Need advice on taking ADOS orders from the Guard or continue to pursue going active, I have been put in a tight spot right now.

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 12:16:28 -0400

My BC just called me and has asked me if he can find me orders for a year if I would be willing to stay, but I have my heart set on going active because I am looking out for my family and I want to do what I was trained to do. So my question is what or how do I approach this without burning Bridges?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 12:41 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 12:41:14 -0400

ADOS money can dry up quickly so if you have the opportunity to go active duty then take it. ADOS is only temporary then you are right back where you started.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 1:06 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 13:06:32 -0400

Do what is best for you and your family. Keep the 7 Army values when you do give your answer. Since it is an option weigh them both positive and negative. Good luck on your journey and know there is some on you can talk to about every thing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 1:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 13:16:01 -0400

My advice is just go active. ADOS is temporary and don't worry about burning bridges. Just be professional and turn him down. It's not in the best interest for you and your family. Simple.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 1:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 13:17:29 -0400

take ADOS, prior service to active may not be possible now a days but check "Prior Service Business Rules " or your local recruiter.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 1:23 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 13:23:57 -0400

This is a pretty classic case.
On the one hand is the bird in the hand vs two in the bush theory, where you take the "sure" thing (ADOS) vs the maybe of going AC. For the commander, this is a win, because he keeps your services, makes you happy (albeit temporarily) and he'll be gone when your orders run out because of tenure limits.
Then there is the advice I would normally give, which is to focus on your ultimate goal of going to Active Duty and anything that delays or detracts from that is an obstacle to be overcome. Your commander should look at this is what is best for the Army (first), his unit (second), and the Soldier (third). Trying to get you to stay is services the second priority.

For you, the deciding factor is probably Time. Can you afford to wait for a conditional release packet to clear? Should be around 45 days.
How long does an ADOS packet take? In my command, that is every bit of 60 days, and 60 days from now puts you up against FY issues, meaning a realistic start date after 1 OCT, probably more like 15-20 OCT when the money and accounting codes filter down.
That'd be the tiebreaker for me if I was really on the fence.
Eye on the prize.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 2:32 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 14:32:06 -0400

I guess ultimately it's a heart decisions SGT. I'm trying to get ADOS or AGR at some point. I'm playing around the idea of going AD but... Idk I like the Guard, I like the people in my unit thus far. Part of it's money, part of it is a want for more experience.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 3:04 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 15:04:54 -0400

So it's basically is an either/or situation. Either you take the 1 year ADOS and stay in the unit (meaning after a year you are back in regular drill status) or continue to try and go AD and leave the unit. If your civilian job situation is good, then continue to try to go AD. I haven't heard of too many folks being successful with going AD (have you heard of reducing the force?) but if you've got a good career counselor/recruiter telling you otherwise, then go for it.

Response by MSG Pat Colby made Aug 3 at 2016 3:33 PM

MSG Pat Colby — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 15:33:35 -0400

If you are looking towards retirement, stay away from ADOS and go AD. Like others have said, money may dry up from year to year. When you get close to 17 years AFS, they will drop you like a hot potato to prevent you from being Locked in for a pension..

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 12:33 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 00:33:11 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member There is nothing stopping you from accepting the ADOS orders while looking to get an AGR gig. If after 9 months, you come up empty, you can start the conditional release process to go AD.

Response by SSG Mike Zientek made Aug 4 at 2016 5:43 PM

SSG Mike Zientek — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 17:43:35 -0400

ADOS is taking care of your Family.
ADOS can lead to AGR, which is the cat's meow. AGR is the Army's best kept secret.
Why do you want to go active?
Travel somewhere new and exciting every few years?
Or stay local and your kids can make long term friends in the same school district, and your wife can find and keep a job.
AGR, or ADOS, can offer you the opportunity to learn new MOS, special skills, and network.
You have the option to transfer among commands, earn rank, and secure your future.
Make the decision that is best for your Family. Your COC will understand if you are upfront and honest.
Good luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2017 6:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 May 2017 06:52:03 -0400

Do what best for you and your family, they will understand

Response by SSG Katherine Likely made May 28 at 2017 7:09 AM

SSG Katherine Likely — Sun, 28 May 2017 07:09:44 -0400

it is like active. this is what i did the last 7 years i was in. a year here 6 months there. you choose your time breaks, went all over the world. you don't transfer, you stay attached to your home unit. you choose the missions, i loved it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 7:57 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 May 2017 19:57:26 -0400

Hey SGT,

So, I was ADOS after two deployments for Recruiting which turned into an AGR position. But there are MANY cases where Commands grab ADOS money to try and help a soldier out but that does not change the circumstances that lead to why you would want to go AC.

First and foremost, come up with WHY you want to go AC and if there are more reasons other than pay and stability, you should sit with your BC & CSM and explain that the aggravated reasons.

You should also look at your MOS and have a hard discussion with your skill set. You might get busted to an E-4 and then join the mafia again.

Make a decision that is best for your family and make a plan on how you can fix what needs fixed while you are AC. That way, when/if you return to RC you can enjoy not shaving for a month with a civilian set of skills.

-1SG

Response by Jo Ann Smith made Aug 1 at 2017 11:15 PM

Jo Ann Smith — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 23:15:12 -0400

I need to tell my son about this sight. He is having such a hard time in the Army National Guard Right now. He is doing additional trainings and not getting drill pay for the past two months. Only being able to get a deadend job and about to get put out of his apartment for not being able to work his civilian job because of drills. I am frustrated and worried about him. He is stressed at two week drill. Tried CO and everything. Student loan repayment hasn't been honored by the military. Where can he go for help?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2018 9:28 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 May 2018 09:28:20 -0400

Take the year duty and go active afterwards, this way your bc will bless the movement