Is it possible to switch from active duty to the National Guard?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 16:10:14 -0400

Recently my fathers cancer has come back with no one home to take care of him and take him to his appointments I feel a bit more stress than I’d like to. In the same week we found that out, my POS brother had his child taken away by the state, notnesnting her to go into the foster system I’m not sure what I can do being over 1000 miles away and here on active duty. I don’t know if it is even possible to make such a switch, and if it is, if these reasons would even give me the oppertunity to make that switch. Any and all info would be greatly appreciated as I can’t seem to find anything online.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2018 4:14 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 16:14:07 -0400

I'm pretty sure you can get out of your contract if you are someone's primary caregiver. Sounds like you might fit that bill. Not sure about switching to the National Guard though. You might want to weigh that option carefully since the Guard gets deployed too. You won't be doing your father or your niece any good to transition to the Guard only to be deployed shortly after.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2018 4:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 16:18:32 -0400

You need to talk to your command about two things.
1. A compassionate transfer, ( aka humanitarian transfer) basically they put you with a active, reserve, guard unit within living distance of your father.

2. The exemptional family member program.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2018 4:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 16:27:10 -0400

There are ways you just have to ask and stay on top of it. Just as CPT Everett said you might want to look into reclassing and going into the Reserves instead of the Guard. As an infantryman you will deploy just as much and as often in the Guard as you would in Active Duty. You wouldn’t be doing your father or niece any good in that type of situation. Search all your options and get the ball rolling ASAP. Best of luck.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2018 4:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 16:29:25 -0400

Compassionate Reassignment possibly...

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Jul 10 at 2018 4:58 PM

SGT Michael Thorin — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 16:58:43 -0400

PFC Private RallyPoint Member, all of the advice here is coming from solid service members with years of experience. COL Mikel J. Burroughs, SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, and/or Lt Col Charlie Brown, would you be able to provide some info to PV2 Smith?

He has already been given some great advice, but maybe you can provide some info that has not been shown here.

Also, SSG Janie Hughen, have you ever dealt with this scenario through your time in the ALANG?

On another note, please write or keep the following number:
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This is the Veterans Crisis Line. They have the information to get you into touch for help.

They work, so it can’t hurt to see if help is available for your situation.

LTC Jeff Shearer,Maj Marty Hogan,Brig Gen Jim Jaeger,SPC Douglas Bolton,SSG Jeff Cooley,LTC Stephen C.,PVT Mark Brown,SP5 Mark Kuzinski,SSgt Robert Marx,SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas

Response by SGT Jesse Cozad made Jul 10 at 2018 5:31 PM

SGT Jesse Cozad — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 17:31:42 -0400

DD form 368 and a letter from your commander, also a written letter why you would like to do so is helpful.

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Jul 10 at 2018 6:52 PM

LTC Jeff Shearer — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 18:52:58 -0400

Jonathon there are things you can do, the best thing to do is take this to your chain of command. I am sure they have a rucksack full of options, however, I caution you on having the mindset the reserve or national guard is the only way. Run this up the pole and let them help you come up courses of action. I realize this is your family but I would caution you on making getting out of your contract your only option. I would let the command know you looking for help with a situation and give them all the relevant details of the situation. Then ask them if they can help you with possible courses of action. There may be a course of action you are not aware of.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2018 7:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 19:30:05 -0400

To answer your first question, no you can't transfer into the RC from the AD until you ETS.
In your situation, what you can do is a compassionate reassignment. I had one as an E4 and they placed me at the recruiting battalion headquarters until my issues cleared up. You would also be eligible to claim your father as a dependent if you can show you provide more than 50% of his financial support. You didn't really say what you wanted to do your your brother's children so I don't have an answer.
You can find the information for a compassionate reassignment in AR 614-200.
A compassionate reassignment is usually very fast once it's approved. Most people start clearing immediately once they're approved.
Ignore the person that said DD368 that only applies to leaving the RC to go to AD.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jul 10 at 2018 10:08 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 22:08:17 -0400

You should also think real hard about the decision. Your being there.......will it make a difference or not? You should think about that honestly and ask how much of a difference will it make if your there vs being on Active Duty. Chances are if your there working full time your going to also be challenged to take your Father to all his appointments.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 10 at 2018 10:38 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 22:38:34 -0400

PFC Private RallyPoint Member CHAIN OF COMMAND! You should explain your dilemma to your supervisor and ask to be referred to someone who can guide you in the proper direction,

You may need to be persistant and if need be, to reach out with a plea to someone further up the chain.

The Red Cross might assist you.(?).

Best wishes, there is no greater calling than to ‘care’ for a parent in distress.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 11 at 2018 2:39 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 14:39:02 -0400

Yes it's possible. Your unit can Chapter you out (forgot which one) to allow you into the NG or Reserves. I did it while I was a 1SG. Talk with your first line supervisor and go from there.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2018 7:36 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Jul 2018 19:36:36 -0400

As others have stated. Start with your Chain of Command. A "Chaplain" is always a good idea as well. Compassionate Reassignments happen everyday throughout our ranks. If you fell under my Chain of Command and were a model Soldier, i'd grease the skids for ya. Its an honorable thing that you are proposing to do. Good luck and hope it works out for ya.