(National guard to active army transfer) What should I expect when I go to MEPS?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 May 2018 17:06:31 -0400

I am a 25U transferring from the North Carolina national guard, and I had a couple questions regarding the process of going active duty. I began the process in January and have already had my DD-368 signed off on, so getting Released from the guard is completely out of the way. What I am curious about is whether or not I could possibly be eligible for a signing bonus, and if I am, when would I be receiving said bonus? Generally the first part of the bonus is awarded following completion of ait and I went through basic and AIT from January-July 2017. Given that I will almost definitely be keeping my MOS. My trip up to MEPS is next Tuesday, which is when i will be signing my contract, which my recruiter tells me he has no way of viewing my options until I am up there. I am trying to be as prepared as possible for whatever options are available. I have read from various sources online that people in my position are eligible for the same signing bonuses as recruits initially joining and because I am keeping my MOS, I will be getting my choice of duty stations from what is available. Which I can only assume will be a healthy few, given that I am a fairly universal MOS and I am lower enlisted.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made May 1 at 2018 6:16 PM

SGT Eric Davis — Tue, 01 May 2018 18:16:23 -0400

You will only get a bonus if that MOS has a bonus so if 25u not getting a bonus then you won’t get a bonus...also if you got a bonus when you joined the guard they will be taking that back!

You can choose a duty station but better hope they have your mos there

Response by Jenna James made May 6 at 2018 3:33 PM

Jenna James — Sun, 06 May 2018 15:33:43 -0400

My husband is a 25U. He was active, ETS, went into the reserves and now 3 years later he has submitted his dd 368 to go back active. When talking to the active recruiter he looked and said currently (2 months ago) there weren't any 25U slots so he's considering 13M. Hopefully they will have some openings by now for that MOS. Fingers crossed his packet will get approved in a timely manner. It's now at Brigade and it was submitted about a month ago. Good luck to you!