Is it easier to transfer from AD to NG as an E5 or E6?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2020 04:21:06 -0400

a SGT wants to transfer from AD to NG.

He has 6 MTH till ETS .... he wants to try to make SSG before getting out

Will the next tank make it harder to go NG and will he even keep his rank?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2020 6:13 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2020 06:13:06 -0400

He should get promoted if he can. If the guard doesn't have a spot for him to keep his rank he should look into the Reserve.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2020 9:34 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2020 09:34:15 -0400

If he promotes to SSG on active duty, he owes active duty a minimum of 12 months from the date of promotion to retain that rank.
AR 600-8-19 ch 7-8.
He can do the minimum extension for that, then go to the mandatory appointment with the Reserve Component Career Counselor/In Service Recruiter (RCCC/ISR) six months before getting out to sign a Guard or Reserve contract.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2020 9:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2020 09:49:16 -0400

There are plenty of NG and USAR slots the Soldier can transfer into at either rank, just more choices for the lower rank usually. Even if he doesn't promote he will keep his promotable status and be eligible to pickup when he transfers, and be in the same position he would be as a SSG transferring.
Better to promote now, there are fewer SSG slots and that could mean more travel on the weekends for him.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 13 at 2020 11:11 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 13 May 2020 11:11:28 -0400

The National Guard is "slot" based. You need to have a vacant position that will accommodate your rank and MOS to join a Guard unit. There is some leeway in this system for some positions allowing one-up or one-down staffing, so a SGT could fill a SSG position. Best to talk with Guard recruiter for the State you're interested in.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2020 3:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2020 15:23:33 -0400

First is AD willing to let him go, second has he gotten with a reserve retention NCO to see what is available in the area he wishes to live.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2020 3:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2020 15:52:31 -0400

The Guard has limited slots available. MOS will make the slots more limited depending on the state. Ranks will limit it further, again depending on state.

If he’s a 25 series he could have a hard time unless the state he’s looking at has an actual signal unit.