Is it possible to switch from national guard to active duty before I leave for basic?

2020-06-30T22:02:41-04:00

I was on the fence about guard vs active duty and leaned more towards active duty but my recruiter was kind of pushy about me joining the guard, I later found out he was changing from recruiting to retention so he wanted to meet a quota, I was also told I would be able to use my GI bill right after basic which I later found out was bull, my whole reason joining the guard before active duty was to do college but I can’t, Is there a way to switch to active duty if I haven’t gone to basic yet, but did swear in?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2020 8:48 AM

2020-07-01T08:48:56-04:00

It's possible. You need to contact an AD recruiter. You will need a DD Form 368 Conditional Release, which must be signed by your first general level officer in the chain of command (usually TAG). This form will remain valid for six months from the date it was signed. The AD recruiter will assist you in filling out the form, but you'll have to route it through your NG chain of command.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2020 9:04 AM

2020-07-01T09:04:59-04:00

You can do college.
Maybe your recruiter lied, but more likely you just misunderstood the information.
You cannot use the GI Bill until you have completed 2 years of service (you are still paying into it your first year of service).
In the Guard, you will be eligible for tuition assistance as soon as you complete AIT.
And in the Guard, you will have time to be a full-time college student.
Tuition assistance pays $250 per semester hour up to 16 semester hours per year.
Does this cover everything? No, because you would need 30 semester hours per year to graduate in 4 years. But if the first 2 years are at a JC you will bring that total cost down.
You would need to have a part time job, your state may have additional tuition assistance or grants for the Guard that cover the rest, you could apply for a a Pell grant, and after 2 years of service you can start using your GI Bill to cover the difference, or student loans to cover the rest, you could get a Student Loan Repayment Program on your reenlistment or contact to active duty after college.
There is absolutely no reason why you "can't" do college.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Jul 1 at 2020 11:44 AM

2020-07-01T11:44:42-04:00

PVT Private RallyPoint Member Yes, I did this going from Air Force NG to Army Active. Kind of a dirt bag move but I did but you can do it they just take over your packet. I did it because I got laid of my job at the time in 2010 and wanted stability for my family. Like LTC Private RallyPoint Member said talk to an AD recruiter.

Response by Rza Seyidbəyli made Jul 12 at 2020 9:47 PM

2020-07-12T21:47:45-04:00

Brother how did it go? Because I have kinda same situation too

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Aug 30 at 2020 12:12 AM

2020-08-30T00:12:57-04:00

Old adage: there's a waiver for everything.