Switching units within the Army Reserve. Is it eaiser than going active duty?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 03:42:10 -0500

Is it easy to get into a new unit if you are staying within the same component? If so what is the prosses like, and how long does it take?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2013 3:48 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 03:48:40 -0500

It all depends on your units organization/leadership, openings of positions for your MOS, and how much you are needed at your unit. I've been trying to transfer for a while, but with my rank right now, there are no open positions at the surrounding units for me to be accepted to. Just talk to your Retention NCO at your unit. They can do a search for open positions for specific MOS's in a specified region/state.
As far as the process for it, and the time... can't help ya there since I haven't gotten that far myself.

Hope this info is helpful.

Response by MAJ Monique Ruiz made Feb 23 at 2015 5:29 PM

MAJ Monique Ruiz — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 17:29:34 -0500

If you want to go active, it's easier for you to ETS from the reserves, then walk into an active duty recruiting office (assuming your record is good to go). Chances are you may not have the option of having the same MOS. It may benefit you in the long run to have two MOSs because you can get promoted in either one as long as you indicate which one you choose to be your primary and slots available.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 10:53 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 22:53:32 -0500

Recently I changed units; this process was extremely easy thanks to the help of my retention NCO. The process was just a matter of getting a few signatures, and I am now awaiting reclass school. This experience was much different then when I attempted to which to active duty as an 18X (Special Forces Candidate). This after a year of being jerked around ended up in failing. The process for me to switch units within the army reserve took only 3 months from the time that I expressed interest in changing units, along with my MOS, and the time I was drilling with my new unit. Thank you everyone that gave their advice, and I hope this can help some other soldier down the road.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Dec 31 at 2015 3:59 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 15:59:41 -0500

It is based on vacancy and your command willing to let you leave. Best thing is start talking to your S1 and get all the facts, be nice to your NCO, 1SGT and CO.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2016 8:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 20:20:07 -0500

The process is rather easy. You need to see a retention individual and then they will start that side of the ball and then you need to get a form signed by your current command "releasing" you from your current unit and into your new unit.