all together for the obvious.

I'm unsure of the process, but I imagine it would start with informing you're leadership. Let them know what you want, how you plan to continue serving the National Guard and the State of Arizona, and what your expectations and concerns are. I've seen some interesting requests hit the State CSM, LCC, or TAG and have some positive results. So the worst you can be told is no.

Additionally it's not like you're IST-ing to another State, you want to stay in Arizona so hopefully that's a plus for you.