Has anyone here made the transition from NG to Active Duty?

2015-07-10T06:18:00-04:00

I always wanted to go active but my husband was against it when so I went with the NG. I told him I'd give it some time after I got home from AIT & if things weren't satisfactory (financially) after 6 months or so then I was going to look at going active.

My question is, if any of you have made the switch how seamless was it & were you able to keep your MOS or reclass? I spent a long time getting my MOS & clearance, I don't want to give either up. I did receive a bonus for enlisting & I'm aware that I'd more than likely lose that. Not a big deal since I have yet to even receive it. Any advice & input would be appreciated.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 10 at 2015 6:25 AM

2015-07-10T06:25:22-04:00

Have you considered going AGR if your Guard unit has any openings? From what I've seen, AGR is the best of both worlds. You're active duty but in the National Guard. So you get the pay and benefits as active duty but you're still with your Guard unit. You also have a full-time job close to home, and you don't have to transfer every few years like your active duty Army counterparts do.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 6:41 AM

2015-07-10T06:41:08-04:00

It's not seamless. It will be difficult to be released from your state since you made an obligation to that state. Lots of paperwork and time spent explaining why you want to be released starting with your CoC, but it's up to the TAG if your packet gets up to HQ. Like PO1 John Miller has stated see if you can look for Title 32 (state) or Title 10 (federal) AGR jobs or look into the NG Technician program in your state. I'm in the process of transitioning from NG to RC for an AGR job in Ohio. The link below is how I applied for AGR.
Good luck!
https://www.hrc.army.mil/Enlisted/AGR%20Application%20Procedures

Response by SFC Steven Harvey made Jul 10 at 2015 6:44 AM

2015-07-10T06:44:12-04:00

Going active is a pain because they paid for your training. I made the switch in 1999 but it took a call to my Senators, House Reps and Govenor.

Try the normal way and if that doesn't work call them.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 6:54 AM

2015-07-10T06:54:52-04:00

You need to go to your local recruiting center and talk to a recruiter. They will explain everything to you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 7:03 AM

2015-07-10T07:03:56-04:00

It is definitely not the easiest process by far. I am currently on recruiting for active duty. My advice would be to talk to your local Army recruiter first and check out the business rules that we have for prior service.

There are certain stipulations that you must meet in order to make the transition from NG to RA. The business rules are very strict and based upon MOS and grade. So as I said, check with your local AD recruiter and see if your job and rank are available currently. If they are then next step would be getting the conditional release from your unit. Depending on how low on personnel your unit is it might be harder to get that than a unit that is over strength.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 7:07 AM

2015-07-10T07:07:19-04:00

Go active. It was the best decision I have ever made. I was reserve then active then national guard. Benn back on active duty since 1999

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 7:24 AM

2015-07-10T07:24:47-04:00

In the case of going active , same here my father did active duty for 22 years and I joined the NG.. There is a struggle of being active as a NG if you do not know the system. There website like mention before that you can apply for title 10/32 jobs and this will help you to either stay on orders or knock out active years of your service. Which I did I've been in for seven years and have six years of active duty I've only been to drill twice , reason being I'm always on active duty status, wether it's AGR or ADOS.
So website you should look into is AGRjobs.com for three years tours required submitting packages, your state website type your state then AGR (HRC) the AGR there depending on where you want to nationwide or with in state and Tourofduty/Mobcop, that's where I get my tours or PFI.army.mil this includes ADOS orders. Last two website depict oversea assignments as well.. Good luck.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 7:25 AM

2015-07-10T07:25:00-04:00

Thanks SSG!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 7:28 AM

2015-07-10T07:28:30-04:00

You could consider just having a discussion with an active duty recruiter. Make sure everything is in writing but also know that due to the expense of your clearance your current unit may be reluctant to let you go. You might also look at AGR. Hope this helps.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 9:46 AM

2015-07-10T09:46:44-04:00

I made the switch during the surge. The fact I switched during the surge made it easier to get in. It wasn't seamless though. I was offered to keep my MOS, but I wanted to reclass. Really, it comes down to what the Army needs at the time.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 8 at 2015 3:00 AM

2015-08-08T03:00:15-04:00

You should be able to do it but check with your recruiter.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2015 11:51 AM

2015-08-14T11:51:25-04:00

Try to see if you can get some ADSW work with your unit, that can be a good way for your unit to get to know you, and may lead to AGR acceptance.