If doing a National Guard interstate transfer to a State that doesn't have your MOS, what will you be assigned?

2016-01-07T23:17:51-05:00

I'm currently a 14S serving with the Ohio ARNG. We just returned from a tour of serving on Operation Noble Eagle in the NCR. I liked the area so much I wanted to move back to the DC/Virginia area.

That said it logistically makes sense for me to transfer from Ohio's Guard to Virginia so I'm not commuting 7 hrs back and forth every month.

Virginia however lacks the 14S mos. I've tried to ask around and do some research on this myself but information is rather nebulous on this particular issue. That being: how does a state transfer function of you are transferring to a state that doesn't have your current mos?

Do you get a choice?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 11:33 PM

2016-01-07T23:33:03-05:00

You have to find a unit that has a slot and will let you reclassify to the MOS the slot is. An IST can be initiated by the gaining unit, but depending on your states retention numbers. They might or might not let you transfer. You can try and get a hardship out of it, but just depends.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 11:47 PM

2016-01-07T23:47:15-05:00

What about Maryland? Or any other state closer than 7hrs?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 8:06 AM

2016-01-08T08:06:50-05:00

What did your chain of command tell you?

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 10:41 AM

2016-01-08T10:41:36-05:00

Have you looked at the Air National Guard openings in DC/VA? I was OH ARNG and was looking to cross training into the paralegal field - no opening in the Army - but found one in the ANG - 121ARW/JA. It sounds like you are willing to retrain into another MOS, so check in with the Air Guard to see what openings they have - I was able to make the switch without losing any rank - had to start my time in rank over, but in the end that was worth it to get into the MOS that I loved and working were I made a difference for the members in my wing.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 11:05 AM

2016-01-08T11:05:18-05:00

I have a Soldier in my Company who transferred to me as an Engineer. He's going to reclass to Infantry as soon as possible. As 1SG Private RallyPoint Member said, you'll need to find a unit that will accept you. The Commander of the unit has the final say. You may have to make the case for why you should be slotted in one of their limited intel NCO slots, especially coming from an unrelated career field. Most units prefer to promote from within.

They'll also need to be willing to pay for your retraining. Some AIT courses, such as 68W, are fairly expensive. I'm not saying these obstacles are insurmountable, just that you'll need to be prepared when you contact your desired unit.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 2:31 PM

2016-01-08T14:31:24-05:00

The IST coordinator will let you know what E5 slots are open and you can pick. Some units might not want someone new to their mos though, UAVs for example. Just stay on he IST coordinators ass. Took me almost a year to IST after I moved. My old unit almost marked me awol until I told him how Colorado was sitting on its ass. They lit a fire under them and I was in a unit in about two weeks.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 5:16 PM

2016-01-08T17:16:08-05:00

You do get a choice, normally it's concerning what positions are available and if the State is hurting for numbers. Is your State/unit willing to let you IST? That's the first step. I'd also contact the IST office directly, the local recruiting station should have proper poc for that. Ask them if they're accepting reclass incoming Soldiers, again you'd get to pick if they are taking inbounds. Best of luck. I IST'd beginning of 2014, it can be a headache, but make sure you keep records and call twice a week to keep things puhsing- it's an individual's responsibility- not any specific office.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2016 6:59 PM

2016-01-10T18:59:30-05:00

Ok, follow up question. I'm seeing and have been told that I have to find a unit that would be willing to take me. Got that.

How do I get ahold of them? It's not exactly like readiness NCO phone numbers are just posted on a digital Rolodex. At least if there is I've yet to find it. Is there a POC I coordinate this with or is just a matter of luck?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2016 10:42 AM

2016-01-18T10:42:50-05:00

Every state has at least one IST coordinator. You need to contact yours and inform them of your intent to move. They will contact the gaining state, find a slot for you, and push the paperwork. Your interaction with your IST coordinator is important, so you can be placed in an MOS you want in a unit which drills relatively close to your anticipated HOR.