How do you switch from National Guard to active duty ?

2014-06-06T20:02:35-04:00

I am a newly commissioned and am currently at BOLC. When I was in ROTC I chose to commission in the national guard even though i scored high enough for an active duty. Since I have been at BOLC I have changed my mind and want to switch to active duty. How do I make the switch and what criteria do they use to select officers who want to change? What are my chances of being selected?

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2014 8:46 PM

2014-06-06T20:46:44-04:00

2LT Obrock, congratulations on achieving your commission, it's good to hear that you're motivated to serve in an active capacity, and I'm sure that we can help you to achieve your career goals. In doing so, just a question or two to get the conversation going... first, would you be interested in a full time position in the National Guard on "active duty" a.k.a. Active Guard Reserve? ...or are you more focused on moving over into the Active Component? In either case, there is likely an approach, and we have many knowledgeable folks here, so tell us a little bit about what you'd like to do, preferred MOS, preferences (Guard, Reserve, Active Component/Regular Army), along with any other helpful facts, and we'll see if we can attract some SMEs into the discussion...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2014 8:50 PM

2014-06-06T20:50:57-04:00

Short answer: you don't.

Your first opportunity is the CAD program. This requires you to be a CPT or MAJ, CCC-Complete, and hold a STEM degree. There is just no possible way to go from NG to AD from where you are now, without resigning your commission and trying the enlisted side.

We had several LTs try this BOLC. Not a single one was successful. I was one of them

However, there may be another option: AGR. You can check with your state (and other states) to see if there may be any AGR slots available that you can apply for. The issue with the Guard AGR program is that it is not very robust and for Officers it can be challenging to promote or maintain a career since it is so limited.

The Reserves has a much more robust AGR program (I am an AGR Officer), but you would have to transfer to the Reserves before you could apply.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Jun 6 at 2014 8:59 PM

2014-06-06T20:59:54-04:00

I have tried this myself many times (6 years later I am still in the National Guard) and have come to like my position here. I will be pursuing AGR positions in the near future as well.

As for your situation there are requests that can be made, but knowing that the National Guard owns you on a contract and the Active component is beginning to ramp down, it is very unlikely that you will be allowed to be released. The best way to try would be to converse with an active duty recruiter and ask them for details and what they would suggest.

Response by SSG Dave Rogers made Jun 7 at 2014 11:43 AM

2014-06-07T11:43:12-04:00

There are two ways to go, AGR which is Active Guard Reserve, simply ask your carrier officer for a list of open positions in your state. If you want to go regular active, you have to first finish your enlistment or current contract with the Guard, than apply for active status. You may apply to the Reserves and/or National Guard for a "conditional release." Basically, a "conditional release" says that the Reserve Component. or National Guard agrees to release you from the remainder of your commitment, if you are accepted for enlistment or appointment to an active duty service component. Or if you are activated with a unit on federal orders for assignment may ask for a direct transfer to an active unit and sign a new contract. Your State Retention Office or State Regional Office will have to help you with this..

Response by SSG Richard Stevens made Jun 7 at 2014 2:07 PM

2014-06-07T14:07:08-04:00

I would talk talk your full-time admin staff. To find out what you have, to do.and then, find out if there, is any openings, for your mos.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 6 at 2014 3:33 PM

2014-10-06T15:33:31-04:00

Right now 1LT Private RallyPoint Member not sure if that's going to happen as the Active Army is pushing out its O's into ANG and AAR. Best bet is go to law or med school.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 11:46 AM

2014-10-23T11:46:00-04:00

I know its a bit different with officers, but has anyone heard of ending your time in service/initial contract with the Guard and then seeking a prior-service appointment on Active Duty?

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Nov 30 at 2014 12:07 PM

2014-11-30T12:07:09-05:00

If it is like it was in OBC, which I guess BOLC is the new name for, contact your unit and see if your AG will release you. If he/she , not the pervert kind, won't, that is the end of it. If he/she will, then talk to the Post Personnel where ever you are taking Basic and they will take it from there.

Response by SSG Dave Rogers made Apr 1 at 2015 4:41 PM

2015-04-01T16:41:07-04:00

AGR Is the best way for you to go with being an officer, things may have changed over the years, but I had a friend years ago who wanted to go active and was a reserve officer, he had to give up his commission in order to do so. But AGR is about positions, and you will be able to stay in an area easier. Reserve AGR is the best as you can get different positions around the country and there is more chance to move up, also I think a lot of Infantry Units in the National Guard are moving to Military Police..

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 9:09 PM

2016-01-04T21:09:18-05:00

I'm in a similar situation but I haven't gone to BOLC and I did not take a GRFD Scholarship. Would I still have trouble switching over?

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 6:33 PM

2016-01-06T18:33:26-05:00

I am trying to do the same thing but it seems my options are limited

Response by CPL Ralph Moschler made Jun 29 at 2017 10:45 PM

2017-06-29T22:45:16-04:00

Re in list you will be glad go army

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Mar 12 at 2018 9:06 PM

2018-03-12T21:06:48-04:00

Why didn't you go active duty from the get go?

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jan 22 at 2019 2:59 PM

2019-01-22T14:59:55-05:00

1LT Private RallyPoint Member Your post was over four years ago. Did you successfully switch or did you choose another path?