Is the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) still the best kept secret in the army?

2013-12-14T03:39:34-05:00

I spent sometime on active duty, but joined the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) early in my career. I was told that the AGR program is the best kept secret in the Army. If you are AGR what do you think? If you are not AGR what do you know about the program?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2013 7:06 AM

2013-12-14T07:06:20-05:00

I don't know if its the best kept secret Army wide but it is certainly coveted in the reserves and guard. Everyone I know that wants to progress in the military is always looking for AGR slots.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2013 8:26 AM

2013-12-14T08:26:41-05:00

I don't know about best kept secret but it is not a bad program that has morphed from its original purpose. A big problem is the lack of understanding of how the army works by some AGRs.  Another is the lack of interaction between a large group of peers for support and guidance. A lot of units are off by themselves without a large post for support.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2013 9:16 AM

2013-12-14T09:16:21-05:00

I can say that most everyone in the guard wants to be AGR. As an office they are few and far between. I'm looking for one myself since I can't go active duty. A lot of active duty guys don't know what they have. The guard had range instructors, air assault in instructors, and pathfinder instructors also. There are not many but they are out there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2013 6:49 PM

2013-12-14T18:49:53-05:00

I learned about the AGR in AIT. There was a SFC in my class who was in an AGR slot and he was trying to give all us soldiers who regretted joining the reserves a little hope of going active one day.  <div>He did mention that getting a slot was like winning the lottery....maybe harder, but I believe these 2 years would have gone by without me ever knowing about the AGR it if not for him.</div>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2013 7:09 PM

2013-12-14T19:09:45-05:00

I keep hearing its the best kept secret yet as I am active duty and wanting to go AGR what is so secretive about it? As you are AGR What do you recommend to us troops who are wanting to go AGR?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2013 5:44 AM

2013-12-15T05:44:04-05:00

You know what? I have known about AGR (even known some AGR Soldiers) but I had forgotten about it... I should look into AGR positions for my MOS!!!

(Is that the kind of thing you just ask Branch about?)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2013 6:18 PM

2013-12-16T18:18:34-05:00

I've heard mostly positive things about AGR. Mainly being active duty whilst serving in a reserve or guard unit, no PCS worries unless you yourself request a transfer, no deployment time and so on.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2013 6:28 PM

2013-12-16T18:28:17-05:00

I know that AGR, even thou is stands for active guard reserve, is two different things. Guard AGR is managed by the individual state and Reserve AGR is managed by HRC. I got an open application in HRC for two years now with 4MOS under my belt and not a single opportunity yet. When I was in CT NG a couple years back, I applied for AGR however was not selected probably because " I didn't know or didn't have good connections" . So it is what it is...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 12:00 AM

2013-12-17T00:00:52-05:00

So, now that I have requested an information packet on the AGR recruiting site (thanks again, CSM Maynard,) What is the best point in a Military Career to make the transition to AGR, and is it (relatively) easy to go back to AD Army if you want/need/must?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 12:17 AM

2013-12-17T00:17:14-05:00

When I transitioned from RA to AGR, I was only offered a 79R Recruiter slot for Army Reserve. 6 years later here I am in USAREC about to PCS to my next assignment for recruiting. Not a bad gig, but I would of rather been an AGR in one of my MOS's, instead of converting to a permanent recruiter to fill an AGR slot.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2013 7:27 PM

2013-12-27T19:27:35-05:00

Hello MSG Breaker -

I'm an AGR National Guard Soldier, in the State of Maryland the AGR program really isn't a secret, however - sometimes rather difficult trying to obtain a full time position. Until recently - we had quite a few 42A and 92Y positions open to on board AGR and traditional reservists. This however isn't always the case.

Never have served in any active component, I think the AGR program offers many opportunities: you don't have to worry about PCS'ing outside of the state for which you applied, if you have the line scores you have the opportunity to re-class or gain an additional MOS. You have more time to spend with family.

The con to that would be...outside of your daily AGR responsibilities you still have obligation to drill one time a month and two weeks out the year with the traditional reservists. Remember, as and AGR Soldier your job exists because of traditional Reservist Soldiers.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2013 7:57 PM

2013-12-27T19:57:15-05:00

Not only is it the best kept "secret" in the Army, it is making me a better Officer.

