How do I transition from active to AGR?

Having served as an AGR in the ARNG, the National Guard AGR requires you to hire into the position. And, sadly, it is usually a case of "who you know" in that state's ARNG. If you apply to a Title 32 position (inside the state) on your way out of the AC, don't count on getting hired straight in.

Typically, officers within a state's ARNG have to start as a Traditional TPU Soldier (Part-Time) and "earn their spurs" before they can even think of being accepted into the "club." That said, try, try, and try again... apply, apply and apply again. Start TPU and volunteer for every Active Duty Special Work (ADSW) project you can. Get involved in your state's National Guard Association and remain active. Network with the influential AGR officers in that state and be a likable asset.

Once you get on Title 32 AGR, watch your back, or you may find a dagger stuck in it. Document EVERYTHING and keep a separate record away from your office.

If you do not find success on the Title 32 side, you may pursue a Title 10 (Federal level) position. Title 10 is a slightly larger "pond" to swim in and they tend to be more concerned with how you look on paper than they are with how politically astute you are.

I know a few guys that have made the transition directly from AD to USAR AGR. From what I've seen this is a little easier than trying to get NG AGR since it's done on a federal level and there's not the same nepotism as in the guard.

You submit a very simple/easy packet and they hold a quarterly board. The board only determines whether you are qualified or not; simple Y/N. If you are determined to be qualified your name/packet goes to the AGR Accessions team and they can then slot you for an assignment during the movement cycle IF there is an opening you are qualified for that cannot be filed from people already on AGR. The reserve manning cycle works the same as AD, two cycles a year. If they need you for that cycle, they'll let you know. You drop your UQR for the day before your report date to your AGR unit and that's that. If you're not selected, your packet remains good for a year in case they need you the next manning cycle. If not, you resubmit a new packet the next year and the process repeats itself.

Again this is just for Reserve, not National Guard and this is how it was in 2018. So take that for what it's worth. Below is the Accessions page on the HRC website (CAC logon required). There is FAQs, Board dates, and POCs so hopefully that can help you (or anyone else) out.

https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Active%20Guard%20and%20Reserve%20(AGR)%20Officer%20and%20Warrant%20Officer%20Program

Sir,

Look me up on global and I'll get you squared away. I've been in this business the last 15yrs. Let's talk on Monday.

LT Campbell, as you probably know, the AGR program will keep you in an AD status, but you will work Full Time (FTUS) at a Reserve or NG unit. My recommendation is to apply for the AGR Program before coming off AD as the process can take a long time. Here is a good article for applying for the Federal AGR Program on the HRC website:

https://www.hrc.army.mil/enlisted/agr%20application%20procedures

I am not, nor have every been, in the AGR program, but I do know that my butt has been saved multiple times as a BC by good AGR FTUS Soldiers. The program is hurting for CPT's and MAJ's, so the opportunity is good, too. Good luck!

v/r,
LTC(P) Scharrett
CA, USAR

Sir,

Are you wanting to go state AGR or federal AGR? Either way look me up on global I have a contact that can assist for sure.

Go the the respective state's ARNG AGR job openings and apply. Below is California's.

http://www.calguard.ca.gov/HRO/Pages/ArmyAGR.aspx

I would start with a NG recruiter and find a paragraph and line that will work for you.

check out technician jobs as well, might be way easier depending on MOS, and there are other benefits that AGRs will never admit too.

You need to go to the online HR postings for the State that you will be living in, and see if there are any openings for an Officer that you would like to work in. Keep in mind you will also have a reserve postion in some cases also. Hope this gives you a starting point at least.

Steve Martin, SGT, USAR-RET

You're looking for a dream that most every officer I've ever met coming off active-duty wants but unfortunately your goal is unreachable. What I mean is that most states don't except applications for title 32 AGR From anyone who is not a current member of their Army National Guard that means that an active-duty soldier can't even begin the process they must first transition to the reserve component and then apply to be AGR. I have been in the AGR program for nearly 7 years, and I can tell you in my entire brigade there is not one AGR soldier who transitioned directly from active duty. There's no such thing as an AGR recruiter many many traditional guardsmen covet AGR jobs and every hiring board of which I've been a member has been highly competitive with many very qualified applicants .I don't say all this to discourage you but want to give you a realistic idea of what it will take to achieve your desired end state good luck

Are you interested in going to the Army or the Air? For the Air side, you should look at units in the state you are interested in and see what slots are open. Complete the paperwork prior to going off active duty - if you are released from AD and then try to switch it will take longer and is more trouble and hoops to jump through. In Ohio, we have 4 Air Wings and many Army units. You can also live in one state and be part of the guard in another state. It is hard, to do all the traveling each month, but I have seen many people do it. Pilots are a big group that travels over state lines to drill. Good Luck.