How likely is it that I will be able to switch from ARNG to Active duty Army?

2020-03-20T23:26:47-04:00

I’m in the ARNG going on a deployment to the HOA soon and I want to make the switch over to active duty once we return. By then I’ll have just over 3 years of service in the guard and I want to know the likelihood of being able to make the switch and if it is worth going for it or just waiting until my guard contract is up to re-enlist active. I’ll have just under 3 years left on my guard contract by the time I begin the process.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Mar 20 at 2020 11:59 PM

2020-03-20T23:59:14-04:00

I commend your motivation and willingness to serve. Plenty of Guardsmen and Reservists make the same choice. Getting the Conditional Release can sometimes be frustrating and seem to take forever but how long it takes usually depends on if your state is willing to let you go. I believe its worth it. Good luck with your deployment.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2020 12:18 AM

2020-03-21T00:18:31-04:00

Start the conditional release process 3-6 months before you return so you can have it in hand when you get back.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2020 5:49 AM

2020-03-21T05:49:44-04:00

Bring this up through your NCO support as well as S-1. I know the Army Reserves has a program where mobilized soldiers can easily be rolled up into the regular Army without a break in service. The guard may have one as well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2020 11:21 AM

2020-03-21T11:21:49-04:00

Definitely recommend continuing your motivation and drive to want to go active. Get in there and stay in there until you retire. I would constantly push this threw your chain of command and get that release approved just make sure you do it maturely and respectfully which will help you accomplish a smooth transaction. Keep up the good work I’m sure you’ll get to where you want to be if you maintain the same mindset. Good luck.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 21 at 2020 12:14 PM

2020-03-21T12:14:55-04:00

See an AD recruiter and work on your conditional release. The first GO in your chain has to sign the DD368 Conditional Release, you prepare this with your Recruiter's Assistance. People report delays in this process with some states in some cases denying the release. Worst case, you'd have to wait until your contract is up. Go see an AD recruiter. From another post on RP, they are really working to get Infantrymen through this program.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2020 2:16 PM

2020-03-21T14:16:17-04:00

Did you take a bonus? Are you going to be receiving any more bonus payments before you switch? Did you use any educational benefits? These are all questions they will be asking when deciding if they will release you. If you havent used much state money, you'll have better chances at getting the conditional release approved.

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Mar 21 at 2020 4:07 PM

2020-03-21T16:07:29-04:00

I agree with everything everyone has said. It is sometimes very difficult to get released because the Guard is funded by the state, not the federal government and the state wants to get their moneys worth for basic training, AIT, any and all training you have received.

Response by PVT Robert Cameron made Mar 25 at 2020 12:48 AM

2020-03-25T00:48:37-04:00

I did it in 91. Be sure of your mos cause that's what you will be doing.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2020 9:48 PM

2020-05-16T21:48:28-04:00

I recently completed this process of switching from the Guard to Active Duty. It took me about 7 months. If you truly want to go Active Duty, put in your Conditional Release. High chances they won't pay much attention to it. The only way I got it signed was by going to the Inspector General (IG), if that doesn't work, go to a Congressional Inquiry. Those 2 options will get your paperwork signed. Other ways of going Active Duty is if you do ROTC and commission into the Regular Army. Worst case scenario, wait until you ETS and then wait for required NGB discharged paperwork and enlist. Your last option to have a military career would be AGR. Goodluck.