Want to transfer from National Guard to Active Duty. Can anyone give me tips?

2014-12-03T00:34:35-05:00

Greetings thank you for taking your time to read my question. I am currently an E3 and am part of the Florida National Guard. My MOS is 91B diesel mechanic and I joined the guard 11/20/2012. I am trying to get all the info that I can find on transferring to active duty. I am more than willing to reclass to a different MOS to do so. I am still pretty new and don't quite understand the prior service rules completely. I was wondering if there are any active duty recruiters from Florida that can shine a light on the subject.

Thank you very much for your attention.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 1:27 AM

2014-12-03T01:27:24-05:00

Might be tough with only 2 years in. A conditional release would be required. I had to get one as I left the Air Guard for Army Guard then Army Guard for Army Reserves. If you can't go AD, try Tour of Duty. It's a good way to find slots for going on orders.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 2:24 AM

2014-12-03T02:24:32-05:00

I went from the national guard to active duty twice, but that was many moons ago. Back then I just needed my commander to release me. I’ve seen other soldiers do it and they never had a problem. I don’t think many commanders will stand in your way to go active duty.

As far as what options the active duty recruiter can offer, that changes often according to the needs of the Army.

Good luck.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2014 9:11 AM

2014-12-15T09:11:27-05:00

I'm going to be honest with you, I have a friend that is trying to do the same thing.
With the Army downsizing, slots are very limited. They aren't accepting just anyone and if your MOS isn't in dire need of soldiers, they aren't going to take you. SF is the only branch accepting soldiers at this time. And if you were an E-5 you night as well throw that out of the picture because they are only taking candidates who are E-4 and below right now.
But good luck on it, hopefully you can find a way if it's what you really want!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2014 9:16 AM

2014-12-15T09:16:14-05:00

Have you considered applying to the AGR program? Active duty commitment, pay, and benefits, but you'll still be guard. It may be a more viable route with the Army downsizing.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2014 9:04 PM

2014-12-15T21:04:10-05:00

Have you talked to anyone from the recruiting command? Go to the nearest recruitment office and talk to them. They can answer all your questions: open MOS's, steps required to switch over, roadblocks, and so forth.

Response by SSG Nick Tramontano made May 15 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-05-15T23:33:09-04:00

More than likely you'll have to go through the whole process all over again, ASVAB, physical, etc.. . If you go Army you won't have to do Basic again. The first thing is to sit down with a recruiter. There are many questions you'll have to ask yourself. Are you planning on staying in your MOS ( you did mention reclass ) You need to find out what MOS you really want to do. If the RA will take you they will have to submit a release form for the state to let you go.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 9:01 PM

2015-06-04T21:01:52-04:00

1LT Private RallyPoint Member, I never heard of anyone who managed it, but I suppose it is possible. You probably would have to resign your commission and try for a grade determination. The higher the rank you have and want, the lower your chances.

I suppose the exception would be if you had mad computer security skills. There's a new Purple unit stood up somewhere in the D.C. area (probably Ft Belvoir) that is a cyber defense command.

I'm the only 11-series I know who is a computer hacker, and I don't think I have sufficient skills, but they wouldn't want an old E-9 anyway. Still, it would be a dream slot.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 10:22 PM

2015-07-26T22:22:20-04:00

I know this is an old question, but I'm curious if you made it through the transfer to AD component? I have a 91B guard soldier in my section attempting the same right now.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 9:31 PM

2015-08-20T21:31:42-04:00

As much as the active side is downsizing the guard side is trying to maintain and in some cases grow. Most likely they do not want to lose the investment that has been made with state dollars.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 9:33 PM

2015-08-20T21:33:15-04:00

Not really educated in the topic. However, the best I could come up with is to try and sit down with your career counselor and see what his insight would be.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 9:33 PM

2015-08-20T21:33:32-04:00

State doesn't want to lose you (the money they get for you) good luck...

