How was your experience transferring from the ARNG to USAR?

2015-04-06T16:07:29-04:00

Currently I am researching a possible transfer to the USAR from the ARNG and am interested in the experiences of others regarding this topic.

For those who have done this: how has the process worked, be it a conditional release or transfer to the IRR->4187->TPU. Are there any tips or possible pitfalls I should be aware of?

Post transfer, are you glad you made the decision?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 4:10 PM

2015-04-06T16:10:46-04:00

What State are you in and what is your MOS?

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Apr 6 at 2015 4:15 PM

2015-04-06T16:15:03-04:00

What is the goal behind this transfer? I know that many of the reasons to do this include promotions or positions that do not exist in the National Guard.

More details please.

Response by LTC Jon Bateman made Apr 6 at 2015 4:18 PM

2015-04-06T16:18:29-04:00

It is important for you to know that this is not viewed as a transfer, but a release and a new enlistment. If you are receiving any kind of VA benefits that are contingent on you being in a unit, these benefits will go into turmoil while all the paperwork gets sorted out. Finally, it is very important that you receive a copy of your NGB points record and monitor your points after the transfer. If your points are hosed up, at least you have the document to get them corrected. Good luck!

Response by LTC Bryan Wood made Apr 6 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-04-06T16:19:42-04:00

Best move I ever made. I was in the Utah Army National Guard as a 31A. The only 31A slots were in the MEB. I needed S-3 and XO time to be able to make O-5. The number of 01A S-3 or XO slots available to me were very limited and I would be competing with a state full of Arty, Intel, Eng and SF officers. I made the switch in 2013 and I have already been a BN 3 and XO and now I am on the DIV staff. For me as an officer it was the best move. I get $300 in travel reimbursement for my air fare because I drill more than 100 miles from my home and I get Lodging in Kind so lodging costs me nothing. I have to pay for my meals anyway so I am not out a thing. For me it was a success.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Apr 6 at 2015 4:25 PM

2015-04-06T16:25:14-04:00

I have known soldiers that have transferred from the NG to USAR, and the only problem that they had was the issue of critical MOS and NG benefits that they had to either give up or lose. So hopefully the USAR has a need of your MOS, because that is the key.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-04-06T16:34:05-04:00

I was in your position more than 8 years ago when I made the switch for the Guard to the Reserve. I had completed my 6x2 obligation with the guard, and was unsure what I wanted to do afterwards as I went into the IRR.

Transitioning from the IRR into the Reserves was easy. Not much paperwork involved with it, but it has been awhile and things have changed. Ensure that you're not flagged in anyway prior to your transfer or the Reserve will not accept you.

I know your area and I know the retention NCO in that area as I had lived in Madison myself years ago. Your best bet is to go physically to the reserve center in your area and knock on retention's door.

Retention NCOs (in general) shouldn't try and sell you anything extravagent as you're already in the Army. They shouldn't have to exagerate.

You're most likely going to need to reclass to a MOS in the Reserves. Be prepared to go to school in six months for your new job.

I am glad I made the transition as I wouldn't be where I am at today. There are benefits to both sides of fence. I wouldn't have gone to Germany in a AT status in the Reserves, but I wouldn't have my position if I wasn't in the Reserves either.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Apr 6 at 2015 5:30 PM

2015-04-06T17:30:02-04:00

For me, without going into details, I believe that it was the second best decision in my career. (The first was to get out of the IRR and into a slot as an AR PL).

As far as my process, not a lot of help. I resigned my ARNG commission (but not my reserve one). As such, I immediately reverted to the IRR and then found a unit to join. I had no statutory obligation, so most of the hoops just didn't matter.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 5:34 PM

2015-04-06T17:34:41-04:00

Like SSG Private RallyPoint Member and CPT Zachary Brooks, I am not going to try to persuade you one way or another; I just want to ensure that:

1.) the decision you make is the right decision for both you and your career; and

2.) you are aware of the pros and cons of each option you are contemplating at this point.

As SSG Riley and I can both attest, and you are apparently already aware, there are numerous opportunities within the USAR across Wisconsin. The $64,000.00 question is, are they a good fit for you?

Is leaving the ARNG family really in your best interest at this time? Where do you stand on tuition assistance? Is this a factor for you? May it be in the future? I know for a fact that the WIARNG offers some of the very best benefits in the nation. I also happen to know that leaving the WIARNG for the USAR is regarded as a bell that cannot be un-rung. I have a brother in-law who is an AGR Officer down at STARC in Madison, and we compare note and talk a lot of shop during deer season, fishing trips, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. Soldiers and Airmen may leave the WIARNG for a neighboring state for promotion purposes or to fill a critical vacancy in which Wisconsin is not short, but to leave for the USAR is akin to leaving the Army altogether; if not in fact a little worse!

