Can I transfer to IRR from Reserves?

2021-04-06T18:57:51-04:00

I ets’d last May 2020 4 yrs AD then went to the reserves and signed a contract for the remaining 4 years, but now I don’t want to go back to the reserves. I haven’t done inprocess but I’m in the system now. Can I transfer to IRR again? What would happen if I just don’t go to drills? Will I lose my education benefits ( I’m currently using GI Bill) ?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2021 7:04 PM

2021-04-06T19:04:54-04:00

YOU MUST OFFICIALLY CHECK OUT FROM THE UNIT. You served your active duty time and should not be obligated. You can simply go to the admin department and request to transfer back to the IRR. The worst thing you can do is not show up. You must check out regardless of an official check in. Yes, you can impact your benefits and discharge if you fail to use the proper procedures.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2021 7:24 PM

2021-04-06T19:24:36-04:00

You must officially be transferred back to IRR, if you have nine unexcused absences within a 12 month period they can administratively separate you from the Reserve Component with an OTH.

A drill day has two MUTA's (Multiple Unit Training Assembly). This means that if you have one day of drill you have a MUTA 2. The average drill period is a MUTA 4 meaning two days, also known as a drill weekend. A MUTA 1 is a half day.

So if you miss nine MUTA's, meaning four and a half days of drill within a 12 month period they can begin the separation process. If you receive an OTH characterization of service upon your separation this could negatively impact your education and civilian employment.

Now there's more to it then what I explained, but this is the basics of it. Don't start missing drill days, do it the right way so you don't lose your benefits.

The Guard and Reserves see this often enough, and some of the commanders are less than kind on the recommendation for characterization of service on essentially an AWOL Soldier.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Apr 6 at 2021 10:24 PM

2021-04-06T22:24:58-04:00

SPC Barbosa if you don’t do it the right way your still incurring a monthly SGLI debt as well. You don’t want to mess with a garnishment of waivers either. I’m not sure why you don’t wanna give the reserves a shot but I would encourage at least trying it out to see. The extra spending money can really come in handy too. You originally signed an 8 yr contract. Regardless of service in a TPU unit or a IRR slot you’re still subject to active duty recall in the event you and your skill set are needed. I met two E-4s in 2004 that had been in a total of 6-7 years that were called up to deploy to Afghanistan and Iraq as individual fillers. If you get called up or activated there is some comfort being with folks you know instead of a replacement. Think about it. Lastly the reserves is the only “part time” job that you can get paid now and after age 60 get paid later with a retirement for the rest of your life that includes medical coverage. That’s worth thinking about too. I ended up active duty twice for 26 total “good” years granted I retired as an 0-5 but it’s the points game that also accrues pay as well as pay grade. Over $3000 a month age 60 until death could lead to a lot of money in your advanced years. As a good co worker explained it to me I can never lose my house just using reserve pay to pay the monthly bills before tapping into your main retirement? Something else to consider. Regardless do the right thing and thank you for serving!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2021 10:34 PM

2021-04-06T22:34:19-04:00

There is a process to request a transfer to the IRR. There's a whole packet that goes into it plus your justification. Bottom line is, changing your mind about wanting to be in the Reserves isn't a justification to release you from your contract.

If you don't show up for drills you might be separated and it's possible that you could also lose some or all of your benefits. You may even be required to pay back the tuition, stipends, and BAH you already received, depending on the nature of your separation and other factors.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 7 at 2021 10:24 PM

2021-04-07T22:24:35-04:00

Don't go to drill, and you will get discharged ( it's AWOL you know). Depending on the type of discharge can affect you GI Bill.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2022 2:41 PM

2022-02-07T14:41:52-05:00

How did this work out for you?