Response by SGT Stephen Gober made Aug 20 at 2015 9:36 PM

2015-08-20T21:36:33-04:00

I'm not sure what your exact circumstances are there, but generally speaking a National Guard unit doesn't like losing a soldier even if it's better for the soldier's career. I moved from my unit to the Public Affairs office even though I was told point blank by my 1SG that it would never happen. Have your advisor fight it out on your behalf and you should land on your feet.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 9:42 PM

2015-08-20T21:42:06-04:00

In today's Army environment, I would think you need a critical MOS.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 9:45 PM

2015-08-20T21:45:49-04:00

It's not impossible, but some states don't want to release anyone, specially if you're a good soldier. I know in my state it's take a few months to get approved.

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made Aug 20 at 2015 10:42 PM

2015-08-20T22:42:34-04:00

Interesting how one says one thing and the other something different. This has been a problem for years. I don't know who your active duty advisor is but I would talk to him/her or I would talk to a recruiter. Unfortunately, the Army is downsizing and it may not be possible unless you went into the AGR program. 11B will be a tough MOS to get you to active duty right now. I would go see a recruiter and see what they say. You may have to reclassify, if it's possible, into a new MOS that's understrength. The AGR program is also a possibility but again, I don't know if it's possible as an 11B. Find a good recruiter.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 10:44 PM

2015-08-20T22:44:46-04:00

Without a conditional release from your state TAG, he's right.

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made Aug 20 at 2015 10:44 PM

2015-08-20T22:44:51-04:00

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 12:02 AM

2015-08-21T00:02:56-04:00

It's definitely possible. Its just difficult. You'll need a DD 368 signed off by your Battalion Commander. Ultimately your state will have to release you. You'll also need to work with an active duty recruiter to sign a new enlistment contract.

When I looked into it the only option I had was to take a bust to E5 and take an 18X contract. Household6 wasn't on board with SF so I never went further with it.

Response by SGT John W Lugo made Aug 21 at 2015 1:39 AM

2015-08-21T01:39:01-04:00

How long do you have on your NG contract? I'm sure it is possible,they the NG don't want to lose their retention percentage point. It might be easier if you wait till right before your current end of contract with NG. But wait for additional advice from other Senior NCO's or Officer's on site.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 3:04 AM

2015-08-21T03:04:02-04:00

Then he is full of crap. I did it late 2013. Go over his head to BN if you need to.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 3:13 AM

2015-08-21T03:13:38-04:00

Just curious if you ever transferred

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 3:27 AM

2015-08-21T03:27:50-04:00

It is certainly possible. Have seen many soldiers in my own unit do this. It does have to go through the commander and there is a lot of paper work to do on the part of the readiness NCO, which is probably why he is telling you its not possible. I assure you it, just know that unless you're an outstanding soldier most commanders won't sign off on it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 3:58 AM

2015-08-21T03:58:33-04:00

I have been away from my office at ALC for the last 2 months but before I left we had 11x and 18x open along with some random MOS on a case by case pretty much. But yes you will need a release from the NG. Also start with going to a recruiter. They will get you a DA form 368 started which is your release and explain the process for you. Also make sure you stay out of trouble. We turn away guard guys a lot because they have gotten DUIs or something stupid since joining the guard which will dq you from active. Good luck!!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 7:01 AM

2015-08-21T07:01:23-04:00

Greetings everyone,

I am still in the National Guard. I went a couple of months ago to see a RA recruiter but all he told me was that they were only looking for SF guys at the time. I had made up my mind to wait until I ETS to try and switch over. After reading some of your comments I decided to go again as soon as I can to see if they have any more MOS available.

Thank you for taking from your time to respond and have a great day.