Here is a Retention NCO I know down at McCoy. He is an outstanding individual; he'll answer your questions honestly. SFC Douglas Shrewsbury.

In the meantime, follow CPT B's advice and do your homework on the Guard side of the house as well.

Think before you jump! When and if you do jump, make sure you have no doubts in your heart or on your mind!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 7:25 PM

2015-04-06T19:25:07-04:00

As was stated earlier, you'll be discharged from the NG and enlist in the USAR.

Fairly smooth process for me. I got a conditional release, and was honorably discharged once I enlisted in the reserves. My discharge was pending my enlistment, and was made effective one day prior to my enlistment date.

Best move I could have made. Advancement is easier, since you're not confined to your state.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 8:47 PM

2015-04-06T20:47:00-04:00

For me I was going to ETS after 18 years in NG and decided not to finish with them because I was looking for my E7. Best move I ever made. Made E7 three years after. Too much red tape in NG. USAR is the best way to go based on my experience and opinion.

Response by MAJ Monique Ruiz made Apr 6 at 2015 11:08 PM

2015-04-06T23:08:11-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member In conversations with other SMs, the USAR has better opportunities for officers and ARNG is better for enlisted. I'm curious about what you are looking for and what you need support with.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Apr 6 at 2015 11:08 PM

2015-04-06T23:08:30-04:00

Be careful before you transfer, you may have state tuition or other state benefits you are depending on that you will LOSE when you transfer to the Reserve system.

I transferred from the KYNG to the Army Reserve in 1990 because my job took me out of KY, I spent my last 25 years in the Army Reserve and enjoy it as well. What I love about the KY Guard is the pride of a state organization and the emphasis traditional combat arms units and functions. What I love about the Army Reserve is the ability to advance into more promotional opportunities in combat support and movement between major commands much more easily done than in the Guard system.

I summarize it as the Guard is best when you are early in your career and the Reserves mid and late career. Research your decision and check with the local Reserve recruiting command to make sure the Reserve system has open slots in your MOS. If you are combat arms, the Reserve system has very few.

Response by SPC Steven Nihipali made Apr 6 at 2015 11:53 PM

2015-04-06T23:53:01-04:00

I went backwards and regret it every day. Reserves are the way to go and stay!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 2:37 AM

2015-04-07T02:37:37-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member It was a huge pain in the ass, but it was all worth it in the end. My unit would not let me submit my DD 368 until I moved overseas. From there it normally takes 2-3 months to run through your chain of command. Unfortunately the Guard accidentally discharged me completely instead of putting me in the IRR. That took more time to revert orders, get everything back on track, etc. It was a 7 month process.

Since then though I've been fortunate to put in more points being in the IRR than ARNG through ADOS-RC. Also, it alllows me to work in different areas where personnel shortages are needed. At the same time, it gives me an opportunity to search for DIMA positions.

Just make sure you stay on them throughout the process and your paperwork is done properly.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 7:49 AM

2015-04-07T07:49:14-04:00

I did mine when I hit my ETS and went to the IRR. Should've done it before. The Guard didn't afford many chances to hone my job skills.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Apr 7 at 2015 10:38 AM

2015-04-07T10:38:50-04:00

IMHO, being in the USAR is much closer to Active Duty than the ARNG. Now, having said that, I attach two important caveats: (1) If you want combat arms, then ARNG is the only place on the reserve side of the house for your career progression, and the old-boy network is part of the deal (2) If you want career progression regardless of MOS, then USAR is probably the better bet.

Know, also, that you must let your ARNG enlistment expire before re-enlisting in the USAR. Whatever you do, don't forget that NGB-22. It's critical

All in all, switching to USAR was a master stroke, though I didn't know it at the time.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 7 at 2015 12:16 PM

2015-04-07T12:16:13-04:00

It was many moons ago for me, but it went very smooth. I got all the vital info from the gaining unit, handed it to the UA from my loosing unit and that was it. I never had a break in pay, points or anything.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 1:40 PM

2015-04-07T13:40:39-04:00

It was a seamless process for me. I initiated it for a couple of reasons. I was an AG Officer in the MNANG and wanted to get command time and promoted to CPT. There were plenty of opportunities for both in the USAR, so it was a no brainier for me. As for the difficulty one might face, it all depends on how quickly your state processes your release. If their no's are low for your mos, good luck. But the USAR will get it done as soon as your state releases you. It was the best move I could have made, personally and professionally!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 7:17 PM

