Is it easier to go from Army Reserves to Active Duty as an E-4 or E-5?

2017-12-14T10:20:28-05:00

I have heard that it becomes harder as you go up in rank to transition from Reserves to Active Duty. Any personal experiences on this?

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Dec 14 at 2017 10:43 AM

2017-12-14T10:43:56-05:00

The unfortunate answer is, 'it depends'. Generally they are looking for a specific MOS, grade, and SQI. If you're a 35P airborne SPC and they want a SGT, you're hosed. Likewise if you're a SGT without the identifier.

18X is normally an option regardless of your current skills.
If you want to look at AGR, SGT will increase your chances (especially to be a 79R).

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2017 10:54 AM

2017-12-14T10:54:53-05:00

As a former recruiter who worked with a few reservists, the best answer based on my experience is, you will regardless a rank verification. In order to retain your rank, let's say E5, you must show proof that you meet all requirements an E5 in active duty needs, BLC 1059, NCOER, complete SSD, etc.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2017 9:07 AM

2017-12-15T09:07:42-05:00

Much, much easier as an E4.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2017 3:00 AM

2017-12-17T03:00:46-05:00

Let’s just say, it’s easier to fill “entry level” positions than it is to fill “supervisory” or “management” positions. My experience has been, your chances are better as an E4... Check the prior service business rules tab on goarmy.com. It should give you an idea of what MOS’s and ranks are being looked for currently

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2017 6:46 AM

2017-12-18T06:46:10-05:00

I’m a recruiter right now, the current business rules make it easier for NCO’s to transfer compared to the beginning of 2015. E4 and below have an MOS list at MEPS or if in an MOS needed may get orders directly to a unit. E5 and up do a “grade determination” which includes the MOS’s you can retrain to, where you can get stationed if no retraining, and how long you have to get whatever NCO school done if required. When I first came out to recruiting the stars and planets had to align to get an NCO with the perfect combination of job, airborne, time in service. E4 and below were easy though.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2018 10:32 AM

2018-01-06T10:32:09-05:00

The higher you are the harder it gets. The Reserve must release you and HRC Business rules must allow you to join. If either of those don’t mesh than you can’t go active at all.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2018 10:35 AM

2018-01-06T10:35:18-05:00

E-4 and below regardless of MOS can go active duty with less than two years of active duty time. Unless you have deployed I can’t think of a better situation than that. NCO’s really have a harder time right now.

Response by MSgt Andrea Gutierrez made Jul 12 at 2019 12:59 AM

2019-07-12T00:59:09-04:00

Nor myself, I have known those that did and it wasn't easy. Regular Officer Corps is not fond of "Mustangs" for one thing (except during war)