Posted on Jan 12, 2016
How long does it take to switch from the Guard to Active Duty? (New enlistee)
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I am a split option and so I went to basic the previous summer and once I graduate high school I will go to AIT. I'll get back in September from AIT and I will got to my unit in November. I realized that the National Guard isn't for me and so I want to go Active Duty. How long to I have to wait to go Active? What do I have to do to go Active? I keep getting told different things and so now I am even more confused more than ever.
Army National Guard
79R: Recruiter
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 32
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Couple of things.
1) You need to talk to an active duty recruiter to make sure you are eligible. That is generally the first step.
2) If you are eligible you must apply for a conditional release from the National Guard (DD Form 368). This is not automatic and will be subject to Arkansas's enlisted numbers as of this time. If they are below strength it will be much more difficult than if they are above.
Other than that, if you aren't released, you will have to wait until your initial enlistment is up and then talk to an active duty recruiter as you get close to your ETS date.
Don't get upset if you are told no initially. You have to understand that you signed a contract and the state of Arkansas just spent a lot of money sending you to basic and possibly AIT.
Good luck though!
Side note: You are a 42A and they are a highly used MOS for AGR (Active) in the Guard. It is similar to active duty in that you are paid active duty pay+BAH based on your rank but you still work for the National Guard.
1) You need to talk to an active duty recruiter to make sure you are eligible. That is generally the first step.
2) If you are eligible you must apply for a conditional release from the National Guard (DD Form 368). This is not automatic and will be subject to Arkansas's enlisted numbers as of this time. If they are below strength it will be much more difficult than if they are above.
Other than that, if you aren't released, you will have to wait until your initial enlistment is up and then talk to an active duty recruiter as you get close to your ETS date.
Don't get upset if you are told no initially. You have to understand that you signed a contract and the state of Arkansas just spent a lot of money sending you to basic and possibly AIT.
Good luck though!
Side note: You are a 42A and they are a highly used MOS for AGR (Active) in the Guard. It is similar to active duty in that you are paid active duty pay+BAH based on your rank but you still work for the National Guard.
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CW3 Kevin Storm
Also keep in mind the Active Army may not need your particular MOS, and may have to send you to a different AIT to become MOSQ.
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LTC (Join to see)
Remember also that the Active Component is drawing down. You may have to wait awhile. Bottom line, buckle down and train hard, look for opportunities to excell. You'll get out of the Guard (and Active Duty) what you put in to it.
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SFC (Join to see)
I was active duty for five years before joining the Guard. I have now been in the Guard for 11 years have had lots of ups and downs and have been everything from Traditional, Temp Tech, Tech and now AGR. If you can get it AGR is the militaries best kept secret. Exactly the same pay and benefits without the multiple deployments and regular Army BS. Keep in mind though, the promotion system in the Guard is very different. I now have three MOS's so I can be able to get promoted. Literally in most cases someone has to die or retire for rank. Also you can be sent anywhere in the state they need you and if you say no you are out of the program.
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Please keep in mind that it is the Guard paying for your training, not big Army. Also, once you get to your unit do not act like you don't want to be there or gripe about how you'd rather be Active. Also, how the heck do you even know the Guard isn't for you? What specifically is it that you don't think is a good fit for you?
Things to keep in mind: Your unit has to agree to release you AND you need to have an Active unit that has a slot for you as well.
Things to keep in mind: Your unit has to agree to release you AND you need to have an Active unit that has a slot for you as well.
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This is something that is extremely difficult. First, your state will have to release. You are not promised to be released. You state can deny you for many reasons. I have see them take months at least. It is not a quick process. A lot of time a state will retain you for a certain frame due their cost of your training. If you do get the release it is only good if you sign the contract with Active Duty. You will have to look up the "Business Rules" of USAREC to see if they are taking soldiers with your MOS. The Army is down sizing. That means they don't have many slots they can't feel. I am not sure if you will be considered prior service yet or not. If you are considered prior service it will make it extremely different. I attached a link the rules that you will fall under.
Keep in mind that you can also try active duty positions in the National Guard. I am Active Duty at Fort Benning with the National Guard. You can look at "Tour of Duty" at MOBCOP. It is difficult for officers to make the jump but I found opportunities in the Guard.
http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/continue-serving/active-duty/prior-service-business-rules.html
Keep in mind that you can also try active duty positions in the National Guard. I am Active Duty at Fort Benning with the National Guard. You can look at "Tour of Duty" at MOBCOP. It is difficult for officers to make the jump but I found opportunities in the Guard.
http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/continue-serving/active-duty/prior-service-business-rules.html
The Prior Service Business Rules acts as a guide for Soldiers who are interested in reenlisting in the regular Army.
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SSG (Join to see)
Keep in mind as well that business rules change frequently between what categories are being accepted for accessions.
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