Respectfully,
SPC Collazo

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Aug 21 at 2015 9:07 AM

2015-08-21T09:07:53-04:00

It can be Done. Thing is it might be for the needs of the Army. They really don't want to loose the numbers and it's A LOT of paper work for them. Heaven help they help the soldier instead of all the crap that Battalion has the full timers doing!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 9:23 AM

2015-08-21T09:23:17-04:00

It is possible. What needs to happen is you need to schedule an appointment with your Company Commander. He will have to submit the request up through the chain recommending approval, or disapproval and why. That request will go all the way up to your TAG, as he/she is the release authority. The State may be reluctant to grant approval due to the difficulties involved with the drawdown of forces. Many states have units that are on the chopping block, and the criteria Big Army is using is strength and MOSQ. Units falling below a certain strength/MOSQ percentage will be cut, which greatly affects that state. Worst case, you'll have to wait until you ETS. Then you can reenlist with the Active Component.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 10:47 AM

2015-08-21T10:47:01-04:00

It isn't impossible, although it is difficult. Most folks that start their career in the National Guard will have a hard time getting this done. The reason for this is because the state has paid for you to attend your initial entry training. The approval for release in most cases gets sent up to the Adjutant General of your state for final approval. If you are on your initial enlistment more than likely your release will be denied or delayed due to the fiscal responsibility the state has taken into your training. You should request for an answer on why it is impossible, respectfully of course.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 11:31 AM

2015-08-21T11:31:36-04:00

There's a lot of factors to a conditional release. Are you currently flagged? Did you receive any incentives to enlist NG? What state are you currently in?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 11:52 AM

2015-08-21T11:52:42-04:00

Depends if your commander is willing to release you

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 3:05 PM

2015-08-21T15:05:47-04:00

Doubt it's impossible, I've always heard your commander has to release you but it's very possible all you need to do is give him a good reason I.E. You are broke and have no job skills to provide for yourself so you want to go active.

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 7:16 PM

2015-08-21T19:16:02-04:00

FORM 368. Send it up. Go to your bat readiness then. This goes up to G1. It takes 6 weeks but you only have 90 days from the start before you need a new one. Go get the AD recruiter to fill out the form.

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 7:17 PM

2015-08-21T19:17:31-04:00

Form 368, get the AD to sign and take it to them. They lied to you if they say it's impossible. Here is when it becomes IMPOSSIBLE though: APFT FAIL FLAG, ANY OTHER FLAG. Otherwise it's not impossible.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 11:05 PM

2015-08-21T23:05:54-04:00

It's only difficult because of the current downsizing of the Army. I will research some more for you.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-08-25T12:56:06-04:00

I've tried, but my state is low on soldiers. Active duty would take me for sure.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 5:29 PM

2015-08-25T17:29:52-04:00

Your readiness NCO may not be educated on the process. Speak to the active duty recruiter about getting him involved in communicating with the unit. You can obtain a conditional release to end your contract with the Army National Guard, and to enlist onto active duty. Keep in mind the National Guard will only release you if its for a four year contract. At some point you need to obtain assistance writing a letter to your unit commander requesting the conditional release. Speak to your S-1, and if you still receive push back, talk to your unit Retention NCO for assistance.
-MSG Reeve

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 5:31 PM

2015-08-25T17:31:46-04:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 5:31 PM

2015-08-25T17:31:52-04:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 5:33 PM

2015-08-25T17:33:49-04:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 5:44 PM

2015-08-25T17:44:01-04:00

SPC,
Your first step is to speak with an active duty recruiter. Find out if big army can take you right now in your current MOS. If not, find out what your options are for reclassification to another MOS. Then speak to your unit about a conditional release if active duty is the place you want to be. Good luck.
-MSG Reeve

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2015 4:13 PM

2015-09-20T16:13:18-04:00

Not sure, but entering active duty as an E-4 coming from ARNG you would probably give up rank to do so. Also you would be Far behind your peers in knowledge/Experience, you wouldnt be comfortable with yourself and Questioning your decision, sorry to say! Good luck though!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2017 12:08 PM

2017-03-20T12:08:40-04:00

Has anyone transfer lately. These postd seem to be dated. I have 7 months until I ETS. I'm in the Army National Guard now and I'm considering Active Duty in different branches. My mos is 25U-signal support and i have 7 years of IT experience in my civilian career. Any suggestions?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2017 1:13 PM

2017-06-22T13:13:39-04:00

Call a local recruiter for a dd form 368