Does the Army Reserve try and bump you up a rank when switching from active duty?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 04:43:43 -0500

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2017 5:52 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 05:52:51 -0500

It depends on needs of the unit. But I would lean towards no. Because why should they promote you just for coming to their unit and not promote someone that has been there for 6 months more than you.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2017 4:39 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 16:39:40 -0500

Generally speaking the answer is no. And in some cases you might actually lose a rank. But that also depends on needs of the unit whether you are eligible for promotion or what waivers might be needed.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Nov 27 at 2017 9:32 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 09:32:16 -0500

No. You may fill a slot above your current rank, but that doesn't mean you'll be promoted because of it. It may encourage them to work to get you your next rank, but it won't happen automatically, even with P status.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2017 8:13 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 20:13:40 -0500

I’m not sure this helps, but I was told, if you are going through college as a reservist, durring the summer of your junior and senior year you can take a “Platoon Leadership Course” I think it’s called and come into active duty as a Mustang 2nd LT. hope that helps.

Response by MSG Ramon DeLong made Nov 28 at 2017 10:07 AM

MSG Ramon DeLong — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 10:07:45 -0500

I when from E-6 to E-3, no basic training, but AIT. Funny thing was, being prior service, I was a Former Drill Sergeant. Got asked why the drop. Jokingly told the DS there, trainee abuse. Lol

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2017 2:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 14:48:32 -0500

It is possible but never guaranteed. They have the ability to slot prior service personnel into a position one skill level above their current level (a 30 level service member can fill a 40 level slot on the books). That being said, you still have to perform well enough to warrant the promotion. A lot of Reserve units are hurting for prior service personnel so it is a definite possibility. The worst they can do is say no.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2017 3:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 15:17:10 -0500

Never heard of a reserve unit bumping anyone up a rank just because they came from active duty, now if have all of your courses etc and can be promoted and they have a slot, I could see them putting someone in that slot and then promoting them.

Response by SP5 Larry Morris made Dec 1 at 2017 5:39 PM

SP5 Larry Morris — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 17:39:44 -0500

that will be the day

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Nov 28 at 2018 8:24 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 08:24:39 -0500

No the Retention NCO attempts to put the Soldier into a DMOSQ assignment if possible

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Aug 13 at 2020 10:26 PM

CPT Andrew Wright — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 22:26:43 -0400

Almost never. It might be possible to pickup Specialist if you had recently completed a four year degree (looks like you are there already). If you have civilian training in a specialty there is also the Stripes for Skills route which should still be available. Best of Luck.