How should I address my National Guard Interstate Transfer issues?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 04:15:39 -0400

So after 5 years active duty my contract ended and i decided to enlist in the guard since i was going to GA and didnt think i was going to move out of GA for a long time especially since i was finishing up atleast 2 years of school. First thing that happen it took forever for me to even start drill cuz my paperwork was done wrong but eventually like 4 months later i started drill...school was close to being over but i was having a hard time being able to find a job in GA and having a place to stay so after my second drill which was in Dec i went back home to NYC for the holidays to try and figure out with my folks a game plan to stay in GA. Since school had ended i was basically homeless cuz i was staying in the dorms and Post 9/11 was not able to cover my housing and i had bills like car note, insurance..life basically..My mom suggested i move back to NYC and live with her. So after careful thought when i got back to GA i called my SGT and told him that i have no choice but to move back to NYC and i needed to move back ASAP cause i had my stuff at a friends house and he needed it gone and i needed to enroll in school in NYC. I didnt get any equipment yet so it was pretty simple..so i thought..i talked to the Readiness NCO he said he would my paperwork to IST and i should hear from them. I waited a month no word..so i called NY IST..no answer..left messages..called GA IST no answer left messages sent emails..called units in my area..no answer left messages..another month went by..same routine..finally 3rd month got in touch with GA IST..he hasnt recieved the paperwork but he said he would contact the readiness NCO in GA and get back to me..overall its been 5 months since i left GA and nothing..

I understand the way i left was sudden by my living circumstances were bad to the point i could not afford to live in GA any longer than i had to and securing school in NYC was a must. Now i have literally done everything i could barring going to a actual base which i tried to do by getting in contact with Guard recruiters to find out contact and work hours for units but nothing..

Does it normally take this long? Am i at risk for AWOL status?..what is going on with this IST? Its just leaving a bad taste in my mouth with the Guard

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 6:12 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 06:12:56 -0400

I can't speak for GA or NY Guard, as it would vary state to state. You are at risk for AWOL and you need to document everything. Email is your friend. Continue to bug your assigned unit until you are officially released from state control.

Response by SFC(P) Jonathan P. made May 24 at 2016 7:35 AM

SFC(P) Jonathan P. — Tue, 24 May 2016 07:35:08 -0400

If you need to contact people in New York I can provide with some contacts, most importantly you can contact fort Hamilton recruiters to get an update or you can look up Dmna.ny.gov it has the resources you need to find out about your IST status and track it down.

Good luck man !

Response by SPC Geoffrey Jenkins made May 24 at 2016 10:31 AM

SPC Geoffrey Jenkins — Tue, 24 May 2016 10:31:34 -0400

Your command is truly fucked up my friend,I would have went to the Army adjutant general after
all that.But use the chain of command first if you don't get an answer right away,

Response by SFC J Fullerton made May 24 at 2016 11:07 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 24 May 2016 11:07:11 -0400

The thing about the ARNG is that it is state organization versus federal. You belong to the GA ARNG, they own your contract. Its not that simple to transfer to another state, although not impossible if the state cooperates. Worst case is they tag you an unsat participant and put you back in the IRR if you have MSO remaining. You can ask to be released from your contract as well, but that can be complicated if you received any bonuses or other incentives. Same would apply in an intra state transfer, as GA paid it. The Army Reserve is different in that your contract is not bound to a state, making it much easier to transfer out of state.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 1:42 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 13:42:11 -0400

Thanks guy im definitely taking all your advice

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 9:04 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 09:04:39 -0400

An enlisted IST is fairly simple for GA, especially if you have already moved due to job, school, or hardship. Being able to provide your school enrollment paperwork will help tremendously. Who is it that you've reached out to or contacted with GA IST? Your MACOM rep is your best ally with this. Send me a direct message and I will assist you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2016 12:06 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 12:06:22 -0500

I wish I had seen this post months ago as I've been through the process within the last couple of years. How did everything turn out for you SPC Private RallyPoint Member ?