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

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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 (Join to see)

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.

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.