How can I go about transferring to the Reserves from the National Guard?

2020-12-10T10:06:55-05:00

I moved to NC and was told I could because my bonus is for my mos but it was actually for my unit so I been drilling in Ohio but living in nc for almost 3 years now. My 2nd half is coming up in may so I was supposed to start my transfer in Oct. Well they shut our unit down so no one can transfer until July 2021. I am so tired of going back in forth when I was just about to transfer but now I’m forced to stay. Is there anything I can do about it? Anyone have any advice? It’s really putting a toll on my life. And I want to go Reserves instead of national guard but if I just have to transfer national guard I will.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Dec 10 at 2020 1:26 PM

2020-12-10T13:26:56-05:00

It is usually easier to do an Interstate Transfer than to switch to the Army Reserve. To do that, you need to hit your Readiness NCO up with the request. His job is to administratively clear you to be transferred. That request then goes to the IST coordinator at State level, who has the job of finding you a new home in conjugation with the IST Coordinator in the gaining state. If you have a certain unit or if you have spoken to one and they have a slot for you, that can speed things up.
Transferring to the Army Reserve requires a DD368 Conditional Release from the National Guard. Find a Reserve Recruit and have them file out their portion of the DD368, submit it to your chain of command, where it needs to be signed by the first General in that Chain. Normally that process isn't very fast, 90 to 120 days was my experience.
Most enlistment bonuses in the Guard are tied to the State that enlisted you. Expect to lose the last half of your bonus when you transfer.