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

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]

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

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.

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.

Best kept secret in the Air Force too.

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?

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.

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?)

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.

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.