Where else will a LT, assigned as a PL, work in S1, S3, S4, a little S2, and have a chance to really see planning and operations on a total company level, with major insight into BN operations. I have found that I am doing so much more than my Active Duty counterparts and that I am hopeful that I can leverage this experience into a successful career. I genuinely feel like I have learned so much and have so much more to learn. I also feel like I am able to have a tremendous impact on my Company as a whole.

It is also nice that my Company Commander is also the BN S3 Plans Officer. I get to help out at a BN level on occassion and see how things flow downhill. It also gives me the chance to take some risks and get them checked out prior to going live with it.

AGR is like hitting the lottery. It is a rare thing. Those that are selected need to be ready to work on much more than their MOS or position. We handle all operational needs through most of the month. Active Duty has their whole company to handle business. We handle most of the same workload with less people. The only thing that makes it a bit more manageable is that we do not have to deal with the entire Company every day.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Dec 27 at 2013 9:10 PM

2013-12-27T21:10:31-05:00

I think this discussion merits a dose of cynicism: I left the Regular Army in '03 looking to get a 92Y slot in the KS NG. After hanging out for months after my interview with no response, I tried my luck with the USAR. I eventually got an AGR slot in '05. Everyone in the RA, I want you to think about that. It was a year and a half before I got picked up. I went into it at a time when the AGR program had shortages and I went into a shortage MOS. My advice to those in the RA who wish to earn an active retirement: Reenlist. There are no guarantees these days. My advice for those who really wish to be USAR AGR: 1. Have a plan B with a civilian career. 2. Do not turn down any assignment (even recruiting in North Dakota) 3. Have an MOS with a large AGR presence (92Y, 91B, 42A, 79V, or perhaps SQI 8). Reclass if needed. 4. Find a vacant position, and impress the command that owns it. Good parts about AGR: 1. You get active duty benefits. 2. You largely avoid the silliness inherent in most active installations 3. You've got a bit more say in assignments than in RA. Bad parts: 1. There are no guarantees. 2. You serve at the whim of HRC and the command. I have met Soldiers who were not retained on AGR. 3. AGR was intended as a limited tour, not a career path. You were supposed to spend 3 years on active duty, then return to a drilling status. There are some who wish to make that intent reality. 4. No bonuses (at least not any more).

Response by SSG Charles Coats made Jan 4 at 2014 4:17 PM

2014-01-04T16:17:54-05:00

I also spent my initial entry on AD and I am presently on my first AGR tour and I love it! Some of the downfalls are the type of units HRC can place you in and the expectations of that unit regarding your capabilities.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2014 4:58 PM

2014-01-04T16:58:02-05:00

I'm with the AL AGR, and have also spent time on Active Duty. The AGR program is a great way to work towards your 20 years active duty retirement. I must admit that it gave me the opportunity to acquire an additional MOS, and to learn a lot that will help me in the civilian world once I retire. The Active National Guard allows you to work in dual status, when working at the MACOM level I was able to work with active duty personnel that were in our unit, and the dual status with ARNORTH allowed our MACOM to work within our state, and with other states. As a Guardsmen I can honestly say that our training is well-planned and implemented during our scheduled monthly drills, and on the full-time side, well we work just as hard as anyone else working everyday for the military. As of matter of fact we work for our soldiers as well as the military. For those that want an AGR position, just keep applying until you get a position, and remember you don't have to posses the MOS to get an AGR job, once hired you have a timeframe in which you must go to school to become MOSQ.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2014 8:23 PM

2014-01-15T20:23:41-05:00

MSG, Only real thing Iv leaned from the AGR program is to low craw. I left the Program.. But for the 99.9% other soldiers in it, seems to work for them.. I say more but Iv learned to low craw..

