What are my options by transitioning from Active Duty to National Guard or Reserves?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 10:21:20 -0400

I am currently serving on active duty orders but am curious to find out if I have an option to transition to the Reserves or the National Guard. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 10:24 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 10:24:19 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, most installations have reserve recruitors right on the installation. I bet your retention NCO has the POC info.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 10:49 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 10:49:47 -0400

When your active duty contract ends, you still owe the government time. Each initial contract is for 8 yrs, regardless of how much time you spend actively in uniform. So, yes, you have an option to finish your time in the USAR or USANG. Or, you can just finish out your active time and request transfer into the IRR. If your unit doesnt have a retention nco, then find the base career counselor. They will have all the info you will need.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Aug 17 at 2015 10:53 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 10:53:49 -0400

Where do you live, what do you want to do? I can hook you up with a Drill Sergeant unit in the DC/MD/VA area quick as that <snapping fingers>

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Aug 17 at 2015 11:16 AM

CSM Michael Poll — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 11:16:34 -0400

The biggest difference I see with USAR and the NG is in the promotions. The USAR you can cross State lines to receive promotions, in the NG, you are stuck within the State. I would not be a CSM right now if I were in the NG, because in the NG, you have to wait for a slot to open within the state. I was able to serve in MI, IN, IL and OH because of the versatility of choice the Reserves offer.

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Aug 18 at 2015 12:05 PM

SFC Gary Fox — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 12:05:19 -0400

Each military installation should have an in-service recruiter for both the Guard and Reserves. It should be part of your out-processing.

Response by SGT Brandon Bergeron made Aug 18 at 2015 12:26 PM

SGT Brandon Bergeron — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 12:26:00 -0400

if you want to go guard or reserve all you have to do is talk to a recruiter that is part of those organizations. I was active duty and switched guard, because i didn't know i was going to make it a career or not. comes down to a DD368 and a conditional release from you unit and BDE.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 12:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 12:43:16 -0400

As a person who has served active duty Army, then National Guard to USAR I agree with the CSM in regards to promotions. True you must wait for a slot to open within in the state before a promotion happens but you stay in the state and still have the same connections that you have created in the National Guard and depending on your state you really don't have to travel that far. I am from Virginia and while in the Guard I traveled across the state for new positions and promotions. However it is at your own expense and if you don't have money to stay in a hotel sometimes they will let you stay in the Armory. Whereas with the USAR you currently get LIK for over 50 miles in our state. I like the USAR's ability to send you to needed schools and training plus our Annual Training's are more mission directed. I am in an Instructor Unit with the USAR and we train ROTC Cadets during the summer. The Guard is more community based and you will have the opportunity to serve during emergencies in your state which gives me a great since of pride. I know some states like Virginia also give their Guardsmen half price decals on their cars, in state tuition along with the GI Bill. I have deployed with the National Guard but not with the USAR so I am not sure of the structure there. Hope this helps.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 1:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 13:06:20 -0400

Go USAR. Nothing against NG because I went there free active duty, but promotions are tougher due to slots. I moved over to Reserves, got promoted, ALC, now in SLC and looking to get promoted again, all within 48 months of the transfer. Just find a unit close to wherein want to live and allot your retention folks. MOS change may or probably will be required. Good luck.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Aug 18 at 2015 4:38 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 16:38:40 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I concur with just about everyone here. Ulitmately as a federal force, the USAR will have more opportunities, especially at higher ranks and you would not be tied to one state, waiting for person above you to get promoted, retire, or die. That being said, you may have to travel further too since USAR units are not as localized as NG units tend to be. I will also add that right now it depends on what you want to do and how you envision your future as a reserve component Soldier. The NG will have the combat arms units, the USAR will have most of the combat service support units, and they overlap with the combat support units. Regardless of what you do, I encourage you to continue serving as you can still earn a retirement and serve at the same time. Good luck on your choice!

Response by SCPO Carl Wayne Boss made Aug 18 at 2015 8:16 PM

SCPO Carl Wayne Boss — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 20:16:43 -0400

SGT ... that depends on your ultimate goal(s). If you want to give yourself the widest possible opportunities for advancement and avail yourself of continued educational opportunities in the way of service schools and the greatest spectrum of active duty or augmentation then you need to transfer to your service's Reserve program.

