I'm looking to switch from Army National Guard to Air National Guard. What kind of process do I look forward to?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 09:59:00 -0500

My unit now is over 3 hours from home. Sometimes it gets to be unsafe driving to and from drill. Especially when my family begins to grow. What kind of mess am i getting into

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 26 at 2017 11:55 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 11:55:43 -0500

Don't know how much research you've done on this potential inter-service transfer. You should talk with an ANG recruiter for the State to which you want to transfer. Your current MOS isn't exactly one the Air Force uses. The AF has few tracked vehicles outside of civil engineering type units; however, there are probably similar AFSC, such as heavy equipment maintenance. The Air Guard is "slot driven" as I suspect the Army Guard is also. There must be a slot in the unit with a grade and AFSC you would hold for you to be able to join the unit. If the ANG unit you want to join uses tracked vehicle repair specialists, such as an airfield repair unit might, then you have a chance of making the leap. Also, your civilian employment and education may qualify you for a different AFSC. The ANG recruiter can advise you in this regard. Best of luck! Keep us posted.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2017 11:18 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 11:18:53 -0500

submit a DD Form 368 to your unit and make sure that Air Guard has a seat for you.

Response by TSgt Paul Bullington made Nov 27 at 2017 10:07 PM

TSgt Paul Bullington — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 22:07:54 -0500

You have made a smart decision talk to the Air Guard recruiter.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2017 11:32 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 11:32:50 -0500

What do you mess? As long as your current commander signs off on it you are good if you are still in contract with the Army. I was Army and went Air as well

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2017 12:10 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 12:10:10 -0500

I'm in a unit with a load of prior Army, Navy, and Marines. It's been a good transition for most. Not only talk to the recruiter, but pull aside unit members to get the low down on how the unit operates. Most posters are correct about the MOS alignment, but there are a lot of good AFSCs if you don't mind cross training. A word of advice. Assuming you've seen action, make sure you read up on wear of your CAB, or CUB. It is allowed, as long as on your DD214. They tried to deny a member of my shop until he found the reg. AFI 36-2903.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2017 5:34 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 17:34:06 -0500

Well when I went from the Army National Guard to the Air National Guard, I had to take the ASVAB over again for some strange reason but basically I crossed over after I was discharged with the Army National Guard. I didn't lose may rank(E-5), because I went into a job specialty that was needed. You should not have to go back through basicFrom then on it was pretty much the same as the Army Guard as far as doing your UTA's. You can pretty much do your annual training anytime during the fiscal year, unless your squadron or section is on call to deploy for so many months. Also, you have the opportunity to apply for ACTIVE GUARD/RESERVE positions on your base or squadron, if you qualify. I stayed with my wing for 22 years, and had change my job three times. Was able to do TDY's with the squadron or with other squadrons when needed.