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2014 2:35 PM

2014-01-16T14:35:56-05:00

I have been AGR for 10 years. What many fail to realize that as an AGR you can be assigned to a unit where you are the only fulltimer and you may have to do many duties outside of your MOS. I have seen soldiers switch from active duty to AGR and get out of the program after one tour because of the workload. Also as an E4 or E5 on AGR you have to face the fact that your TPU counterparts may pass you up in rank because The AGR Promotion System is based on the active duty system where the TPUs do not go before an appearance board and only have to meet the minimum requirement and have a slot to be promoted into

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 7:24 PM

2014-04-09T19:24:08-04:00

I would say it has its ups and downs, but it is not a secret. If done correctly it is a solid career option for those seeking less deployments. However, with less deployments this may affect promotions. Also, there the waiting for PME schools. If done incorrectly they do all the work and TPUs sit back and only participate during the weekend.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 1:33 PM

2014-05-13T13:33:14-04:00

One positive about the AGR Program is that AGR Soldiers that have pride in their jobs tend to shine in NCOES due to the fact that we are doing everything during the month instead of just one job.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2014 11:25 PM

2014-07-03T23:25:13-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member , there are many more PA positions available through the technician program than the AGR. Keep an eye out on USAJOBS as Guard PA jobs pop up periodically. Good thing about these tech positions is that other Fed agencies have tech PA positions and you can lateral from one agency to another.

It has been touched on briefly, but I thought a brief explanation of the difference between Tech and AGR would be warranted. Note: I am a Tech in the PA field in the Ga Guard.

Technicians in the Guard serve in a civilian capacity for their full-time job. For all intents and purposes, the Guard technician's job is entirely separate from their M-day job. Thus, when I was Safety Director of the Ga Guard full-time, I also drilled and deployed as an Infantry Scout Platoon Leader. Techs deploy based on their M-day unit rotation. It is possible to be a tech in the unit with which you drill, but chances are, you will not.

Hope this helps. The above is based on my observations. Variations may be observed in other states... Ask your doctor if AGR may be right for your. Side effects include Tricare.

Techs do not receive tricare or housing allowances. They do not receive 30 days vacation and they do not build up days towards military retirement while on tech duty.

On the other hand, they are not "On Duty" 24/7 as AGR, have more flexible work schedules (generally) and can earn comp time for overtime worked. They can contribute to TSP in both their tech and M-day status. Techs get 120 hours of PAID military leave to conduct annual training or MUTA 6 events. If you earn comp time, you can take it while on military orders.

Techs earn a defined retiremebt stipend known as FERS. After five years you are vested and upon retirement age you earn one percent of your base salary times the number of years in federal service. If you go 20 as a Guard Tech, you can build a very healthy retirement indeed.

Techs and AGR can work in the same office and are virtually indistinguishable. Both are uniformed and both drill. AGR do not get compensated for drill (the whole 24/7 thing) but they do get a sizeable chunk of their paycheck in the form of a tax-free housing allowance (nice trade).

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jan 5 at 2015 11:23 PM

2015-01-05T23:23:50-05:00

Best kept secret in the Air Force too.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 1:13 PM

2015-01-13T13:13:57-05:00

I've heard this over and over again, and perhaps if I didn't have a professional career, I would have finished my 20 in the AGR...but I'm okay with M-Day status.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 12:46 AM

2015-02-23T00:46:43-05:00

Anyone here have any suggestions or know of any AGR openings either NG or Reserves for a 25N? My ETS is end of May and I am not picky about the state. Would like to continue service instead of gaining employment in the civilian sector. Not opposed to that type of work, but really enjoy the camaraderie of military life. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 8:24 AM

2015-03-04T08:24:55-05:00

Abosolutely! Try finding an opening within 100 miles of home...any home. LOL!

Response by MSG Pedro Alvarez made Jul 3 at 2015 10:11 AM

2015-07-03T10:11:54-04:00

As a recently retired AGR MSG I would say that due to the nature of the job in which actually the absence of key leaders or key positions is evident, it definitely makes AGR Soldiers that are mission oriented better Soldiers every day. The need to accomplish the mission in the absence of others makes it an excellent opportunity to expand their military knowledge. I wouldn't say is the Army's best kept secret, but the best school.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 7:31 PM

