How do you make a National Guard experience more like active duty?

While I love my job as a Guardsman, most of the time I feel like my service should be extended beyond drill. I go above and beyond, giving 200% while I'm there, but it's still cut short at the end of the weekend. My main outside-of-drill goal is to get my packet together and get ready for Sergeant, which I am seeking very actively. What would you advise for activities or organizations beyond the normal calendar, I.e. Honor/Color guard or seeking an AGR position. If you were in a situation like mine and ended up getting what you desired, please share your story.