How difficult is it to return to active service after transitioning into the Reserves/Guard?

CPL Julie Haas — Fri, 20 May 2022 09:38:52 -0400

Has anyone ended their active service, gone into reserves/guard temporarily and gone back in active? How difficult is it? My husband just signed for the reserves for a year because he would have been RCPd otherwise with 14yrs as a SGT.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2022 9:48 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 May 2022 09:48:48 -0400

I never went Active Duty but I did get mobilized for title 32 and Title 10 and then go on a title 10 tour (tour of duty/Mobcop). I went active duty for 4 years that way.

Response by LTC John Shaw made May 20 at 2022 11:19 AM

LTC John Shaw — Fri, 20 May 2022 11:19:17 -0400

Your husband will need to spend 6 years in the Reserve or NG to obtain a Reserve Retirement at 20 years. If his plan is to go back on active duty to get 20 years, he can volunteer for mobilizations. If he does decent work, he may be able to stay in this status. The main issue will be getting to 18 years of active duty and declaring sanctuary at 18 years.
https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2021/12/30/congress-orders-army-to-open-tour-of-duty-portal-to-reserve-guard-troops/

Congress orders Army to open Tour of Duty portal to Reserve, Guard troops

The Army's part-time troops will soon be able to browse mobilization opportunities from home — and maybe even their cell phones.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2022 1:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 May 2022 13:43:32 -0400

Not hard but 14 yrs as an E-5, gimme a break!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2022 7:53 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 May 2022 19:53:32 -0400

Here is the issue your husband can face. If he picks up SSG in the Reserves and then wants to go back to Active, he will have to face a Grade Determination to see if he could go back to Active as a Staff Sergeant. More often than not, folks don't get approved to go back to AD as a SSG. It can happen...just very rare.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2022 12:50 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 May 2022 12:50:25 -0400

I have done it but I was an officer when I transitioned back. There are a few things you have to factor in. First, does the Army need Soldiers in that MOS? If not, then they don't. If they do then he has a chance. He will have to go to a rank assessment board. He is not guaranteed to keep his rank. If he were to go back into the Regular Army he may still get separated. For NCOs, you will have to go to a centralized board. If you are found "not fully qualified" for two years in a row the Army will separate the Soldier. That is for E6 and above. I would be concerned if he was promoted far behind his peers. That is the audience that the Army wants to separate if he gets in.