Can you transfer to active duty from National Guard while deployed to Iraq?

SGT Lee Jamison — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 19:52:56 -0400

I know this question or variations of it have been asked in the past but none as recent as 3 years ago that I could find. Any insight before I actually get to country would be helpful so I know what to expect or what I’m getting into trying to transfer.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Mar 22 at 2018 8:56 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 20:56:14 -0400

I seriously doubt that any kind of transition like this can be done while in country. You should direct this kind of question to your unit retention NCO just to make sure.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2018 10:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 22:11:01 -0400

I’m sure you could draw up the paperwork similar to a re enlistment but it wouldn’t go into effect until after the deployment. I’m not 100% just using the two cents I was issued. But definitely ask your retention NCO.

Response by SFC Keith Frain made Mar 22 at 2018 10:33 PM

SFC Keith Frain — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 22:33:32 -0400

SGT Lee,
There are multiple variables to this. Stay with me brother, cause I'm going to take you on a roller coaster ride of answers or hypothetical scenarios. First, I'll use my own experience; I belonged to the 638th MI BN out of Lafayette, IN. I was chosen to attend the 91B course at Fort Sam....away I went. I got the bug, and I wanted to join AD. While I was in "student status", and belonged to the NG, no one would touch me or even start my paperwork. After graduation, the NG unit required me to serve 1 year in the slot (91B) I was assigned to. Now, all of this makes perfect sense because ANY unit has a number of bodies, all who fill said MOS's, and unless they are heavy....no ones going anywhere. Luckily....we got heavy and 1 year later I was discharged from the NG, and joined my new AD unit.
Now imagine your case, if I read this right, your slotted to go in country, serving in a slot that ensures the units MTOE is fulfilled. If you drop your papers before you deploy, that is your "in". 1 year brother, then you can transfer to AD with the Commanders approval.
However....
While deployed, and as I have done my share of being deployed and being lent out to any unit who was short. Length of service with any of these temporary assigned units while in country could be days, months, etc.
Given that I speak a couple Afghan Languages and was in charge of RC-East, as I traveled the damn country on my own, I literally commandeered vehicles, helicopters, and even hitched rides with other foreign (friendly) contingencies. (But) no matter how long I was gone, home is where I always ended up. My advice to you brother, take this deployment by the balls and make it your bitch! Enjoy it, do what you have to do to make it back, and remember....inquire about putting your packet in before you leave. If you do put your packet in, KEEP A DAMN COPY! HOOAH!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 24 at 2018 6:01 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 06:01:03 -0400

NO- once deployed it will take JC or the Pope to shorten the deployment. Normally you would have to wait while the unit is in dwell time to transfer.