Posted on Aug 2, 2015
I am transitioning from IRR to ANG after being off AD for less than a year. Do I really have to go through MEPS again?
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Responses: 23
To my knowledge there should be no reason for you to go through MEPS again. Perhaps a physical, depending on the AFSC you're going for. For example, if you're going from a non flight position to a flight position, you may need a flight physical. Beyond that, I think you should be clear.
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Capt (Join to see)
I agree, I was on IRR after leaving AD for almost 2.5 years. Aside from some paperwork, it was smooth sailing. I hope the same goes for you! Welcome to the Guard :)
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Capt William Loux
Depends upon how good your recruiter is, I was IRR for over 5 years and then back to reserves and they gave me a horrible time. Told me I needed to have my annual health assessment completed first, then when I tried to schedule the assessment they said they couldn't because I wasn't in some computer system, I asked how to get into the computer system, they said you can't get into the computer system until you have your annual health assessment done.... no shit. I eventually had to fly to LA AFB (on my dime before I was brought back into reserves) and find some A1C who would do the annual health assessment on paper, and then fat finger me into their local system. Then they delayed the start of my security clearance paperwork for months so I couldn't work, then they sent out the person for the security interview and then 3 weeks later they sent someone else out, again, to do the same interview. I told them I just completed this 3 weeks ago and they said, oh well, I was sent here so lets do it again. Then because they delayed my paperwork for so long I only had a very limited time of actual duty for that fiscal year so when the put me up for major a few months after having been out of the AF for over 5 years I obviously did not make major. Since they also automatically put me up for major after I separated (never told me anything about that... I was out of the AF at the time) this meant that it was technically my second attempt at Major, so after spending all that time, money and effort I was told that I would be forcibly separated at the end of the fiscal year. Brilliant work AF.
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SMSgt Scott Buchwalter
I agree with all that has been said, it will also depend on the capabilities of your med grp and how fast they can process you. It may actually be far quicker and easier to get you in the unit if everything you need is done at MEPS.
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Lt Col (Join to see)
This should be something the local recruiter can work through the local medical group. Though if you have to go through MEPS, it should just be for the physical process.
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No ma'am you will just do a physical and medical stuff but not at MEPS I had a 11 year break and did not have to go back through MEPS again
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SSgt (Join to see)
Any doctor, as long as a Military doctor approves of the final report, bring a DD form 2808
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Ma am', If your break is greater than 180 days then yes you will need an entrance physical. ANG med groups are no longer authorized to do entrance physicals but some still do I believe. Otherwise you will need to go back through MEPS. Your local ANG recruiter will be your best resource and expert for local policy.
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Recruiting and retention can assist. I transitioned from AD to ANG after a 2 year break in service. Just contact the wing or unit recruiting office and they can assist.
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Capt Erin Mires
Thanks, David, they are actually the ones telling me that I have to, which just seems like a waste to me considering I've had to muster and provide medical documentation even during my 10 months of IRR.
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1st Lt (Join to see)
Are you changing AFSC's? Only thing I could think is AFOQT requirements or medical actions and that's the nearest facility. I'd call MEPS and see why you're being directed through them. I was prior enlisted when I went back and that was in 08 so processes may have changed. I literally swore back in threw my old BDUs on and showed up for the next drill.
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It used to be that MDG's could do enlistment physicals. This is no longer allowed and all enlistment physicals have to through MEPS. The MDG's can clear an applicant for transfer if they are within 180 days of separation from active duty and have the required documentation. Anything over 180 days, unfortunately has to go back to MEPS.
Any Air National Guard Recruiter can confirm this.
Good news is, MEPS should treat you better and give you priority since you are prior service. You're experience should be much better than the first time. (Although still not ideal) Good Luck!
Any Air National Guard Recruiter can confirm this.
Good news is, MEPS should treat you better and give you priority since you are prior service. You're experience should be much better than the first time. (Although still not ideal) Good Luck!
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MEPS is the new name for induction center. Need to have them stay busy to keep in business so as to be ready if draft has to restart. Naturally, the services are guna send everyone possible to them.
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yes, I had NO break in service between my commission and my enlistment and still had to go through the entire meps process..
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Typically in the Air Guard you receive a physical every five years unless you are in flight status. Then it is every year. Unless there was something they are concerned about I am not sure why you would have to. It may be the recruiter who is trying to make their numbers look better by having you go through MEPS and there may not be another entity near your guard base that can perform a physical.
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KY ANG has a great flying unit and like many others have commented, the best course of action is to contact the Wing's recruiting office directly. Do you know anyone who is stationed at that base--would be helpful?
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Yes you have had a break in service and you medical status must be verified.
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It depends on if your last AF physical is within a certain time frame. That is what i recall, but some standards change
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Capt Erin Mires, that may depend on what your duty status will be in the ANG. Normally your local medical group can handle the entire process. If you are going AGR, that may not be sufficient. I transitioned from AD to AFRES to ANG without having to go through MEPS, but when I was selected for an AGR tour, I had to go through the entire entry process at MEPS. Amazingly, the same doc that did my initial BMT physical 15 years earlier did my second exam at the ripe age of 84!
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I didn't have to. But I'm also not getting paid, nor do I have a CAC... I guess it takes 3-4 months before you're transferred to the guard from the ready reserves. I would say it's not worth it, I shouldn't have gone guard.
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MSgt Hal Weeden, MBA
Be patient, SrA Geoffrey Ward. If you are not getting paid, that means you have not been fully gained by Personnel. Your pay will catch up to you. Not having a CAC is another indication there is a problem with your gain packet. Often times there is a delay on the part of the losing unit it releasing you. Be sure to keep an open line of communication with both your recruiter and the MPF. If you don't get answers, engage your first sergeant.
As a veteran of all three AF components, I certainly owe the most to my time in the ANG. Hang in there!
As a veteran of all three AF components, I certainly owe the most to my time in the ANG. Hang in there!
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First thing to do is talk to the ANG recruter, I went from IRR to AFR I had to go see the local AFR recruitment office.
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I was just told by the Air Reserve Recruiter, if you are in the IRR, you do not but the first thing they will do is give you a PHE(Periodic Health Exam?), which is the annual screening. Or if you have a current physical that can be reviewed by a military doctor, no MEPS, for me or you.
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TSgt (Join to see)
I don't recall sending IRR applicants to MEPS to re physical when I was a Reserve Recruiter. However, things may have changed in the last five years. Having been a recruiter and experienced the nightmare that is MEPS, I will say I don't know any recruiter that would willingly send an applicant there to get physical'd. Just my two cents.
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Yes. I had to got three times. Active Enlisted, Guard Enlisted, and Active Officer.
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Most likely. The ANG is a different animal. When I left the ANG to transfer to the AF reserves, I actually got an Honorable Discharge certificate.
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I went from ANG to IRR (I thought at the time) but found out I was completely dropped when I found a Reserve unit I wanted to join (6 months after leaving the ANG). The reserves made me go through MEPS again.
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Capt Erin Mires I was under the impression that if your physical was still considered current that you would be good to go. However, and I would keep this in mind ma'am, officer slots are significantly harder to come by in Guard Units, that being said, I would jump through whatever hoops they asked. Good luck.
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I'm here in South Carolina and looked at the reserves and the Air National Guard here in South Carolina after a 17 year break after active duty. The Reserve Program made me go to MEPS before they would even discuss opportunities. The Air National Guard accepted me with no meps and no basic training. I simply had to go to technical school. This was back in 2009, so things might be different now.
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