Is there a way to transfer from the reserves to active duty and change my mos in doing so?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 12:28:36 -0400

I feel as if the reserves is not for me. I would like to switch to active duty as soon as possible but I have no idea how. Ive brought this topic up to my seniors and the suggestion that comes up is AGR. I have drill this weekend (16th-17th) so i can speak with my leaders on any suggestions I recieve on here. Any and all feedback is appreciated. Thanks.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 1:27 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 13:27:38 -0400

If you want to go active duty from the USAR, you will need what's called a 'conditional release', which is DA Form 368. It will need to be signed by the first General Officer in your chain of command.

You will then need to follow 1LT Brian Godwin 's suggestion and speak directly to an active duty recruiter. If they can take you, they'll walk you through the rest of the way.

No guarantees that you'll get the MOS you want.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 14 at 2015 1:52 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Thu, 14 May 2015 13:52:22 -0400

Yah. Just check with an AC Recruiter. You'll need a Conditional Release (those can be a long time to get), but most competent AC Recruiters know how to cut through the red tape. IRT the MOS issue - it's gonna be a crapshoot and will entirely depend on which MOS you want.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made May 14 at 2015 2:05 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:05:06 -0400

1SG Michael Blount on the target, with one addition MOS change is dependent of your ASAVB Scores. Which might require you to retake the ASABV test; to which I advise to do ASVAB Practice Testing. Thank you for asking RP, good to see a soldier asking us old guys.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 2:53 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:53:46 -0400

As nice as it would be to have your leaders know the answer, few will. It is more of a recruiting/retention question. All the advice I have seen so far is sound and accurate.
I did 1 reserve to active transfer during my last command. The retention/recruiting NCO did the majority of the work. As the commander I had to sign releasing the SM and there may have been 1 or 2 other documents required.

From the Army's perspective they just spent thousands of dollars training you. You may not get out of your MOS so quickly.

Anything is possible, however, some things are not as likely. Good luck.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 3:58 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 15:58:11 -0400

Here is the full process:
-Visit Active Duty Recruiter
-Get DD-368 and a DA-4651 (make sure the recruiter signs it)
-Submit the paperwork (plus a few other things your admin will have you work on)
-Paperwork will go up in the system, stopping at each level above your Company
-Once it is signed by the first General-level Officer with authority in your CoC, it will show a change to those with HRPass access
-IF the release is approved, you will take the DD-368 back to the recruiter and they will start their part of the process (basically, the same as enlistment)

At the point you are released, you will have to contend with the PS Business Rules that are active at that time. Right now, the ONLY retraining option for you are: 18X and 35P if you can qualify for them. If they are taking your MOS, you can also enter active on that MOS and then look at reclassing later through an application MOS (SF, 35P, 12D, etc) or based on In/Out calls.

Check out the current PS Business Rules here:
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/continue-serving/active-duty/prior-service-business-rules.html

I would get the DD-368, etc prior to BTA if possible...so if your Company CoC supports you, you can complete the packet immediately to avoid delays.

AGR would be a ways out for you as you need to be at least a more senior SPC to even be remotely eligible and chances of selection are pretty low.

Hope that helps.

Prior Service Business Rules

The Prior Service Business Rules acts as a guide for Soldiers who are interested in reenlisting in the regular Army.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 14 at 2015 5:15 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 14 May 2015 17:15:22 -0400

You need to talk to your local RA recruiter. They can help you with the DD368 and DA 4187. You have to be open to what the Army is offering but it should still be possible.

IF you are looking at going AGR, then you are going to have a bit of rougher go at it...at least right now. There are not many AGR positions below E-5. Not saying there are none but there are not many.

Response by MAJ Sean Hood made May 14 at 2015 7:34 PM

MAJ Sean Hood — Thu, 14 May 2015 19:34:12 -0400

AGR can be quite a long process but if you want to stay local its the way to go

Response by MAJ Anthony DeStefano made May 14 at 2015 7:43 PM

MAJ Anthony DeStefano — Thu, 14 May 2015 19:43:39 -0400

When I was in Signal Officer Basic Course (SOBC back then) it was suggested that I transfer from the ARNG to active duty by my Active Duty advisor. Because I had done very well in the course, he would make that recommendation. I declined, but there was one way to do it from an ADT status to AD based on performance. Do you have any ADT you can perform soon? Again I don't know if this route is still valid but it was at one time. You can research that aspect. I would speak to AD recruiters, AD personnel administrators and anyone else who would be familiar with the regs...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 8:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 20:38:38 -0400

Talk to a Recruter, also you can depending on your GT and ST scores go 38B or 37F. Ft. Bragg has a selection program for reserve Soldiers to cross to Active duty, but the Recruter is you best bet 1st. Good Luck

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 8:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 20:50:01 -0400

I'm going through the same process your going through...YOU have to be on top of things,YOU have to put in as much work in those 2 days or how ever many you have to for drill like its a 5 day job,YOU have to show your superiors you want to transition into AD,don't be that guy standing around waiting for orders to do the little things,when you see those little things jump right to it and help get it done! Many people get to comfortable at drill you have to stay hungry and motivated.Ask questions when you have a block of instructions, pick up extra detail ,finish your classes your given and be on top of things like you want it ,it's competitive out here ,show your worth,I just got put on orders for a couple of months to train within the unit,only a few selected to learn and execute when if we deploy,and hopefully it will extend,I've only been in my unit since October and since then I hit the ground running ,you have to communicate and show them you want it and willing to work for it.ONLY YOU can make it happen!!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 9:43 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 09:43:53 -0400

Right now the business rules for Prior Service have changed. If you are E4 and below with less than 36 months active duty time you are able to get option 3 Choose MOS based on qualifications or keep current MOS and get a few duty stations to choose

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 11:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 11:21:13 -0400

Looks like everyone is on point with their tips for how to transfer components. When I transferred I ended up waiting over a year for my conditional release.

If you have to, type up your own 4856s and conditional release and bring them to your chain of command for review and signature. If you take that route though, be sure you work with your S1 and make sure you have the right information on the forms. They have all the samples you will need in their regulations.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 5:51 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 17:51:09 -0400

Contact an active duty recruiter, if the can or will take you in you will need to get a conditional release signed by your commander. This form basicly says they will release you pending the signing of a new contract

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 7:36 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 May 2016 07:36:13 -0400

if you want to try and go active you need to speak to a recruiter. You need to to get a conditional release(dd form 368) from your recruiter and have him sign it and then submit it to your UA. And then it has to go all the way up your chain of command getting approved at each level. till it gets signed off by an O-7. be prepared to wait and dont get your hopes too high, you're not guaranteed too get approved. i submitted mine back in december and im still waiting. its at my CG now and could be there for the next few months waiting for a go or no-g.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 9:16 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 09:16:15 -0400

So I'm prior service, currently in the reserves. Ive wanted to go back on active duty since about a month after I got out.
I missed it and decided it wasn't in my best interest. Well there was a policy in effect that was holding me back and since last month that policy was lifted. I submitted a DD Form 368 the conditional release paperwork and now I'm waiting. I know it shouldn't take too long because I haven't been in the unit long, I'm not mos

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jun 23 at 2016 4:58 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 16:58:01 -0400

Speak with a recruiter. It's a pretty simple and straightforward process. One issue MIGHT be your change of MOS. That implies attending AIT. That said, if you really want to do it - go for it. And do a bit of running in the meantime