In terms of lifestyle, how difficult has the transition been from NG to Active Duty?

2019-01-18T06:00:03-05:00

As of now, I have begun the process in submitting my DD368. I am working up my chain of command at the moment. I just want to know; what sort of cultural differences exist between the two components that I need to be aware of and how potentially challenging is the change in lifestyle? I wish to know this in order to avoid any chance of being ate up upon arrival to a new, active unit (if I get approved at all, to be fair).

I am getting a marriage license and filling out paperwork for that in the coming weeks. So I understand that I will be given BAH. My spouse and I have discussed this at length so I don’t have too much concern about that at the moment.

Any advice/words of wisdom are appreciated!

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jan 18 at 2019 7:09 AM

2019-01-18T07:09:25-05:00

Rally Point, can someone help with this?

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Jan 18 at 2019 7:25 AM

2019-01-18T07:25:30-05:00

NG you drill or annual training then go home and forget it till next training event, especially for lower enlistment. Your life revolves mainly around your civilian word.

Active Duty your life revolve around the military. Yes, you have free time but your thoughts become focused on your Army life.

I started out active duty, when to the NG. During my guard time transitioned to Active Duty several times including a four year tour just before I retired.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Jan 18 at 2019 1:59 PM

2019-01-18T13:59:14-05:00

I wish you the best Zachery.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 18 at 2019 2:02 PM

2019-01-18T14:02:14-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, RallyPoint member CPT Private RallyPoint Member made this transition a year or so ago. Perhaps he'll be able to provide you some enlightenment.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 18 at 2019 4:28 PM

2019-01-18T16:28:37-05:00

AD has a lot more control over you. You won't pencil whip events, and you will have more time to coordinate training.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 12:11 AM

2019-01-19T00:11:27-05:00

I started out regular Army, then went ARNG, then regular Army, then back to ARNG. The regular Army is immersive. In my personal experience, the regular Army expects more from a Soldier at an earlier rank than the ARNG. There is a difference in the level of detailed knowledge due to the different amounts of time spent doing the job. It would be difficult to address that on your own. Also, I changed MOS going back to regular Army, and what I did then was I showed up all-ears, like a human sponge and just learned, learned, learned. I got up to speed pretty quickly - just took paying attention. Culturally, it is very different, though. The TXARNG and FLARNG units I was in were fairly informal, whereas by comparison, the regular Army was formal, thorough, and immersed in a distinctly military atmosphere. If that's what you want, then all you should need is a good attitude and it should go fine.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2019 8:46 AM

2019-01-20T08:46:06-05:00

I spent nearly 4 years in the AL-ARNG on the enlisted side and deployed a couple of times prior to submitting my DD368 and putting in my packet for Active Duty OCS. The change from NG to Active Duty has been far less drastic for me than going Enlisted to Officer. You clearly enjoy the Army, otherwise you wouldn't be making the transition. That tells me that you'll do just fine. Right place, right time, right uniform etc... It all still applies. Have a good attitude and be willing to learn. You'll be ahead of many of your peers just with those basic tools. Also, biggest advice on the 368 is to stay on top of it. Paperwork has to go up to the General Officer level (or the delegated authority), so it sometimes has a habit of disappearing somewhere along the way. Ask your full time Admin at the armory about it every other week or so.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2019 4:31 PM

2019-01-29T16:31:00-05:00

I personally found Reserves harder than Active duty. You have more responsibilities to balance against each other. ( Granted I was doing externships/internships, law school and reserve flight commander) when I was active duty my life centered around the job and you put that first. Its easy, military mission comes first. Make sure your spouse knows that is what is going to be expected, and that you will move- although I found making friends easier on active duty because people are more susceptible to making new friends ( you have to active duty).