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

SGT (Join to see) , 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).

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..  

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. 

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. &nbsp;<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>

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.

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.

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.

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