How do I reenlist for active duty after I ETS from the Army National Guard?

2024-04-28T08:44:29-04:00

I’m in the Army National Guard, my ETS is in December 2024. I want to enlist in Active Duty. What’s the process, and when can I start contacting an Active Duty recruiter and approximately how long takes the process ?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2024 10:24 AM

2024-04-28T10:24:11-04:00

Go talk to an active duty recruiter.

You can start the process now so you won't have a break in service or you can attempt a conditional release as others have mentioned and try to transition prior to your ETS. Since it is so close, it will be easier and less paperwork if you transfer after your NG ETS date.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2024 11:26 AM

2024-04-28T11:26:00-04:00

If you want to transfer NOW instead of waiting for December, you go speak with an Active Duty Recruiter. You'll fill out a DD Form 368, Request for Conditional Release, that will be sent up your entire Chain of Command (including TAG for your State). Depending on how open minded you are for getting a new MOS (or keeping the same), new rank (rare that NCOs keep their rank when going from Reserve/Guard to Active Duty), and choice of assignment (doubtful you'd get choice of assignment), from start to finish you're looking at 3-6 months.

If you wait until after you fully ETS from the Guard, you will go talk to an Active Duty Recruiter. No DD Form 368 needed. Start to finish, perhaps 2-3 months at max.

Common denominator is that yo need to speak with an Active Duty Recruiter that is nearest to your HOR.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2024 11:59 AM

2024-04-28T11:59:43-04:00

If you want to try for a conditional release, talk to a recruiter now, get the DD 368 submitted now. That process averages about six months and you might be able to contract with active duty in October or November.
Then provide that contract and new order back to your state, and hope they get the separation done so it doesn't impact your DEERS and Tricare on active duty.

Or you could just wait, contact a recruiter in October or November, have them start on a contract for the day after your ETS date. Then sign that contract on that day after your ETS.
That would be a month or two later than a conditional release, but less paperwork,

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 28 at 2024 3:55 PM

2024-04-28T15:55:30-04:00

All of your questions can be answered by a recruiter. They have the latest information and will be the ones to take action on everything required.

Response by SFC Barbara Layman made May 19 at 2024 6:47 AM

2024-05-19T06:47:27-04:00

Unless things have changed, your best bet is to apply for reassignment to the Active Duty component BEFORE you ETS from ARNG. Should you wait until after ETS, you would be classified as prior service and likely lose at least one pay grade
Speaking from my own personal experience, applying to Depart of the Army through your chain of command via DA From 4817, Request for Personnel Action, receive favorable endorsements from your chain of command, and the active component has a slot for you, chances are good. No guarantees, but possible. IF approved, you retain rank, date of rank, etc. with no break in service.
Your State ARNG would have to transfer you via NGB Form 22 to the Individual Ready Reserve effective one day and the Active Component would 'claim' the very next day. Effective dates must be on a weekday Monday-Friday, no weekend dates.
The process can take a few months - in my case 4, so the sooner you get started, the better.

BTW, be sure that your DA 4187 is accompanied by your lates APFT record, NCOER, military education completion, civilian education and a statement explaining why you wish this specific reassignment.

Good Luck