How hard would it be to switch from National Guard to Active duty prior to ship date?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 15:25:21 -0400

Some stuff just happened in my personal/family life and I want to know what the process would be to switch from NG to Active. I ship in 2 weeks but after what’s been happening, I want to know what options I have since I don’t really want to come home after AIT like I would if I stayed guard.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 14 at 2021 3:35 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 15:35:13 -0400

It is not as easy as you might think. The National Guard has committed funds toward your training. Your best bet is to immediately ask your recruiter and see if something can be worked out.

Response by SFC Jeremy Boyd made Jun 14 at 2021 6:44 PM

SFC Jeremy Boyd — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 18:44:19 -0400

You wont be able to switch prior to voiding your ARNG contract and then enlisting again through AD. Active Duty Army and USAR recruit separately from the ARNG, because unlike AD and USAR, which are both entirely federal entities, ARNG is also a state entity, which is why when you enlist in the ARNG your oath of enlistment includes obeying the orders of the applicable Governor. National Guard recruiters in their respective states are recruiting exclusively to fill unit vacancies within their own state, and that state's National Guard bureau funds the training seats for BCT and AIT.

You can either request to be a Future Soldier loss from the ARNG and then see an AD recruiter, or you can attend BCT/AIT with the ARNG as you're scheduled to, and then submit a DD Form 368 (Conditional Release Form) after a minimum of six months back with your ARNG unit, requesting to go AD. Mind you, there are no guarantees either way. If you decline to ship for the ARNG and decide to enlist AD first, you're not guaranteed to receive the same MOS you enlisted for with the ARNG, and if you go to training first and request a conditional release to go AD later, your state ARNG bureau is not obligated to approve it and let you go. Best of luck to you either way.