Posted on Apr 6, 2021
PVT Automated Logistical Specialist
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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) ?
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SPC Member
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Edited >1 y ago
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.
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PVT Automated Logistical Specialist
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Thank you so much! Do you know if the process can take at least 6 months or more?
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MSgt Student
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SPC (Join to see) Great breakdown and explanation of the process. PVT (Join to see) The process should be able to be completed in less than 6 months. The caveat is all units are different. Hope the information helped you make a decision.
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PVT (Join to see) - I've seen the process take as little as 30 days and as long as a 8-9 months. The ones that take longer are the ones that have a break down in communication with the chain of command or lack of communication from the Soldier.

This can occur because full time staff with the Guard and Reserve wear multiple hats and are shuffling a lot of tasks to get things ready for the drill. This can also occur due to a break down in communication from the drill Soldier's also known as MDAY to the full time staff. It can also happen when a Soldier trying to push the IRR packet gets frustrated and stops communicating.

The important keystone here is you, nothing will get done unless you're the one regularly checking in and reminding them, prodding them about your packet. Be respectful, but don't get lost in the shuffle, use your NCO chain consistently. Sometimes the person who has to sign off on the next stage of your packet is an MDAY Soldier and is only there a few days a month, I've heard of NCO's driving to those officers house just to have them sign it and get the packet moving faster.

If you're having problems attending drill due to scheduling, make sure you communicate that. They can reschedule you to conduct drill with the full time staff to make up for it. A lot of things are possible to fix your issues but you need to stay focused and keep in constant communication. Don't give them a reason to forget about your packet.
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PVT Automated Logistical Specialist
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MSgt Student
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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.
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PVT Automated Logistical Specialist
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Thanks!
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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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.
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PVT Automated Logistical Specialist
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Even though I got my dd214 honorable discharge?
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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PVT (Join to see) there are many factors that go into determining how your VA benefits can be affected. A DD214 only means that you served at least 90 days on Active Duty and nothing else. Your total obligation is eight years
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Can I transfer to IRR from Reserves?
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How did this work out for you?
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PVT Automated Logistical Specialist
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Hi, you can dm and I let you know!
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SGM Bill Frazer
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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.
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LTC John Mohor
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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!
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