How long does it take to switch from the Guard to Active Duty? (New enlistee)

2016-01-12T08:39:05-05:00

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.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 8:56 AM

2016-01-12T08:56:57-05:00

Well, uhh, talk to your readiness NCO, if at all possible, talk to your commander and CSM, and also, get ahold of a active recruiter. The process at your level might be more complicated since you are new to the service. Might also be a different process that I because of state requirements. Get the requirements from your readiness NCO the, if they're willing to help, they'll guide you through the process. And that's all if active will take you. It could require a tainting a different MOS etc. You havany a hoop to jump through and many people to talk to. We're talking leads, letters of recommendation, and the like.
Good luck, I've tried it.
Some advice from a soldier who's tried it, see what the guard can do for you concerning AGR slots and the like before concerning yourself with active duty. Besides, you need to remember that the state just spent alot of money on you to go through basic and AIT, they may not wanna let you go for a few years.

Hope this helps. Just keep bugging them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 9:07 AM

2016-01-12T09:07:22-05:00

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.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 9:34 AM

2016-01-12T09:34:24-05:00

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.

Response by SPC Ashley Nelms made Jan 12 at 2016 9:57 AM

2016-01-12T09:57:47-05:00

I highly encourage you to take a look at considering Active Duty Operational Support (ADOS) or Active Guard Reserve vacancies within your state.

This gives you the ability to be active duty, but retain your National Guard status, so if you do not like your active duty post, or you would rather go back to guard weekends, you have that choice. ADOS is usually for about a hundred and eighty days, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the mission. This can be extended for up to 3 years (I believe) in the same position.

In my experience, most often after 3 years on ADOS orders, soldiers are offered an AGR position, allowing you to do 20 years active duty.

I recommend looking up the Arkansas J1 for the State, which is the personnel group who could help you understand your options within the guard since you are already enlisted. The only other way to switch over to real active duty is to request a conditional release from the guard in order to enlist into the regular army. This is a very lengthy process, and it becomes difficult because not many people want to do all the paperwork. You'll have to do a lot of the work yourself. Stay on top of it. Take charge of your career and you will thrive! Always treat people as you would like to be treated! Good luck! Hope this helps! Please feel free to ask me if any other questions, I worked full time for the National Guard Bureau for very many years and I also worked at the headquarters in the state also. Thanks!

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jan 12 at 2016 10:14 AM

2016-01-12T10:14:40-05:00

Talk to an Active Duty recruiter now. You can actually go into the Regular Army before attending AIT and you will be saving your State some money. Still need a 368 from your unit, so you may want to talk to your Unit Commander now.

Response by SFC Adam Potter made Jan 12 at 2016 10:15 AM

2016-01-12T10:15:56-05:00

SSG Slover is correct, you will need to turn in a completed DD 368 & a 4187. The ARNG must approve this form for you to go to active duty. When I was in recruiting, I did get a couple split options from the guard, and they were released prior to going active duty. Keep in mind, Units and States can have different policies in regards to releasing members. "Typically" guard members need to be in their units for a minimum of 6 months after completion of training. An Active duty recruiter should know what the policies are for getting members released. Some scenarios where there have been exceptions to policy is if the service member was in a hardship type of scenario financial hardship. If you really wanted to push the issue and obtain a release, write your congressman. It's an extreme measure, however I have seen it work as well.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 10:20 AM

2016-01-12T10:20:00-05:00

Go to your local Army recruiter and fill out a 368 (Request for conditional release) it's up to your Guard unit if they will release you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 10:28 AM

2016-01-12T10:28:05-05:00

Are you currently drilling with your RSP unit or your actual unit?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 10:56 AM

2016-01-12T10:56:56-05:00

You will have to get your ideas together in a mature way to explain to your leaders why the switch is in the best interest of the Army, and you career wise. After the discussion and their verbal approval, go to your local recruiter and explain to him your goals as if you have never spoken to a recruiter before, then he'll give you what is called DD FORM 368 request for conditional release form to be signed by your Battalion Commander. PFC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 5:11 PM

2016-01-12T17:11:40-05:00

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

Prior Service Business Rules

The Prior Service Business Rules acts as a guide for Soldiers who are interested in reenlisting in the regular Army.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Jan 12 at 2016 5:42 PM

2016-01-12T17:42:11-05:00

First you have to be released by your currently assigned commander. Then I think the only thing holding you back is the documents you need to complete and sign to go active. Someone correct me if I am wrong about this.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 6:43 PM

2016-01-12T18:43:30-05:00

Get a DA form 368 from a Active Duty recruiter take it up through the chain of command (properly) if your company commander signs off on it, it will go up to battalion then brigade then to state. At that point the TAG has to make the decision whether to release you or not then it will trickle back down and you'll get your answer.

