Posted on May 2, 2023
SPC Forward Observer
6.93K
25
14
3
3
0
I have submitted a DD 368 but nobody at any level seems to know what the process is or who the approving authority is. Any help is appreciated, thanks. I have about a year and a half left on my active duty contract.
Posted in these groups: Size0 North Carolina ARNGMilitary civilian 600x338 Transition
Avatar feed
Responses: 9
Votes
  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Votes
SP5 Peter Keane
4
4
0
Don't want to rain on your parade, but it is very unlikely to happen. The most likely route is to ETS and enlist in the Guard.
(4)
Comment
(0)
SPC Forward Observer
SPC (Join to see)
2 y
Yeah I'm tracking that it is very unlikely to happen, but doesn't hurt to try.
(0)
Reply
(0)
COL Randall C.
COL Randall C.
2 y
SPC (Join to see) - According to the regulation (AR 635-200*, 4-4a), the approval authority for leaving prior to your ETS is HRC (specifically AHRC-EPF-M).

"RA and USAR Soldiers serving on indefinite enlistments/reenlistments desiring a voluntary separation for reasons not specifically covered in this regulation must submit DA Form 4187 (Personnel Action) with recommendations through the chain of command, up to the first general officer, to the separation authority for such actions: Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command (AHRC–EPF–M), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122–5204."

Again, highly unlikely - "Such requests generally will be denied if the Soldier has an unfulfilled service obligation as a result of training or a service-remaining obligation."
----------------------------------------
* AR 635-200 (Active Duty Enlisted Administrative Separations) - https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN30496-AR_635-200-000-WEB-1.pdf
(2)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
TSgt Security Forces Craftsman
2
2
0
Worse scenario like me I had all my documents waiting with the recruiter as my army national guard unit wouldn't release me early. I was in essentially in about 30 days. Within 2-3 months I was working full time at my air guard unit.
(2)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SGM Jeff Mccloud
2
2
0
There are four valid reasons for submitting a DD 368 for conditional release, and wanting to leave early to join a reserve component is not one of them:
-Conscientious Objector Discharge.
-Early Release for Education. (requires acceptance to a resident fulltime college program, and is really only about 90 days)
-Military Hardship Discharges. (must prove staying in is a legit financial hardship to you or or your dependents, AND you have a means to earn more immediately after release)
-Convenience of the Government. (like when your MOS is dropped, more cost effective to enlist and train a new guy than reclass you, or a medical problem that restricts your duties but doesn't meet the criteria of medical discharge).

You mention "it doesn't hurt to try", but it really does in this case.
Since you weren't seeking a conditional release for a valid reason, everyone involved in processing that DD 368 wasted time that was better spent on Personnel Actions that are legitimate.

When you are 12 months out from your ETS, book an appointment with the Reserve Components Career Counselor at your post. And book a second one if you need time to consider all of the options available.
(2)
Comment
(0)
SPC Forward Observer
SPC (Join to see)
2 y
This was very helpful, thank you.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.