Is there really a restriction on speaking with a recruiter of another branch?

2021-05-10T12:37:00-04:00

I have a little over 16 month until ETS and I am trying to have a legitimate conversation with an AF recruiter about what it would take to make the change. I know I want to continue to serve, and active is not an option, but my state (National Guard) does not have any jobs that I want to commit to. I am getting to old and beat up to keep up with people 20 years younger than me in a combat role. Is there a reg. that restricts recruiter from talking with current service members of another branch, or is this just a curtesy thing? I can not get anyone to call me, text me or email me back?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 10 at 2021 12:39 PM

2021-05-10T12:39:14-04:00

If you want to speak to a recruiter go to them directly. They may be reluctant to work with you so far out from your ETS. To answer your question, there is nothing restricting you from having a conversation with a recruiter.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 10 at 2021 12:48 PM

2021-05-10T12:48:40-04:00

Whom you talk with on your time off is your business. Talk with the recruiter directly. Air Force Reserve or Air Guard may have positions in Civil Engineering units. There are Service restrictions on recruiting prior service personnel that may be the reason some recruiters aren't calling you back.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2021 5:16 PM

2021-05-10T17:16:28-04:00

No there's nothing that says a recruiter can't talk to someone in another service branch. It sounds like they're just not that into you. If you're 16 months out ETS that might be why they're not returning communications.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2021 5:55 PM

2021-05-10T17:55:09-04:00

I think it's more about finding one that is willing to talk with you. Typically prior service personnel have fewer options, recruiters don't have the time or the patients to deal with prior service people because they think they're entitled to more than they are.

Response by SMSgt Billy Cesarano made May 10 at 2021 6:26 PM

2021-05-10T18:26:15-04:00

You can talk to recruiter at anytime. They are however, on tight schedules with recruit candidates business and you may not even find them at the recruiting station all week. A good recruiter that is. Which is also something you could check into for your final year. You may find them at schools and events like air shows and in the malls, but their focus is not on prior service. It is an unspoken rule among recruiters not to 'steal' a candidate from each other. When it comes to the Guard, you will find it a very closed system, as you no doubt have. You will need to find a unit of interest, visit them, talk about your qualifications and ask whether they feel you are a good fit. You will then be directed to a specific recruiter who will now have a recommendation from the gaining unit to handle your transfer. Be prepared for the real possibility of voluntarily dropping a rank when changing branches. It isn't a rule, just a policy depending on their need and your fit. I was in your shoes. Infantry to ANG then AFR. Your next year should be spent looking over your transfer options in person and talking with both the leadership and your potential peers. This will serve you well when the gaining unit you select sees you respected them over all others. Be aware, units are very reluctant to gain someone too far out of the area unless you have demonstrated the ability to respond to alert very quickly (as in no different than someone local). A letter of recommendation and copies of your 3 previous performance reports should accompany any visitation for access on request. Remember, you are potentially taking a slot one of their soldiers is preparing for so you'll need to tred with care. Ask in advance what slots are vacant.
Good Luck!

Response by SFC Matthew Conkling made May 10 at 2021 7:46 PM

2021-05-10T19:46:04-04:00

There is nothing wrong with exploring your options. Would be better to go in and talk to a recruiter personally. Face to face is better than a phone call or email.

Response by SPC Cathy Goessman made May 11 at 2021 2:27 PM

2021-05-11T14:27:46-04:00

You are 16 months out but those kids graduating high school this month are prime targets to hit their numbers. I'm betting you just aren't a priority right now.

And if those phone numbers are that individual soldier's number they may not be valid anymore. I'd suggest trying to call just the normal recruiting station number.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2021 7:02 PM

2021-05-12T19:02:39-04:00

There is no restriction. As a matter of fact, you can have it aligned so that your ets and enlistment date are the same so there's no break in service. Air National Guard recruiters are the most difficult to get ahold of and even harder to actually do anything that would classify them as recruiters. Your best bet is to keep calling until you finally irritate them enough to actually answer the phone. That's how I did it.