2015-07-12T19:31:52-04:00

I was one of the original AGR's when the program first started back in the 70"s . Frankly, no one knew what to do with us. We were assigned to Reserve units, which in many case, were in small towns that were miles away from any kind of active military installation. We had to obey the same regulations as the active army, such as PT, but were there were no gyms. We were told by the Reserve Center that we couldn't even play basket ball for PT in the assembly hall during lunch because "someone could get hurt" (there was no time off during the duty day for PT)t. I was a supply sergeant and of course had to conduct business under AR 710-2. But different from the active, I only had a supply staff one weekend a month. Didn't matter. Inspections had to be passed which meant a whole bunch of late nights. I even had to have my wife help me with requisitions when MTOES changed, which were frequent. Not to mention going through three or four Company Commanders a year. Change of command inventories were a night mare, and I was told to ""doctor" Reports of Survey (which I didn't). Unless things have changed, expect to spend a lot of time working nights and being away from the family on special occasions, and having to accept the responsibilities for other AGR's when they transfer (Such as admin, finance clerk, mess sgt) along with your own duties. I was also one of the first Reserve recruiters assigned to an Active duty Recruiting station. That was a trip, until I finally proved myself by referring my candidates to the active recruiters if I felt full Active duty was a better option for a kid rather that part time service. I finally left recruiting because I was reprimanded for not making my monthly mission quota (Reserve mission quota was at times ten a month (next to impossible) compared to 4 or 5 for the active guys). I wanted to get a prior service guy his discharge rank, but that would have been counted in the next quarter, which meant the present quarter would have missed by one, and I refused to do it. I made Reserve recruiter of the quarter because I enlisted 110% of my mission. Because of the math, I was over for two months and short for one. I was given a plaque and a letter of reprimand at the same time. Needless to say, the plaque made a great Frisbee when I got to the parking lot. Things are probably different now, because the Reserves and Guard are vital to the war effort, but if history repeats itself, The Reserves will still get the short end of the stick once they are back at home station. In closing, it would be wise to talk to some one who is currently AGR. You might be better off where you are. As a side note, I don't regret a minute of my AGR service. I have had positions from Unit Supply Sgt up to Senior operations/Supply Sgt at the ARCOM level. I retired as a Master Sergeant. And yes, I think I did make a difference. Even at times when my honorable actions (as I saw it) could have been a career stopper.....Hooooah

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 29 at 2015 2:54 PM

2015-10-29T14:54:53-04:00

75% work hard. 25% are complete duds. There exists some nepotism, regulations are broken, the M-Day bring a lot of skills to the unit.

Response by MSG John Melville made Feb 15 at 2016 7:20 PM

2016-02-15T19:20:19-05:00

I believe that the AGR program is the best kept secret in the Army. I spent about 8 years in the RA, served as a TPU and military technician, and then became an AGR. What I will add is that it takes an independent thinking Soldier who can work on their own with very minimum supervision. Soldiers within the AGR program typically carry immense authority to carry out their duties, as their chain of command runs through the full time staff.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2016 4:22 PM

2016-04-01T16:22:40-04:00

I am currently in the process of applying for a position in AGR and I know some good things about it since my dad is also in the AGR but I have asked everyone one simple question and no one has an answer for me. So, hoping someone can clear this up for me. When you are Active Duty transferring to AGR, Does your leave days that you acquired transfer over or do you start out with a 0 balance? Please let me know if you know the correct answer. Email me @ [login to see]
Thank you

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 7:42 PM

2016-04-20T19:42:10-04:00

I am active duty, and was thinking of going AGR. Can you pick the place if you get picked up?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 7:46 PM

2016-04-20T19:46:33-04:00

I am active duty, and was thinking of going AGR. Can you pick the place if you get picked up?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2016 5:57 AM

2016-07-11T05:57:15-04:00

I am actually curious about the AGR program. I am currently deployed and once I return I will have a year left at my current duty station. I will be promoted to CPT and will be heading out to CCC. I heard about AGR and how there are some additional opportunities that you cannot get on active duty. I also heard that there more duty stations open as well. I am just curious as to what is exactly different from the AC. I would like to explore my options as I continue moving forward in my career. I want to make an impact at every position I can and I want to ensure Soldiers and units are set up for success. If anyone can chime in with there experiences about going from AC to AGR, your insight would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2017 3:31 PM

2017-04-07T15:31:20-04:00

I am Army Reserve and is thinking of going AGR. I know for sure I plan to go officer. Should I apply to go AGR before finishing my degree to go officer? Or is it easier to go AGR as an E5, Sergeant, and then go officer?

