How can I switch from active duty to national guard (NY)?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 13:44:59 -0500

I am currently serving a 12 month tour in Korea with a DEROS of 08/21/22. I also have soft orders to JBLM but will only be there for 10 months after Korea since I only have 10 months till ETS. I want to continue serving but be close to home for personal reasons. I am also interested in the IPAP program or doing something medical, not sure yet. I am a 68W, have a degree, and 29 years old. Part of the reason I want to switch to NG is for a personal life. Would like some advice on career path as well.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2021 2:06 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 14:06:05 -0500

You can start now, but you could also wait until you get to your next assignment after Korea (which would probably be better option). All you will need to do is speak with your Career Counselor to sign a National Guard contract for whatever state you call home. This way, when your ETS from Active Duty rolls around, you should just be able to roll right into your National Guard unit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2021 2:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 14:35:38 -0500

Once you are six months from ETS you will talk to a Reserve Component Career Counselor who can contract you into the NG once you ETS

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2021 12:03 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 00:03:32 -0500

Good Luck...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2021 12:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 00:40:48 -0500

You’ll want to talk with a Career Counselor, might be easier to REFRAD from active duty to Army Reserve as opposed to National Guard. Army Reserve should be able to give you pinpoint assignment to your home state depending on MOS. But you’ll want to discuss all of this with a Career Counselor. Not sure about the enlisted rules on the but AMEDD officers who REFRAD from active duty are eligible for the retention bonus (if there is one) when they go Army Reserve. Good luck

Response by SGT Margaret Corr (RET) made Dec 28 at 2021 2:47 PM

SGT Margaret Corr (RET) — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 14:47:34 -0500

You can also look on the DMNA website (Division of Military and Naval Affairs) at https://dmna.ny.gov/
On the left there are tabs that you can search everything from SAD (State Active Duty) positions, AGR and ADOS slots. This will help you transition easier from active to civilian life in NY in a hybrid way. I know we are running the state COVID mission, and they are always asking for medics. You can also reach out to a recruiter on the website to help guide you based on the area you are looking for (recruiters in the NG are zoned). If you need help, I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. I'm coming up on 14yrs in the NYARNG.

New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs

New York’s Division of Military and Naval Affairs encompasses all of New York’s Reserve Forces including the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Naval Militia and New York Guard

Response by SFC John Mikelson made Dec 30 at 2021 1:38 PM

SFC John Mikelson — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 13:38:37 -0500

See your retention NCO about your transition options.

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Jan 4 at 2022 12:12 AM

SSG Dave Johnston — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 00:12:16 -0500

Go reserve component... the opportunities to request and receive 'short tours' for active duty are greater... More points towards retirement, easier to move about the country with reserve units

Response by SSG Anthony Hetherington made Jan 6 at 2022 1:02 AM

SSG Anthony Hetherington — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 01:02:05 -0500

Don't limit yourself to the Guard, look into the Reserve as well. NYARNG is having serious money problems right now and that can easily have you sitting for a year or two before the state even has money to send you to school, Reserve is funded federally. PA is a great career, good luck!

p.s. You do realize that IPAP will have you in Ft Sam for a minimum of 1 year, and then another year elsewhere (possibly West Point) before you graduate right?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2022 1:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 13:18:15 -0500

I’m not sure if this is much of an answer toward your question but last I checked you can’t PCS without a minimum of 12 months left on your contract. I could be wrong but, that was the reason given to me when I came up on orders to go to Bragg. I only had 11 months left so I ended up riding out those last 11 months in Germany rather than pcsing which was fine by me. Best of luck!