What advice do you have on the transition from NG to Active Duty as an MP? What can I expect being a prior service Guard member?

2020-05-12T20:03:27-04:00

I recently got approved to go from NG to Active Duty ( I go to my first duty station in June ) I am also an MP and been in the NG 7 years. Any advice on the transition? And what to expect being a prior service Guard member?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2020 8:11 PM

2020-05-12T20:11:24-04:00

Culture shock. Be prepared for it. You may think you're prepared, but you're not. I wasn't when I went Active Duty. Some folks might take your years of experience into account, others probably not and won't give two shits about your 7 years. They are either going to expect you to fail or expect you to excel. Some will probably even hope to see you fail. Don't give them that opportunity. Just being real.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 12 at 2020 8:19 PM

2020-05-12T20:19:55-04:00

Just understand that you will be tested constantly. People will be skeptical you can do the work. You will just need to prove them wrong. Due to your high time in service for an E4 the bar will be set high. Do the work and go above and beyond and you’ll be just fine.

Response by GySgt Gary Cordeiro made May 12 at 2020 9:53 PM

2020-05-12T21:53:50-04:00

First of all you are in the Army now. You have no life just duty. Seek all challenges and conquer them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2020 9:54 PM

2020-05-12T21:54:45-04:00

Waking up early for PT. Constantly being doubted and second guessed b/c you came from the NG. You will have to work twice as hard to earn everyone’s respect.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made May 12 at 2020 10:17 PM

2020-05-12T22:17:12-04:00

Yes so expect the Regular Army to disregard your National Guard service and treat you like you just joined up as a new SPC. You have to prove yourself all over again. Maybe it has changed post GWOT a little but I have my doubts. Some will mock that your from the NG. Best to keep it to yourself and only mention it to your squad leader when promotion comes up so he can mention it behind closed doors to the 1SG. Still you have to prove yourself fluent in your MOS and the Standard Operating Procedures of your current unit.......otherwise in peoples minds your still a newbie.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 12 at 2020 11:16 PM

2020-05-12T23:16:19-04:00

Work should be more predictable if you have good leaders.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2020 11:59 PM

2020-05-12T23:59:20-04:00

Understand that your 7 years of NG time do not correlate well to success on active duty. The op-tempo is higher, the units expect more.

Just go at it like you’re brand new to the army without being brand new and run with it

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2020 3:23 AM

2020-05-13T03:23:56-04:00

I did 5 years Guard before being commissioned Active. I was not impressed with my first Regular Army unit. Some things are better, some things are worse. Everything depends on the leadership and culture in the unit and what you make of the opportunity.

Having been in the Guard, Regular Army and now Reserve, the Guard is more like the Regular Army than the Reserve.

Good Luck

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2020 9:23 AM

2020-05-13T09:23:00-04:00

DO NOT join the SPEC 4 Mafia, with seven years in they will see you as a natural leader and will instantly try to recruit you.

National Guard and Regular Army be prepared for culture shock. You will be tested.

It will also depend on what unit you get assigned to as a Specialist you will be a Team Leader so will be responsible for two other Soldiers. Because you have 7 years they will probably be the 2 noone wants. On the bright side you will be an expert in counseling paperwork.

Response by COL David Turk made May 13 at 2020 9:50 AM

2020-05-13T09:50:31-04:00

Act like you belong there, because you do. Recognize your potential weak areas (feedback from NCOs) and act on them.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made May 13 at 2020 1:43 PM

2020-05-13T13:43:24-04:00

Just go to your assigned unit as any newly assigned soldier would. Just do your best and prove yourself. Don’t advertise your service in the National Guard, but don’t hide it either. Use your past experience to your benefit in doing your duty and excelling. Don’t fall into the “but we did it this way in the Guard” trap...
Have a positive attitude, do your best, and your experience will pay off...
Good luck...

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made May 13 at 2020 7:08 PM

2020-05-13T19:08:25-04:00

Congrats! Be. Know. Do! Focus on what you need to do to be promoted and hopefully you have a great Chain of Command. That is EVERYTHING in the Regular Army!

Response by SSG Angela Koch made May 13 at 2020 9:47 PM

2020-05-13T21:47:56-04:00

Once you get to your platoon and get assigned to a squad be upfront with your leadership. Where are you strong and weak? You might have an E6 squad leader or an E 5. Be confident and watch how things are done and ask your NCO's questions and if needed ask them how to do a particular task or weapons system.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2020 11:26 PM

2020-08-08T23:26:27-04:00

That’s awesome! You going to enjoy it a lot more. I was in the ARNG as an MP and also went active. You will get certified locally and shown what you need to do. Just be receptive and eager to learn. You’ll probably get promoted fairly quick, although you will still have to hit time in grade and service. Only your active duty time in the guard will count and your time in grade will start on your first day. The 7 will count for pay though, so if you do 20 you will get a nice retirement.