Response by SFC John Hatton made Aug 17 at 2017 2:10 AM

2017-08-17T02:10:06-04:00

I retired from the AGR program last year. Joined the Active Duty in 1992, spent the majority of that time with the 82D at Bragg, ETSed in 2001, became a MilTech for the 82D Reserve Det for about a year then became an AGR. Most of the leadership with the exception of a diminishing number of good ones were wortless at SFC to CGs were useless, profile riding and completely a waist of the defense budget. In the many assignments I held Only Medical units and Engineers (who held engineering degrees), with the few exceptions of course, had the proper experience and education relevent to be officers. Active Component just had better more professionl leadership. The part of the Army Reserve that seemed to bother me the most was the dishonesty. Fat CSMs and officers faking APFT and HT/WT results, riding walking permanent profiles for BS back problems for most of their careers and no ability or passion to run a younger soldier in on the simple 2 mile run. My suggestion is to kill the program with the exception of Medical and Engineer units, blend AGRs in to regular AC. Many will not be able to make in on AC so quality control will be in effect. With the money that is waisted on TDYs and over paying TPU SR NCOs and Officers grow the active duty force. Lets face it, who puts part time employees in charge of full time employees in any business and expects to be successful. Out dated equipment, bad budget management, and dishonest leadership. Not an equation for success anyway you do the math.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2017 10:56 AM

2017-08-17T10:56:18-04:00

I don't know if it's so much a secret if you are in the guard as a M-Day, I'd lean more toward Technician being a good secret, but I can tell you unless you want to be a recruiter where I am good luck getting into AGR.

Response by SGM Michael Patrick made Sep 15 at 2017 3:09 PM

2017-09-15T15:09:26-04:00

Yes it is. I am a retired SGM now working as a DA Civilian at the Army National Guard Bureau. I am actively seeking Soldiers, officer and enlisted (CPT/MAJ/SSG/SFC/WO3-4) that are interested in applying for the T 10 AGR Program at Army National Guard Bureau, Arlington, VA. Unfortunately most M-Day Soldiers are unaware of the program. For additional information please email me at [login to see]

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2017 3:35 PM

2017-11-21T15:35:32-05:00

I am currently an AGR it is truly the best kept secret. If you become an AGR you are crazy to not retire out of it. You get all the benefits of ACTIVE DUTY but you come home to your family everyday. Your working for the reserves and unless you are with a deploying unit you do not deploy. However you do have one weekend and two weeks you are gone. It is a great career.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2023 3:36 PM

2023-06-01T15:36:55-04:00

I guess it depends...personally I thinks it's the best told lie in the military. AGRs are worked hard. I have been RA, Reserves and AGR and AGR so far has been the worse. The job they offer is just a suggestion. You will work where ever they have a shortage and they make it sound special that you may have to wear many hats. That's just a fancy way of saying they'll going to work the crap out you. And there's no Mondays off after drill weekends (depending on unit) but be prepared to work long hours and long months...Honestly TPU(Reserves) is the best kept secret if you've already served in the RA.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2023 4:01 PM

2023-06-01T16:01:36-04:00

It depends. I think the AGR program is the best told lie. If you're joining just to be in the program or to get financial stability because you're struggling and you're not looking to get anything out the program …apply. There's no career progression for most unless you hold one of probably 4 premier MOSs. Don't take the position offered serious because it's just a suggestion. You will be whatever that command needs you to be and don't think "you may be required to wear many hats" That's not a cute cliché. They are about to work the crap out you. Depending on the command, you do not get the Monday after drilling off. Expect to work long months, weeks, days, hours. Don't expect a left seat, right seat. Very rare I've been told and experienced. I have served in the RA, Reserves and AGR. I think the Reserves (if you’ve served in the RA) is by far the best kept secret. If you want to serve on active duty for a little while go on TOUR OF Duty and find an assignment. You can find them for weeks, months, years.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2023 11:01 PM

2023-06-15T23:01:34-04:00

I was recently selected and put on the AGR Consideration List. What are some things that I can do to boost my chances of securing a vacant spot in the program. I am currently Active Duty with around 9 months left in my active-duty contract.