2015-04-07T19:17:00-04:00

I am currently in the process of transferring from the KYNG back to Active Duty. The hardest part so far has been the waiting for my state to approve my release. The process itself is really easy to do.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 8:06 PM

2015-04-07T20:06:04-04:00

I transfered from active Marine Corps to USAR. Big change. But due to different branches

Response by CPT Patrick M. made Apr 8 at 2015 4:08 PM

2015-04-08T16:08:03-04:00

ACRONYMS!!! For the SAME thing. Its weird.
NGAR - Drill Weekend
USAR - BA (battle assembly)
NGAR - AT (annual training)
USAR - ECT (extended combat training)

There's more, but I can't remember most.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 5:15 PM

2015-04-08T17:15:51-04:00

Documentation. Documentation. Documentation. All transfer situations are slightly different and each state may have their own process for release via the 368. As a recent transfer from NG to USAR, my experience was rough and errors are still being corrected. It is a transfer, first to the Reserve Reinforcement Control Group (aka IRR) then a transfer to your new unit. If the NG discharges you, it can screw up your BASD, PEBD, DIEMS, IERS, retirement points and a myriad of other issues that take UAs like me months to straighten out. That said, I have witnessed flawless transfers as well. Just make sure you have a copy of everything and that pertinent promotion, enlistment contracts, ADT orders, 1059s and awards are in your iPERMS and that you also have a copy in your own binder/file. Good luck and feel free to reach out if you have troubles.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 2:47 PM

2015-04-15T14:47:47-04:00

I went from the USAR in one state to the DCARNG. The unit I went to was fine. The overall command climate was not. there was CSM who seemed to have the feeling that he was the puppet master controlling every single career of all the enlisted members. So people were moved around for no apparent reason but the excuse was "needs of the Army." I retired from there and nearly 18 months later went back to the USAR, because I needed the drill pay.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2015 1:46 PM

2015-04-20T13:46:11-04:00

Hello SGT,
My experience was quite simple. I transferred from the FL National Guard to Active Duty. recruiters told me that if you had less than 3 years time in service you could transfer right in over after Approval from your COC allowing you to transition via a 368 conditional release. This takes about 1-4 months to be approved by the first general officer in your COC although some make take longer or shorter this was just my experience. Everthing was based on slots so depending on your Mos is how you will be picked. So basically
1. Approval from COC
2. 368 Conditional Release
3. Bug the hell out of recruiters! Even though at the time I was only in a year and few months they kept dodging the paperwork.
4. Find a slot for your Mos (unless you know another language then you can reclass)
5. Then you will go back to meps and resign your contract and get your report date.
I hope this helps!
PFC Shupe

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 2:32 AM

2015-04-21T02:32:35-04:00

The best decision I ever made. I liked Compo 1, and upon leaving Compo 1 I entered the NG and completed my enlistment. I re-enlisted into the USAR as a TPU and found the happy medium I was looking for. Sure, I had to get another MOS, but that's what I wanted. I commissioned into the same unit I re-enlisted into from the NG. Just make sure they have what you are looking for, which for me was opportunities for advancement, among other things.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2015 10:29 PM

2015-04-27T22:29:12-04:00

As a previous member of the NG, I was happy to make the switch. It took me a long time to get promoted and if I needed to get training, even longer, due to funding. Thought to process was somewhat painstaking, I'm happy I did. It was like starting all over again because I had to go over to MEPS and it felt like I was starting over but once I was sworn in, it was over and as if I never was even out of the military. One note to think about, if your command support your move, it should go-smoothly, however, if they don't the process can it take a long time. Best of luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2015 11:41 PM

2015-04-27T23:41:13-04:00

You need to makes sure that you are past your 6 year contractual obligation first. Then if you have conducted a reenlistment for bonus you may have to pay that back. If not request a transfer to the irr this will take a few months with most ng commands. After that you can transfer a reseve unit. Make sure what you want to do, and that the unit can afford to send you. Yes I was in the ng for over 5 years and went Army reserve good choice.

Response by MSG Leslie Clark Ramsbacher made Apr 30 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-04-30T15:35:11-04:00

I have had good experiences and poor.. Really depends on the Command and the State. It really comes down to what you make it

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 8:56 AM

2015-05-10T08:56:21-04:00

The transition USAR from the ARNG was a smooth one for me. I was on ETS after serving 18 years NJNG. It was the smartest and best move I ever made. My main reason was promotion to the next level and I could not find it at NJNG, but I did find it in USAR. In my opinion, don't become stagnant and move around till you find what makes YOU happy.