How long does the process for transitioning to active duty recruiting take?

The timeline for you pinning on Sgt, dropping a package, approval, school and assignment will take the better part of a year. I don't see you making that happen before June or July. Even if you were currently a Sgt already that wouldn't be a guarantee. I would also come to terms wit the fact that even if you go on Recruiting as a volunteer you may not end up "back home". You could be sent anywhere depending on the needs of the Job. Good Luck

You know you aren't guaranteed to be closer to home right? You may end up even further away.

You absolutely will not be settled in by then. You have to first make the rank of SGT, drop your packet and wait for approval. Right now 11Bs are being pulled from the recruiting course because the force needs them. Even if you drop a packet and it gets approved, your branch has to agree to release you. Not a good chance of that right now. If it did, you’d not go to school until 4-5 months later and wouldn’t report until a few months after that. You’re looking at a tight timeline with a lot that needs to happen first. And lastly, just because you volunteer, that doesn’t mean you’ll get to pick your assignment. USAREC works just like big Army does, you’ll be placed where you’re needed. I honestly wouldn’t make this move if I were you. Find the nearest Army installation near your family and try for an assignment there.