Loss of Purpose in the Guard.

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 12:54:38 -0400

I'm a Specialist in the Guard. During my IET I felt a sense of purpose and pride for what I was doing and it felt great. But now it seems like all of that has gone away. I only joined the guard when I was young because I planned on switching to AD once I got married but of course the Guard won't real ease me. The Guard just isn't enough for me, I feel like I could be doing more but I'm stuck in the Guard. Any advice or help with possibly getting on active duty? Thanks in advance.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 12:58 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 12:58:56 -0400

Check with a recruiter on the availability of Active Duty spots for prior service, "get out" of the Guard when your time expires, and go to the recruiter the next day. They can't stop that...

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 25 at 2015 1:14 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:14:54 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member You should be able to speak with an active duty recruiter about your options. When is your regular enlistment up and what is your MOS? That may play a big part in what you can and can't reenlist for on Active Duty. There are a lot of Recruiters out here on RP, so hopefully one of them willo chime in.

Maybe one of these recruiters or former recruiters can help you out with some additioinal advice. These are RP Members that I'm connected with:

MSG Private RallyPoint Member SFC Private RallyPoint Member SFC A.M. Drake SFC Frank Hayden, MPA SFC Adam Potter SFC Marcelino Morales 1SG Dayna Walker or CSM Michael Lynch

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 1:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:31:29 -0400

Why do you say the NG won't release you? Have you submitted a conditional release to them? Have you actually gone to the AD recruiting yet?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 2:11 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 14:11:01 -0400

I think that your own well-being will be best served by making the best of your current experience. In my long career in the Reserve, I have found that you get what you put into it.

I will comment on the DD368 not being approved. It sounds very much like you have resistance to releasing you in your immediate CoC. Conditional releases are routinely approved unless there are disciplinary issues or a pending deployment. "Lost" packets leads me to look closer to home for the reasons why you are not being released.
Good luck, SPC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SFC John Birks made Aug 26 at 2015 12:15 AM

SFC John Birks — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 00:15:23 -0400

I was AGR , I'll hit you up tomorrow. I've been drinking too much tonight. There are ways out of the guard..

Response by SGT Kevin McCourt made Apr 5 at 2016 10:13 AM

SGT Kevin McCourt — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 10:13:03 -0400

I felt the same way, 31 years ago. Loved and hated all my active years. Don't let anyone say you can't. If possible, see about a transfer to another guard unit that isn't as lax. There are many good guard units left.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 2:30 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 14:30:05 -0400

The guard will release you if you have a Conditional Release from a Recruiter. You have to do it the right way and let the cards fall where they may. I helped 3 Airmen out of the Reserves through Conditional Releases and even had one (for me) to go back into the Navy, but decided to Retire.