How hard would it be to go from Reserves to National Guard in order to go to OCS?

SPC Onel Cruz — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 10:12:22 -0400

Considering changing to National Guard since I’ve heard its less competitive for aspiring Cyber Security Officers. Would it be difficult to request a transfer in order for me to commission with them?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2021 11:35 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 11:35:42 -0400

This question gets asked a lot here, and the answer is it’s not hard, technically, but will it get approved. There is no “transfer”, you need to be released from your contract on the condition that you will sign another contract with the National Guard. This is called a conditional release and is completed with a DD form 368.

The Reserve is notorious for not approving these, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Find a National Guard recruiter in your area and he will complete the DD 368 for you. Then you will submit it through your chain of command, it will go all the way up to HRC. If it gets approved you will have a limited time to complete the enlistment process with the National Guard recruiter, so I’d suggest getting everything ready beforehand. That’s it. Good luck.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Aug 26 at 2021 12:20 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 12:20:27 -0400

Depends on your Command. The process itself is easy enough. You find a National Guard Recruiter that is willing to work with you and have him fill out a DD368 conditional release. Take that to your chain of command and get the first General in your COC to sign off on it. Enlist in the National Guard and apply for OCS.