National Guard to active duty after age 42?

2021-01-17T18:33:13-05:00

Is there an age, past which, you can no longer ask for a conditional release to go from NG to active? I'm 42.

I'm considering joining the guard shortly. At the end of my three year commitment I will be 45. Would I be allowed to go active duty at that age? I have 4 years prior service.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2021 7:47 PM

2021-01-17T19:47:10-05:00

I can't say for sure if there is a cut-off point for getting a conditional release, but i don't believe so.

However, the more important question is, why go through all this instead of just going straight to the active-duty army?

It can be hard finding a recruiter willing to in-process a prior service applicant, and for your plan, you would need two (one national guard and one active duty).

Getting a conditional release can be a very long process, ranging from four months to a year plus. There is also no guaranty that your chain of command will even approve of your conditional release. Remember that your conditional release would need to be signed by every commanding officer from the company commander to the state's commanding general.

In all, it would probably be best to go directly to active duty. Or go national guard, and once you are ready to make it a full-time job, look for a full-time guard position. Your past service in the Marine Corps might even help you get selected over your peers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2021 9:23 PM

2021-01-17T21:23:28-05:00

You just said you're too old to go active duty, how would you be able to go active 3 years later?

Response by Cpl Johnny Willis made Jan 17 at 2021 9:53 PM

2021-01-17T21:53:17-05:00

Talk to your recruiter. They will subtract your previous years in service.
You should also check into the Air Force reserves the age cut off limit right now is 39.

"• To enlist, you cannot be younger than 17 (18 for GED holders) or older than 39 years of age. You must begin Basic Military Training before your 40th birthday."
Source: https://www.airforce.com/frequently-asked-questions/physical,personal/what-is-the-cutoff-age-to-join-the-air-force

Which means you subtract your years in service - you said you did 4 prior - so that would make you 39. So you need to go NOW! Like TODAY 1/18/2021! Because Air Force has certain quotas but going Reserves will probably be your best bet. Going active will be another story but at least get your foot in first.

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Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2021 1:17 AM

2021-01-18T01:17:01-05:00

You could potentially go back to the National Guard and then transition to the regular army. I was 36 when I transferred back to the regular army as an officer. They only took me back because they were in need of infantry officers. I will say that it is a young man's game. The Army looks for longevity. If they can attain their numbers through regular recruiting they don't necessarily reach out to take National Guard soldiers unless there is a need. You would have a very hard time transitioning back to the regular army at 45 unless you had a very unique skill set.