It will allow you the greatest opportunity for advancement and a larger variety of opportunities and experiences as you work toward retirement. Many Reserve component specialties are very complimentary to civilian opportunities in that they offer experience that many employers need. But chose your MOS carefully, you may even need to consider "reclassification", as some things translate more readily to civilian job classifications & others not so much. So consider carefully what your MOS entails and whether it translates to something you can make a living at in the Civilian world.

For instance if you specialize as a Cannon or other heavy weapons operator, that may not be in much demand in Civilian Employ, so you may wish to consider changing your MOS to something more marketable on the "outside".

Give it some thought before you jump, make sure its something you can live with both as a Service Member and a Civilian Employee. In my case it was easy... in the Active Duty Coast Guard I was what was called a "Damage Controlman" which was basically the seagoing version of a Firefighter.

People in my rating were also trained as Carpenters, Welders, Plumbers, Pipefitters, Fiberglass Boat Hull Repair Technicians and a "boat load" of other skills (no pun intended) very easily translatable in the Civilian Job Market. Because of that single 6 month service school... I've never been without work, unless I wanted to be.

I also gained experience during my time in Service as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, I was trained as you were in the care, use and deployment of small arms, the .45 Cal and 9mm Pistol, the M-1A1, M-16, Model 870 12ga Shotgun, M-60 & .50 Cal. Machine Guns, many of which are useful to most Local/Municipal, County, State & Federal Law Enforcement organizations.

Upon my discharge from Active Duty after Vietnam, I very easily transitioned into Civilian Law Enforcement and Public Safety Service, first as a Police Officer and later as a Firefighter/EMT where I've spent the bulk of my Civilian Career, while at the same time spending an additional 33 years in the U.S. Coast Guard Select Reserve which included a short 7 year stint in the Arizona Air National Guard.

I eventually abandoned the Az. Air Guard, because of the severe lack of opportunity for promotion. However they did allow me the opportunity to participate in a number of very useful Air Force Tech Schools related to the Fire Service, which really gave me a leg up and allowed me to accelerate my advancement when I returned to the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and in my Civilian Fire Service Jobs.

All that being said please, please, please give careful consideration to your attitude toward possible deployment in the future. Once upon a time the Reserve Components were a place to finish out a military affiliation by doing a single 2 day drill period each month and a two week stint of Active Duty in some regard during the summer months.

Due to the state of the world and a plethora of looming threats to our "national security", prolonged deployments of from 6 months up to a year or two will be a very real possibility, if not an absolute reality, throughout the remainder of you Reserve Component participation. This after all is what the Reserve Components were originally designed for... a ready source or trained and experienced personnel. Reserve Components are now a ready source of "Surge Manpower" when needed in a hurry due to current federal budget restraints and compressed reaction times owing to "needs of the service" due to current world conditions. Consider the implications, particularly if you are in & considering to remain in, a Combat arms specialty. Something that is going to impact both your plans for Family and Civilian Career, it's just a simple fact.

If you have a wife, you need to include her in your decision making process, as your decision will have a heavy, long range impact on her as well. My First wife eventually decided she couldn't live with the dual career life style and the rigors of being to spouse of a Military Reservist.

My Second wife was Ok with it, early in our marriage, but the longer it went, particularly after I got past the 20 year mark, the deployments and my being gone sometimes for weeks/months at a time began to wear on her considerably. She was one happy camper when the U.S. Coast Guard finally required me to Retire.

I found my continued Service in the Reserves component very lucrative, rewarding investment, which continues to pay dividends even though I've been retired now since 2006. I have no regrets. My Reserve Service gave me the opportunity to meet and work with many outstanding people, Dedicated People like you I might add! To broaden my horizons through leadership and other modes of in service training and education & ultimately allowed me to give back to this great Nation that has given us so much.

Good Luck in your future endeavors, feel free to ask questions, I was my Reserve Units "Command Enlisted Advisor" for many years and have assisted many with the myriad of considerations that a individual comes up against at this point in their career progression. Just remember... in any case... the only stupid question is the one, you're afraid to ask out of fear or trepidation or that remains unasked for any other reason. If you don't ask it of me because I'm a "shallow water sailor", ask it of someone you trust in your own Service or Rating.

