How can I reclassify in the National Guard?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 11:22:14 -0500

Currently I drive 190 miles to drill and I'm tired of that three hour commute every month. Here in my town of Fort Wayne, there is a National Guard armory with 11B and 88M attached. Would I be able to do OJT to reclass to 88M? Or do a shortened AIT? I'm a 42R (musician). There is also a reserve armory in town with MPs and cooks, which being a cook wouldn't seem too bad. I like my unit but that drive is a pain. Thanks.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2020 11:38 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 11:38:39 -0500

Technically as long as you filled your original obligation with your contract, and your ASVAB scores meet requirements, you can reclass. I would look for retention in your area (similar to recruiters, but their sole job is to help those already in, stay in with the jobs they want). Retention can make inquires into those units to determine open slots, and make contact with the commanders to see if they will take you in. Usually it's easier to reclass when already xferred to the unit, but not always. Retention should definitely help.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2020 1:08 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 13:08:05 -0500

Talk to the recruiter from those units they will be able to answer your questions. And yes it is possible, and depending on your ASVAB scores would determine if they could waiver you for OJT or if you would need MOS school qualification.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2020 1:33 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 13:33:28 -0500

On the national guard side you need to talk to your readiness NCO along with a recruiter to see if any of those slots are open and to see what requirements need to be met for the school

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2020 1:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 13:50:10 -0500

I have tried twice to reclass in the Guard, both times I was denied. They typically will only allow you to reclass when you are re-uping ... but maybe and hopefully you will have better luck!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2020 2:05 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 14:05:28 -0500

Call the unit you want to transfer to and talk to the AGRs there. They can tell you what slots they currently have available and if they are willing to send you to school to reclass. If they have a slot for you, get the para/line number. Then, go talk to your full time unit staff (FTUS) at your current unit and send a request up to your commander to transfer. If your commander approves, your FTUS can initiate the dmail 45 with the para/line to start your transfer process. Ultimately, it all hinges on your commander releasing you, but I find it helps if you do the legwork yourself.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2020 12:42 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 00:42:28 -0500

OJT is not a thing. Talk to the AGRs at the unit you want to transfer to.
Get them in touch with your unit, have your unit start the transfer.
You can transfer and to a pretty short reclass to 11B or 88M. Most reclass schools at RTIs are 4 weeks.