Response by 1LT Ryan Millican made Jan 12 at 2016 8:04 PM

2016-01-12T20:04:14-05:00

PFC Private RallyPoint Member everyone has given you great advice on here, listen to SSG Private RallyPoint Member and MSG Brad Sand, they know what are talking about. I've had the great opportunity to be given advice by MSG Sand and he's a great resource. Just remember, this isn't going to happen overnight, expect to fight and push, but more than likely eventually it'll happen. It might end up having to go all the way up to your state's TAG but when it makes it that far be grateful. I don't know enough about this kinda stuff but I do know a bit about the political arena, and in the Army it's a pain. Good luck and hope you make it there.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 9:39 PM

2016-01-12T21:39:19-05:00

I am currently doin this such thing it's like a year long process. But something you can do when you get back is try and go agr. Active gaurd reserve. Which is a full time gaurd job while at your unit. It's the same thing you just go home to your family everynighy

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 10:32 PM

2016-01-12T22:32:01-05:00

So your graduating high school this spring? How do you already know the NG isn't for you? Don't think that your RSP drills are what you'll be doing for your actual drill weekends. And if you get some rank, you'll become eligible for ADOS or AGR slots. That's really the way to go if you can stick it out.

Response by SFC Eric Williams made Jan 13 at 2016 12:55 AM

2016-01-13T00:55:28-05:00

To cover all bases and with a diligent Revruiter about 30days, provided prior Service slots are available. Good luck

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 11:56 AM

2016-01-13T11:56:09-05:00

I could give you plenty of advice, different routes, but you will need first to understand that it will be depending on your COC, if they will release you.

Response by PO2 Nathan Meyer made Jan 13 at 2016 2:23 PM

2016-01-13T14:23:24-05:00

I had the same bright idea when I was split ops, but I am indecisive so my opinion changed after a week. So, I went to a regular army recruiter. He told me it was relatively simple because I wasn't under the prior service rules, and I would need to do all of the conditional release stuff, but I wouldn't be held to the SF candidates only rule at the time. So, I talked to my guard recruiter. He talked to RSP and they said no.

So, I don't really know if it was really my decision, but it adds to the story.

Response by 2LT Earl Dean made Jan 14 at 2016 12:46 PM

2016-01-14T12:46:24-05:00

Back in the day! The last day of basic they would ask if anyone wants to go active. But with cut backs and stuff your better off going to the recruiter

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 4:08 PM

2016-01-14T16:08:24-05:00

I went to BCT in 2012 and had the same realization. It is now 2015 and 3 conditional releases later, I have yet to be switched over. The process is long at first and fairly easy if you have to do more than one conditional release. You have to get a conditional release from an active duty recruiter then your commander signs it. It will stay in place for 6 months. After 6 months, if you haven't switched over then all you have to do is go back to the recruiter and have he/she write a memo stating why you haven't been switched over and it will be extended. You have to see if you are eligible as well. You are now considered prior service so their focus is more so on new civilians off of the street. It's all based off of your MOS and any qualifications that you may have like Airborne.

I have even gone as far as looking into switching branches just to go active and then at some point switch back over to the Army. It can be a frustrating process, as there are what's called "business rules" that states the needs for the Army and prior service soldiers. Don't give up though. It's also easier for junior enlisted and they may say that you will have to be busted down a rank. Same thing if you switch to another branch. I know that for the AF, if I want to switch over I would have to come in as an E3. That was an automatic NO GO for me.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 4:33 PM

2016-01-14T16:33:46-05:00

When you are in AIT, talk to your Career Counselor and they will give you the tools. It is easier in IET to do this than form a unit once you are already MOS-T

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 5:22 PM

2016-01-14T17:22:40-05:00

You've probably already seen the steps but it takes a while.....lol

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 8:28 PM

2016-01-14T20:28:04-05:00

It is really up to your unit, if your unit is willing to give you a condition of release to go Active then its possible.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 4:47 PM

2016-01-15T16:47:37-05:00

SSG Slover's answer is pretty spot on. See an Active Duty recruiter to find out your options first, then begin the transfer request process with the full time staff of the unit you enlisted with. Your state's TAG is not obligated to release you to the Active Army. It is possible, but usually takes a few months.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2016 11:39 AM

2016-01-29T11:39:54-05:00

If you want active duty, I would go to an active duty recruiter right now. Its a lot easier before you finish AIT to go active to my understanding. Once you are no longer a IET soldier your state probably wont release you.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 12:35 PM

2016-02-16T12:35:36-05:00

PFC,
Did you receive a bonus? Have you spoken to an active duty recruiter? And have you applied for a conditional release through your unit? Keep in mind, you will need to enlist for four years on active duty. Good luck to you.
-MSG Reeve

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 2:33 PM

2016-02-19T14:33:51-05:00

Ok, you have some other information in your post that you didn't have before. You need to go speak to an active duty recruiter ASAP. You need a conditional release from your organization. If the Guard releases you, then you can transfer over to Active Duty. This can take some time so you need to do all this sooner rather than later.
1. Talk to AD recruiter.
2. Apply for conditional release through your unit.
3. Prepare a formal letter to your chain of command explaining your circumstances and why you want to transfer from the guard to active duty. You will need this for the conditional release.
4. Hurry up and wait, but frequently follow up with both your unit and active duty recruiter.
Go fourth and conquer...

