What can I do to increase my odds of transitioning from the reserves to active duty?

2025-11-03T18:08:29-05:00

I know it's been asked before, and I have a basic understanding of the process, but I would still like to gain as much knowledge as possible. I'm a new father and a struggling one at that. My current employer is collapsing and reducing hours like it's nothing, and the job market is brutal due to the recent layoffs, and my son's medication is quite expensive. We're a young family and at best ive only ever earned 16/ hour so I haven't been able to build up a strong savings for this occasion; what we do have has been nearly depleted and debt is beginning to become suffocating.
For my family, I need to go active; it's my best option and honestly, regardless of the necessity, I am excited about it! I always felt like I missed something by electing to go reserve right after IET. I'm currently waiting on approval of my DD368, but from hear-say, it's not looking good.
Is there anything I can do to improve my odds, or is this out of my hands?

Response by COL Randall C. made Nov 3 at 2025 7:47 PM

2025-11-03T19:47:45-05:00

BLUF: Right now it's out of your hands.

As you said you're waiting for the DD368 to be approved, that indicates that you've already spoken to an active duty recruiter and have everything lined up pending the release from the reserves. Short of having 'influence' in your back pocket, there's not much you can do.

The DD368 will go up through you chain of command to the first GO with approval authority. In your case, based on your profile, this would be the CG of the 807th Medical Command.

As part of your packet, you needed to submit a justification letter (in this case, I assume you would have detailed financial hardship). The guidance by the OCAR is that subordinate commands will lay out efforts to retain the Soldier such as identifying mobilization tour shortfalls or ADOS opportunities that would be appropriate. Have any such discussions occurred with your leadership?
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* Chief of Army Reserve Policy #20-01: Army Reserve Conditional Release
Policy - https://www.usar.army.mil/Portals/98/CAR%20Policy%2020-01%20Army%20Reserve%20Conditional%20Release%20Policy%20-%2023%20Dec%2020.pdf

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Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2025 3:40 PM

2025-11-07T15:40:04-05:00

Anything you can do? No. All you can do right now is wait for word from your Recruiter.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Nov 7 at 2025 3:56 PM

2025-11-07T15:56:11-05:00

You can pray your unit doesnt slow walk it...