I'm told I have to go into the IRR before transferring from the Guard to Reserves. Is this true?

2015-10-29T00:13:40-04:00

UPDATE: After asking this question to multiple individuals, including this community, I finally have an answer that makes sense and assures me that I'm not being fed a line of BS. My outstanding Bn S-1 did a lot of work on this. So, transferring from the Army National Guard to the Army Reserve can happen both ways: with either a Conditional or Unconditional Release. The Unconditional places you in the IRR. It involves less paperwork, but you have to completely out process the unit before being transferred. The Conditional route usually takes longer and involves more coordination between the two components. Once you are in the IRR, it is basically a unit transfer order for the gaining unit, which is why they prefer that route. Thanks to all of you for your very helpful input. This thread has helped greatly.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2015 12:16 AM

2015-10-29T00:16:28-04:00

When I went from USAR to ARNG I was put in the IRR temporarily in order for the ARNG to pick me up in their system. I believe it is true, and I assume it is necessary in order for the individual components computer systems to be able to process the 'transaction' of you changing sides.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2015 3:06 AM

2015-10-29T03:06:40-04:00

From my understanding it's true and you need a TAG release letter as well.

Response by SGM Luther Thomas made Oct 29 at 2015 8:39 AM

2015-10-29T08:39:37-04:00

Sir, if you need some assistance please conact me on yhe global and I can link you up with USAR Warranyt Officer Accessions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2015 8:44 AM

2015-10-29T08:44:45-04:00

i did the same thing and was never told of IRR , they might be feeding you a bunch of BS.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2015 11:32 AM

2015-10-29T11:32:07-04:00

That is not correct, but it is one path to get you there. Some would say it is easier and faster than a direct component transfer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2015 6:48 PM

2015-10-29T18:48:13-04:00

There is usually base reserve recruiter that works with soldiers (including officers) that are ETSing from active duty. They can help place soldiers directly in units in the area you plan to live.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Oct 31 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-10-31T10:00:09-04:00

As 1SG Private RallyPoint Member stated, it is not literally true. I am one of those who would say it is easier and faster than a direct compo to compo transfer. Especially if you are sure you want to make the jump, but not sure about a unit yet. It is the path I took.

The reason(ing, at least in my mind...) is that a direct transfer will generally involve a conditional release, which is an inherently complicated process. The Guard will release you contingent upon, and effective upon, the Reserve picking you up. The Reserve will pick you up contingent upon, and effective upon, the Guard releasing you. This requires some timing, and people on both sides being experienced in the minutia of the regs. It ALSO requires the Guard being WILLING to let you go. Nobody is REQUIRED to grant you a conditional release.

The two step process has two steps, but each is self-contained, quick, and easy.
Step one: Quit the Guard.
This may take a few different forms depending on commissioned, enlisted, and length of service. As long as your state isn't being obstructionist, this should be a very simple process, even with a remaining service obligation. I would check with a personnelist, but it could be as simple as turning in a 4187 and telling 3-4 people, "Yes, really. No, I don't want to go ING."

In my case, I had over eight years of commissioned service in the Guard, no remaining obligation, and simply resigned my Guard (but not my federal) commission. BOOM in IRR.

Step two: At your leisure, and with no complicated admin requirements, find a unit and join it.

Since you are already in the IRR, which is a **part** of the USAR, it is a simple unit to unit transfer. As you are requesting to go from doing nothing to doing something, you can count on it being approved with almost no fuss.

I would have to look, but I think it was less than 8 weeks from "I quit" to "Welcome aboard" for me. YMMV.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 5:55 AM

2015-11-03T05:55:51-05:00

No. It's not true, but your current unit needs to agree to release you from your contract. I left my reserve unit at the end of a drill Saturday and enlisted in the Guard the next morning. It happens all the time.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 6:26 AM

2015-11-03T06:26:02-05:00

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member Do you have a position you're looking at taking in the USAR? What's your MOS?

The reason I ask is because I have to drive an hour to get to Battle Assembly, and now I made the promotion list, and cannot find a CW3 position closer to home. It may be that the situation would be worse for you, being a CW4....

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 9:19 AM

2015-11-03T09:19:59-05:00

No, in fact, you don't want to do that if you can help it. In the Air Force it's considered a break in service and depending how long the break is... That could be a problem. You CAN do a seamless transfer from guard to reserves. You fill out a 1288 from the guard, and you should have on there the unit you want to go to. It should already be coordinated with that unit, and they agree to hire you on. You'll have to give them yor resume, interview and stuff like that. I am in the Air Force so it could be different in other branches, but I doubt it's a HUGE difference

Response by SFC Jeff Kinsley made Nov 3 at 2015 9:56 AM

2015-11-03T09:56:25-05:00

That is not true at all. They have recruiters that you will see when you clear. They can get you in then. Check on it first the job you hold might not be available close to where you will be living. If that is the deal only swear into the guard for a year get mosqed and then renlist to get a bonus

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 10:10 AM

2015-11-03T10:10:20-05:00

I did a direct transfer from the Army National Guard to the Air National Guard. Army discharge me on one day and the next day I was enlisted in the Air Guard. Had to get the release signed up through the TAG's office and then they work with the Air side to make sure I had sign the enlistment contract prior to that next day, so there was no break in service.

If you have any health problems, you want to go this route, so you can avoid having to get a new medical screening. Good Luck

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Nov 3 at 2015 11:41 AM

2015-11-03T11:41:54-05:00

The answer is No. However, I am glad that you got it resolved. Many times its a matter of just contacting the right person. But the system sure makes getting easy answers difficult. When I transferred from Guard to Reserve it was a direct transfer and seemed easy. But that was a few years ago and it was the AF.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 4:11 PM

2015-11-03T16:11:06-05:00

That is not correct. Once you go into the IRR you will never get out.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2017 11:02 AM

2017-01-11T11:02:16-05:00

Some recruiters prefer that method to going thru all the paper work. Once in the IRR they can then pick you up and place you in a reserve unit. Not sure which way is better. My unit had some Indiana Guard Capt. do that. I also think they did it because their command would not release them other wise.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 4:06 PM

2017-01-26T16:06:34-05:00

How long does it typically take for a SM to go into IRR?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 4:07 PM

2017-01-26T16:07:35-05:00

How long does it typically take for a SM to go into the IRR?