Response by SFC Eric Buss made Feb 19 at 2016 4:11 PM

2016-02-19T16:11:21-05:00

I see a lot of new Soldiers that immediately come to the Unit wanting this very same thing. Hell, I was one of them. SSG Slover hit on exactly what I tell them when asked for a conditional release. 99% of the Soldiers just want a job in this hard economy, or to get out from under their parents roof easier and immediately.

Couple things to think about:
1) RSP is nothing like your future Unit.
2) More than likely, the State will not want to lose you. You are the future and already filling a slot to help the Unit. They have already programmed your AIT slot. If you don't go and they can't fill the slot, the State may be reduced the number of slots the next year. Your attendance effects future slots available.
3) Be a hard-charger when you get to your new Unit. KEEP YOUR MOTIVATION! I've personally witnessed a bad apple rot the whole bunch when I was a PFC. When I read the names of RSP Soldiers on my UMR, I can't help but think, "please don't be a POS." When they show and they're excited to train, I'm excited to teach. That SM will be my go-to when a training opportunity arises, especially the cool ones overseas.
4) You're going to be a 42A. Lots of Federal Technician job opportunities, not only in your state, but on USA Jobs. If you apply and accept a job with another state that posted a nationwide job, Arkansas has to let you go.
5) You're going to be a 42A...it's not exciting, but you are highly needed for the behind-the-scenes work.

I was once told, "You get out of it what you put into it." If you think it sucks, it will. Personal attitude makes or breaks your career. Good luck.

Response by SFC Eric Buss made Feb 19 at 2016 4:11 PM

2016-02-19T16:11:39-05:00

I see a lot of new Soldiers that immediately come to the Unit wanting this very same thing. Hell, I was one of them. SSG Slover hit on exactly what I tell them when asked for a conditional release. 99% of the Soldiers just want a job in this hard economy, or to get out from under their parents roof easier and immediately.

Couple things to think about:
1) RSP is nothing like your future Unit.
2) More than likely, the State will not want to lose you. You are the future and already filling a slot to help the Unit. They have already programmed your AIT slot. If you don't go and they can't fill the slot, the State may be reduced the number of slots the next year. Your attendance effects future slots available.
3) Be a hard-charger when you get to your new Unit. KEEP YOUR MOTIVATION! I've personally witnessed a bad apple rot the whole bunch when I was a PFC. When I read the names of RSP Soldiers on my UMR, I can't help but think, "please don't be a POS." When they show and they're excited to train, I'm excited to teach. That SM will be my go-to when a training opportunity arises, especially the cool ones overseas.
4) You're going to be a 42A. Lots of Federal Technician job opportunities, not only in your state, but on USA Jobs. If you apply and accept a job with another state that posted a nationwide job, Arkansas has to let you go.
5) You're going to be a 42A...it's not exciting, but you are highly needed for the behind-the-scenes work.
6) The civilian world isn't easy. If you can get experience, be it Guard or Active, use it to your advantage. If you are going Active cause life is simpler, rethink what you want to get out of it.

I was once told, "You get out of it what you put into it. If you think it sucks, it will." Personal attitude makes or breaks your career, be it civilian or military. Good luck.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 1:50 AM

2016-02-22T01:50:57-05:00

You can check for Active Guard Reserve (AGR) jobs in Arkansas by going here:
http://www.arguard.org/hro/staffing/agrarmy/armyagrhro.htm#POSITION_TITLE
AGR is full time active duty national guard. You made a commitment to the guard; you owe it to them not to have them waste their investment. With AGR, you can get the best of both worlds: 1) Let the guard get a return on their investment 2) Go active duty

Arkansas National Guard Human Resources ARMY AGR Positions Page

::Army AGR ::Air AGR ::Army Technician ::Air Technician ::Operational Support/ADOS ::Mobilization Augmentee ::Other Job Opportunities

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 1:01 PM

2016-05-25T13:01:18-04:00

Talk with your Guard recruiter and ask them to help facilitate the move to active duty. If they are worth their salt they will put you in touch with a good recruiter and help you as much as they can get you through the process. Depending on what you want and what the active component is looking for it can be quick or a long process. Stay motivated. If it is what you want it will be worth it in the end. Good luck.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2017 11:32 AM

2017-02-12T11:32:15-05:00

Won't happen. The guard just dropped tons of money on you