How can I transfer from Reserve to Guard?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 05:00:16 -0500

I am wanting to transfer from the United States Army Reserve to the United States Army National Guard can someone explain how it works?

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2017 7:33 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 07:33:47 -0500

You will need to contact a ARNG Recruiter. What are you wanting to switch from USAR to ARNG if you don't mind me asking?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2017 8:08 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 08:08:48 -0500

Contact a National Guard Recruiter and start the process of enlisting. Then you will need to be Conditionally Released from the USAR for the purpose of enlisting in the ARNG. You will need to get with your UA or Personnel NCO to get that started. The packet needs to go through your chain of command and be approved by the first GO in your chain. Once approved, you will have a set amount of days, usually 60 days, to join the ARNG. Once you sign a National Guard contract, you will be released from the Reserves effective the day you signed with the Guard. Make sure you give a copy of your new contract to your unit so they can process you out!
Keep in mind that through this whole process you are still obligated to fulfill your commitment to the Reserve including attending all drill and AT while you undergo the process. Also, your Reserve chain of command can and sometimes does reject your REQUEST. It is up to your command to release you or not and they are under no obligation to. I have seen it work both ways. I would say 6 out of ten requests for conditional release were approved to join other services or components.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Feb 5 at 2017 12:24 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 12:24:12 -0500

USARC G1 is the approval authority, but has to be endorsed by your chain of command. If you have completed IET and paid a bonus you will have to pay it back if the release is approved. Honestly, it is a slim chance getting a transfer approved to go from the USAR to the ARNG, and vice versa, because they are both reserve components- one being federal and one being state. Both expect their members to honor their contracts. It is even difficult to get released to go Active from either the USAR or ARNG. Expect to have to explain your reasons. Extreme financial hardship is the most common reason for requests for release for active, but not really a valid reason to transfer to another part time component. You will need a valid reason for a release from your contract to be favorably considered.
BTW-There is no such thing as the United States Army National Guard, it is a state component.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2017 2:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 14:34:42 -0500

It's going to be difficult to explain why to your Chain of Command and why they should allow you to transfer from Reserve Component (Reserves) to Reserve Component (National Guard). Usually people transfer to Active Duty or from Active Duty to Reserve Component.

It's not impossible but you will have to explain it your reasoning fairly well. One for example could be that the National Guard Armory that you would at would be closer to home thus allowing for you to support your family better than in the Reserves. Of course the Guard will screw you on switching you to a new Armory just as much as the Reserves will. i.e. myself going from an Armory that is 14 miles away to 135 miles away.

I would speak to an Guard Recruiter and get the process rolling for your Conditional Release from the Reserves. It's going to be a process so be prepared for that, it won't happen over night and you are still required to attend your Drills in the Reserves until you are fully separated and in the National Guard.

Response by MSgt Carl Stokes made Feb 5 at 2017 7:40 PM

MSgt Carl Stokes — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 19:40:51 -0500

its easier than you think, E-4 and below that is. Its called an interstate transfer and is approved by your commander, As long as their is a position on the unit manning roster, you just slip into a paragraph and line number for the new command. Dont listen to all the experts here including me, Ask your commander and if he wont let you go, you can just be assigned by your receiving command and your commander will be forced to give you a conditional release.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2017 10:39 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 22:39:25 -0500

I think you should go to the recruiter of your local Army Guard unit. He/she will be able to explain the rules and get you started on your transfer.