How can I transfer back to IRR from the "Try One" program?

CPL Lance Storm — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 21:16:57 -0500

I enlisted with a 4 x 4 contract with active duty, and completed my active obligation with an honorable discharge in 2018. A year goes by a 79V comes to me and offers me to do the "Try One" program. She assures me that if I do not like it I can just switch back to IRR, no questions asked since all it took was a 4187 to put me in. Long story short, I want to go back to the IRR because of personal, financial reasons but the unit is telling me that I "may or may not be able to go back" depending on the brigade or command. What the hell? Did I get scammed or something? I've been looking up regulations and I've yet to find anything on this program except for the fact that it is on the Army Reserves website but the details are very vague. It doesn't seem fair that the Army has this program to trick IRR Soldiers into the USAR and locks them in at the commander's discretion. The only reason I signed the 4187 because it's a "trial program" and I was told if I didn't like it, then I could go back. What are my options here?

Response by SGM Jeff Mccloud made Nov 7 at 2019 9:36 PM

SGM Jeff Mccloud — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 21:36:18 -0500

A recruiter told you you could do what you want "no questions asked"...
And you bought that, with 4 years of previous military experience.
The "trial program" is the whole 12 month "Try One". You "try it" for the whole one year.
The approval authority for your transfer back to the IRR is the first two-star in your chain of command, and your BN and BDE commanders get to recommend or non-recommend.
And that process takes about 4-6 months when everyone is going to bat for you.
Do your drills and ETS. Or go to your BC with a well-worded MFR that details exactly how staying in a drilling status puts undue financial strain on you and your family, and start the long separation process that might beat your ETS by 3 months.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Nov 7 at 2019 9:53 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 21:53:44 -0500

You'll end up being one of those sad sacks crying when they turn age 60, that they didn't stay in for retirement. Have a talk with your elderly self and remind him how bad you have it... tale of 2 friends and brother 1. Army Reserve retired with 100% VA disability and Social Security $5000 per month.. 2. My brother. USAFR retirement only $700 Mo age 61 .. 3. 6 months USNR 7.5 years IRR.. retirement $0... 62 years...Social Security age 70... me 63.. VA disability 194% ... SSDI...OPM ..$5800 per month.. 16 good years... no Reserve Retirement. THINK...

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Nov 7 at 2019 9:56 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 21:56:19 -0500

PS: be lucky you're in... one day the gate closes... Then you'll be on the outside looking in.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2019 10:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 22:30:09 -0500

You're recruiter didn't lie, you can go back to the IRR once you finish your year. The whole purpose of the year is to see if you like it. It's not a trick, you weren't locked in at the Commanders discretion, you signed a DD4 that clearly stated you were enlisting for a year.
Just knock out the drills and go back into the IRR.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2019 9:12 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 09:12:10 -0500

I am currently doing the Try One program myself. You have to finish the year. The only other way out is through chapter which I doubt you want to do.

Response by SPC Jaime Benavidez made Jul 4 at 2020 6:26 PM

SPC Jaime Benavidez — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 18:26:22 -0400

I did the same thing and ended up having the same issue. I’m curious on how your situation played out.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2020 10:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 22:36:55 -0400

CPL Storm, SFC Sommers, I am an Army Reserve Career Counselor. Call or email me. Let me look at your current status. If you are still in the IRR, you can transfer in to a USAR unit, without a contract or going to MEPS. But, if you no longer have an obligation, you will have to see a recruiter.
Cell. [login to see]
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I am based out of Indianapolis. We can do everything over phone and email.