How long does it take to switch from National Guard to Active Army? I know the steps just not the time frame.

2016-06-08T07:51:23-04:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 8:08 AM

2016-06-08T08:08:34-04:00

If the recruiter is on the ball, and there are no hiccups....shouldn't take more than a month or two, really.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 8:49 AM

2016-06-08T08:49:44-04:00

It can take anywhere from 1 month up to 3. I've seen both. It doesn't all rely on your recruiter. That's the easy part. It all depends on how fast your 201 (I believe that is the correct form) makes its way all the way up to HQ, and them comes all the way back down. Obviously this can take some time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 12:13 PM

2016-06-08T12:13:24-04:00

Few things need to happen.
1. you need to find out if your unit will let you leave. If not, there is nothing an Army Recruiter can do.
2. You need a letter of release from (i believe) a Flag officer
3. You need to get an Army Recruiter to start paperwork
4. You will likely need to go back to AIT. Occasionally you can keep your MOS.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jun 8 at 2016 3:46 PM

2016-06-08T15:46:28-04:00

How long it takes depends on how long the ARNG takes to approve the DD form 368 and DA 4187 for a conditional release. I have seen it take 2 days, and I have seen it take 2 years, and I have seen it never happen at all. Once you have that, then an Army Recruiter can begin processing. If you have less than 180 consecutive days of active service, including BCT/AIT, then the Army will consider you a DOS (Days of Service) applicant versus a full blown Prior Service. What that means to you is that you won't be subject to the same restrictions placed on Prior Service applicants, and will have more options.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 7:45 PM

2016-06-08T19:45:20-04:00

Honestly, I decided I wanted to join Active in December of 2014. I went to the recruiter on the 16th, and was shipping out to in process on the 31st. So it truly depends on your unit you're currently in. once the paperwork is back, you can be gone within days if you want to.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 4:49 AM

2016-06-09T04:49:19-04:00

It all depends on your state. I was a recruiter in NJ, and the state did not ever approve release of NG soldiers. I had lots of applicants from the NG too. I couldn't do anything without that paperwork being signed off.