Posted on Aug 27, 2020
SPC Combat Engineer
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I'm trying to transition from the national guard to active duty. When I get to my active unit. What should / shouldn't I do? What should I expect?
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SSG Combat Engineer
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I made this switch in 2011. Expect your pay to take 30-60ish days to kick in, almost every S1 function has to be re-done for active duty. When you get to your unit remember basic military customs and courtesies and start brushing up now on your basic soldier skills and MOS knowledge. I got smoked for hours while being asked those types of questions on my first day on active duty.
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SP5 Richard Welch
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Don't push too hard, as many will have an issue with you of you do. When I was on active duty we had a guy come from active reserves, and try to tell everyone how to do their jobs. He had rank coming into unit that we active duty folks didn't agree with due to his time in reserves. He was a complete disaster, couldn't do his job, and always tried to cause issues with others. He claimed endless knowledge and being superior to us due to reserves. In the end he transferred out of unit, too many people looking to beat his ignorant, bullying ass.
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LTC Program Manager
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Start off by showing how disciplined you can be. After that, it's just like the Guard except, every day.
Best of luck
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Transferring from guard to active What to expect from new unit?
SGT Combat Engineer
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Definitely don’t brag about your time in the guard, nobody cares. Like everyone else is saying just brush up on your level 10 knowledge and act like you want to be there.
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SFC Combat Engineer
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I had done the same thing. AD is not the Guard, keep your mouth shut and ears open. Good luck !!
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SSgt Investigative Analyst
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I did that. When you get to your duty station, realize there will be people there that see you as the Guard guy. Between you and me, there's nothing wrong with that. Some of the best Airmen, NCOs, and Officers I know were/are Guard. But active duty personnel can be finicky. Some might still have the negative opinion of Guard service from 30+ years ago, and that was never who we were.

Be squared away. Know your job. Be an exceptional soldier.
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SP5 Richard Welch
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Troops already in unit you are going to have lots of knowledge you don't. Respect them, you will be fine.
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