How can I use Commander's open door policy ?

I would inform your chain, go to your line supervisor and inform them that you want to use the open door policy. You may need to disclose some information as to why just so the Commander knows what it is you want to discuss and can be prepared for the discussion.

If you do, be sure you have facts at hand supporting the reason for the visit. My advice is not to do it unless a last resort. There will be consequences, no different than in private industry.

try using your commands carrier counsellor, its their job to get you into a position that would benefit the army ac/rc/ng, army needs come before unit needs, this might help, but don't back door your co ask for a visit discuss your issues and your plans, but understand what issues you have now may not be mitigated elsewhere, good luck

Agree with what others have said. Proper way to do this is ask your 1SG if it is OK with him that you talk to the CO Directly on this matter (he should say he doesn't care). Have to tell you though higher than the CO, they are going to back him on unit manning issues because he is rated on it. I think I would also ask what the units policy is on transfer to Active Duty. If they say x amount of years, they can do that and it is reasonable. If they say your entire 6 year enlistment..........you should take that all the way to the State AG because that is BS. When I was in the NG in 1980s they had a rule of waiting for you to be out of AIT for 2 years before you can submit a 368. I heard that rule is still around for some units.

Yes, your unit commander should have an open door policy. The 1SG is not the approving authority for conditional releases. Neither is your company commander for that matter, but he must endorse your request for it to be considered by the approving authority. Get your ducks in a row first by seeing an Army Recruiter and getting a DD368 Request for Conditional Release for the Regular Army. Has to be signed by a recruiter. Then inform your NCO support channel that you would like to see the commander under the open door policy in reference to submitting the request for release to go Active Army. That will be your opportunity to explain your hardship so that you can try to get his or her endorsement and the release pushed up the chain of command to the approving authority. For most state ARNG's, that is the State Adjutant General.

Tell them you are going to use it. They can't stop you (not supposed to, anyway).