Switching from Active Duty Army to Army Reserves?

Mark Saluta — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 10:59:12 -0400

I just had my physical done at MEPS. I was there for the physical only, so did not swear in or sign a contract.

I have decided to change from Army Active Duty to Army Reserves, due to some complications in my family.

I'm planning on informing my recruiter today, but want to understand what this means.

Does it go to a different recruiter for reserves, or can he assist also?

He has helped me a lot, and I don't want to be that guy.

Would I then just inform the MEPS career counselor when I go to pick my MOS and sign the contract that I'm opting for Reserves instead?

Does he then look up vacancies based on my state?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2020 11:29 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 11:29:29 -0400

You will likely have to go back to a recruiter that specializes in the reserve component and do the whole process over again. You can't just be given an MOS at MEPS. The specific reserve units in your area have specific MOS slots assigned to them based on their mission. The reserve recruiter tracks these as part of his manpower management function. He will know what your options are based on your qualifications and miltary needs.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 7 at 2020 12:53 PM

SSG Brian G. — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 12:53:38 -0400

Yes, it will involve a different recruiter. Don't sweat it. It happens. You can always decide that later you want to go active duty and that can be arranged through your unit. It is just another hoop to jump through.

Your reserve recruiter will look at your scores and the Units that are in your area that are undermanned and have posted need for MOS's and go from there. Some MOS are not available to Reserve components.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Aug 7 at 2020 4:58 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 16:58:55 -0400

How will staying home improve your family complications. If you go Army Reserve and your unit gets called up, you still get to go. Are you sure you want in the military?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2020 6:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 18:22:35 -0400

Young man, I do not mean to come off as harsh, but go talk to your recruiter. I am currently on recruiting duty and we deal with both reserves and active duty. The information you have gotten so far is false. You do not have to switch recruiters or start the entire process over again. Your recruiter is working with you whether it be active or reserves. You would only have to switch recruiters if you were wanting to join the Army National Guard. Please, just call your recruiter and inform him of your decision. Its actually quite easy to just change your mind. You will literally not have to do anything else yourself.

Response by SSG Cliff Richardson made Aug 7 at 2020 8:13 PM

SSG Cliff Richardson — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 20:13:26 -0400

If he himself doesn't handle your request, he will then have to send you over to a recruiter that is there for reserve recruiting, don't let him dazzle you with a bunch of BS, just tell himm right up front what it is that you want, he then will handle you in that area. When you make it back from all your basic, and MOS trng. make sure that you make all your drills, keep all your pay slips, and any other document that you recieve every month, this proves that you were there for the required time that month. And what ever you do, DO NOT go into or sign anything assigning you to the IRR, this is the worst element you can join, they promise you the sun, and deliver you a shit soup sandwhich. The IRR cost me my retirement, due no commo between them and you, under the IRR you are not under a reserve command, you are under the IRR component of the U.S. AHRC ( Human resorces command, and they have the most ignorant, fucked up people working for them it's a wonder it even functions. You don't want to know, and it's headed by a 4 star general!!!
It has been said by many that a lot of people come up with missing points every year, and no one knows where they go !!, So always keep your records straight. Best of luck to you...

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2020 12:33 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 00:33:51 -0400

You switch but you don’t need to if you like the guy your with. Have the conversation with the current recruiter. If for some reason he can’t help you he will hand you off to someone who can. But understand how the change will or will not improve your family situation. Talk it out to make sure the things you think you will be improving actually will be improved. You don’t know what you don’t know. Good luck.

Response by SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee made Aug 8 at 2020 12:51 PM

SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 12:51:43 -0400

Go active! Go adventure, see the world, meet the people. If they are family, they'll be there when you get back. Whoaa!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2020 8:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 20:17:49 -0400

As a recruiter I can tell with certainty that your recruiter can do active or reserve contracts just let him know but if you had your mind set on a specific mos know that there is the possibility of it not being in the area but other units nearby may have it you may just have to travel a bit.