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Posted on Jan 17, 2021
Cpl Phillip Hoff
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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.
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CPT Senior Instructor
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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.
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Cpl Johnny Willis
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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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Cpl Johnny Willis
Cpl Johnny Willis
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Only one way to find out and talk to a recruiter.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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You just said you're too old to go active duty, how would you be able to go active 3 years later?
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Cpl Phillip Hoff
Cpl Phillip Hoff
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Maybe going from NG to active is treated differently than civilian to active?
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Cpl Phillip Hoff
Cpl Phillip Hoff
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Or not?
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SGM Jeff Mccloud
SGM Jeff Mccloud
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Cpl Phillip Hoff - It's not.
The only waiver for age to active duty is the number of years of previous active duty time only.
You were already eligible for a 4 year waiver for that, and those 4 years only allowed you up to 39.
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National Guard to active duty after age 42?
SGT Squad Leader
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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.
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Cpl Phillip Hoff
Cpl Phillip Hoff
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I'm too old to go active duty. Even with prior service.
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SGT Squad Leader
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Unfortunately, the age requirements for the active army and the national guard are the same. So if you find a national guard recruiter who will help you, an active duty one could do the same thing.

However, you might still be able to go Air Force. They have a cut-off age of 39, so if you have four years prior service, your adjusted age would be 38.
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