Sincerely
PSCS C.W. Boss
U.S. Coast Guard (Retired)

Response by SGT Perry St.laurent made Aug 19 at 2015 1:20 PM

SGT Perry St.laurent — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 13:20:01 -0400

Just one point I did not see made here and that is in the reserve you will fill slots where ever necessary during large scale deployments like Afghanistan. If they need 88M in a California unit and you want to deploy or get orders that is where you go till the end of the deployment. In the NG they fill slots within the state unless you request otherwise. Just some food for thought. Both have upsides and down and offer lots of the same benefits. The last kicker is that you will have to wait till your 60 to get a retirement. If you want the retirement at 20 yrs stay active.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 1:20 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 13:20:08 -0400

I have been in USAR for over 20 years. Currently a career counselor. You want more options/ advancement. USAR!! Your can speak directly if you like

Response by SSG Dale Wyatt made Aug 19 at 2015 2:45 PM

SSG Dale Wyatt — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 14:45:37 -0400

It depends on what you want from your transition. National Guard is a dual role force, state and federal. The National Guard has AGR ( Active Guard Reserve) positions; you are active duty but with your guard unit. Same active duty retirement. Then you have the Federal Technician program where you have another career and retirement typically within your MOS or in which you qualify.
As for promotions, it's a crap shoot on your states unit breakdown, if you are willing to commute or move states, you can really plan out what is best for you. If reclass is an option, warrant officer corps, OCS.
I was National Guard and made E-6 in 8 years, with an E-7 position waiting for me. I was in an AVUM maintenance detachment my whole career.
I wish you luck and do all the research you can before you commit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 3:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 15:24:36 -0400

The biggest difference between the ARNG and the USAR is the state vs. ferderal aspect. If you plan on remaining in one state for the foreseeable future them the Guard may be for you. If you think that you might end up moving around for job/school to other states then the Reserve may be the better option. When it comes to promotion, in my experience, the USAR has better opportunities. There are exceptions.

When you are out-processing you will be required to talk to a Transition NCO or Reserve Components Career Counselor (RCCC). Many Soldiers go in just to get their initials on the sheet. Actually talk to them. They can give you the complete run-down on what is available in your area upon ETS for both USAR and ARNG.

Don't feel like you must make a decision at that time. If you want to take some time after ETS, or you aren't seeing the position you want, you can transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) (inactive reserve). You will be contacted by an Army Reserve Career Counselor and they can facilitate a subsequent transfer to the USAR. It's very simple. Plus they can sometimes have a better idea of what is avaiable locally than the RCCC.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 3:46 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 15:46:14 -0400

Not sure what programs are available to the Army, but I know AD Air Force has Palace Chase and Palace Front programs that allows an individual to leave AD and finish their tour (if any left) in the Guard/Reserves. A retention office person should be able to direct you on your options. Good Luck.

Response by SSG Robert Boggs made Aug 19 at 2015 8:33 PM

SSG Robert Boggs — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 20:33:25 -0400

I would suggest the National Guard for two reasons. One that you have the opportunity to serve your state and your Country. Second National Guard Units deploy as a whole unit not as individuals. In 1993 when I transition to the Guard. There was a retention NCO at my division headquarters that helped me through the process. Now though every recruiting command has a FB page. Would think you could talk directly to a recruiter.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 8:44 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 20:44:20 -0400

I think I originally was asking if it were possible for me to transition from active duty to the Reserves or Nat'l Guard being as I have time left on my contract.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 10:34 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 22:34:23 -0400

I guess I'll present the dissenting opinion today. Having served in both organizations, I would recommend the National Guard. The National Guard typically has more funding, more equipment, and better infrastructure available.

There is some truth on the promotions piece. In the NG you are not promoted until you're in the paragraph and line number of the next grade. You're also confined to the MTOE and TDA positions within your state, rather than nationwide. You'll have to decide if it's worth driving to another state to pick up a rocker. Having driven 7 hours one way to drill for awhile, I can tell you that it's not worth it to me.

Another positive the NG offers is a much greater variety of jobs and positions available. The National Guard has everything from Finance to Special Forces to attack aviation. There's also CSTs and other mission specific units the USAR does not have. Comparatively, the USAR has a much shorter lists of MOSs available. In all fairness, the USAR does offer Psy Ops, Civil Affairs, and Drill Sergeant duty while the ARNG does not.

