How long does it take for a unit transfer in the reserves?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 19:37:47 -0400

I have been at the same unit since commissioning so I don’t know what all is involved with a unit transfer and there’s a chance that I may be transferring to a unit closer to where I’m currently attending veterinary school. The glitch is that I’m only in this location for about another year and then I’d have to transfer units again when I get my location where I have to complete clinicals. I’m just curious what that process is like and how long it takes to go through.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2018 9:04 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 21:04:44 -0400

The transfer process is a checklist, DA 4651, and two counsellings. Once you have your signatures, CDR's signatures and the ARCC signature the packet goes up through the chain to your Readiness Division. About two to four weeks.
Typically you stay in your unit for at least a year but there's no real minimum.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2018 12:44 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 00:44:51 -0400

I have been through reserve units at the lower enlisted level and the transfers have never gone smoothly for me mam. Some of it was my fault, no doubt. Yet, I spoke to NCOs who hard horror stories of how painful some unit transfers were, sometimes causing so many problems they took over 15 months.

My big take away is that the transfer can depend heavily on how well you engage your chain of command in your process and how quickly you get the paperwork pushed out.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2018 9:43 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 09:43:04 -0500

Transfers should not take long, now you do not even need a CDRs counseling anymore since they sign the DA 4651. It also depends on where you are transferring to and if there is a common unit within the hierarchy, if you are transferring in the same brigade it could take a day if you are transferring within the division it could take a week. If all the paper is correct and put in the system in a timely manner it should not take long, if it is not correct it could take some time.