I am currently a 42A, 9 months in. Is it possible to switch from Reserves to Active Duty before your contract is up? If so, how?

5

0

Posted >1 y ago

You'll need a conditional release from the Reserve in order to pursue an AC enlistment. Both ends have to agree for it to work, and it typically has a six month or so process.
Bring a recruiter in to help grease the skids.

(5)

Comment

(0)

PFC (Join to see)

>1 y

Thank you for the information! Do you know if it is difficult to get approval to switch from Reserves and Active Duty? Also, does there have to be a specific reason that you want to switch?

(1)

Reply

(0)

1SG (Join to see)

>1 y

PFC (Join to see) - Not really difficult, it just takes a while. As for a reason, a memorandum with your reasons why you wish to go Active can help your cause and reduce the amount of questions you'll get along the way. Some commands (like mine) require it as part of the packet.

(0)

Reply

(0)

2

0

SSG (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

You will need to start speaking with recruiters and then you will have to get a conditional release from your unit. It’s not guaranteed so start the process early.

(2)

Comment

(0)

PFC (Join to see)

>1 y

Do I have to be in my unit for a certain amount of time before I start this process?

(1)

Reply

(0)

2d Lt (Join to see)

>1 y

PFC (Join to see) - No, you shouldn't have to be attached to them for a specific amount of time. Just know your enlistment incentives are out the window once this goes through.

(1)

Reply

(0)

SSG (Join to see)

>1 y

PFC (Join to see) Sorry I’m just seeing this comment. 2d Lt (Join to see) is definitely correct. If you got an enlistment bonus you will definitely lose any unpaid portions of it and will need to pay back what you’ve been paid already.

(1)

Reply

(0)

2

0

CW2 (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

A SOF Civil Affairs, Psyop, or SF packet is a sure way

(2)

Comment

(0)

1SG (Join to see)

>1 y

"It's a Trap!"
- Admiral Akbar

(2)

Reply

(0)

1

0

SGT (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

You'll first have to begin with a DD368 - Conditional Release form. You will need the recruiter to sign the "recruiter" portion, and you'll sign your portion. Each command is different and will require supplementary forms, such as a DA4187, some DA4856s(counselings from career counselor & company commander) and a memorandum stating your justification for the request. This Is the meat and potatoes of a conditional release, so some units may request more documentation or merely will require the DD368. Be aware that this can take super long and many people will be dragging around, so make sure to constantly request a status or else it will end up sitting at some CSMs desk for 5 months and eventually they'll have you redo the process because why not. If you have any more questions feel free to shoot away. I'm pretty familiar with the process since I have attempted to be released since 2015 to my avail, however I'm going to keep trying until I ETS this summer. Because why not. If you dont get approved, there are opportunities to go on Active Duty tours . Look up https://pfi.dod.mil , https://mobcop.army.mil, and the National Guard has their own site for opportunities ( I believe it's called GKO). You can also ask your training NCO since they usually have a lot of friends in other units. Good luck, and try to ignore those who will choose to make your life unnecessarily difficult simply for wanting to advance your career. It's your life so don't let them stop you!