Finally, I think the biggest advantage the ARNG has is its force structure alignment. When USAR troops deploy it's typically as an individual augmentee or a small unit level. When the National Guard deploys, it's the entire BN or BCT. This means better missions, in my opinion, and having your own headquarters on the ground with you. Having been jerked around by some active component troops while overseas, I was glad I had my own field grade I could call when necessary.

Response by SGT Randall .jay Gamble made Aug 20 at 2015 12:05 PM

SGT Randall .jay Gamble — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:05:35 -0400

yes you can / you'll it

Response by Col Dana Morel made Aug 20 at 2015 12:10 PM

Col Dana Morel — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:10:08 -0400

I was Reg AF and transitioned to the AFR. It was very helpful as it gave me more flexibility with balancing my civilian career. I could move between types of Reserve programs (traditional weekend duty, Individual Mobilization Augmentee, and even as a Technician). It also allowed me more opportunities to promote when I was ready and move around the US. Example is when I lived in Idaho, was assigned as an IMA to HQ AF yet pulled duty in ID supporting a HQ task. Another time I took a pause with the Reserve in order to focus on my career. And I took a pause from my civilian career to deploy and focus on my military career. It's a great program overall! Word of warning: do not fail to tell your out-processing folks that you intend to join the Reserve or Guard other so they can mark the right box on your forms. If not, you can end up with a break in service and lose any time / grade you have now. You don't have to be locked into actually participating/joining a unit on the day you out-process - it just puts you in a holding pattern (IRR) until you are unit assigned.

Response by SSG Buddy Kemper made Aug 20 at 2015 12:31 PM

SSG Buddy Kemper — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:31:49 -0400

You may find a Reserve or National Guard liaison along your out-processing events Sarge. I did way back in mid 90s on my way out of Ft. Campbell and I hope that has not changed. If not I advise you find both Reserve AND NG recruiters near your home town or the place you intend to settle and see what opportunities that have for you. You may choose to reclass and sometimes they even have bonuses for certain jobs. You will find your active duty a great advantage as a Guardsman of Reservist and will be surprised how many other prior Active duty troops there and to tell you the truth many of the traditional Guard and Reserve guys/gals have numerous deployments so I think you, as I was, will be impressed on the whole by the dedication and professionalism. NOW....lastly, just like active duty....take every school you can, be willing to change units within your command for your next stripe, finish ALL PME as soon as possible and get your Bachelors degree. You are nutts if you don't take advantage of your Post-911 G.I. Bill....you even get BAQ, SO DO IT!!! There should be a VA type rep in the College Admissions who assists you with paperwork and may also be aware of other scholarships and grants for Vets. Go for it. Best wishes to you and thank you for serving our Country!!!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 1:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 13:00:20 -0400

Yes. I did three years on active duty before transitioning to the WA ARNG. I would shop both the reserves and the guard. One thing to consider is that not every state in the Guard has the same kind of units and MOS available and the reserves have no combat arms. For example, in the Washington Army National Guard we have an Information Operations unit which is fairly rare but all Civil Affairs is located in the Reserves, the Guard has none. So a lot depends on what your current MOS is and what you want to do and if you're willing to change jobs.

Response by MAJ John Adams made Aug 20 at 2015 1:06 PM

MAJ John Adams — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 13:06:09 -0400

Lots of good advice here. The only problem I can see is that the NG is famous for reclassifying units to different branches entirely. The cavalry squadron I served in (Waco, TX) had been an infantry battalion within living memory, and has again been reclassified. I have no idea what branch it's supposed to be any more.

Response by 1SG Scott MacGregor made Aug 20 at 2015 1:09 PM

1SG Scott MacGregor — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 13:09:40 -0400

Depending on what type of units are in your area, you may need to change MOS. I commuted over 50 miles because I wanted to belong to particular unit. It is a rewarding way to continue with your service plus make a little extra money. There are several states that offer tuition assistance for Guard members while still collecting your GI Bill benefits

Response by 1SG Scott MacGregor made Aug 20 at 2015 1:44 PM

1SG Scott MacGregor — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 13:44:17 -0400

Be all you can be is the definition of the Army. That's all I wanted to be and the Army made me that.

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 3:32 PM

CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 15:32:16 -0400

Transition if you want school but you lose so many of the benefits. It's often more of a sacrifice to be guard or reserve. If you don't have a clear purpose and direction like going to university then do not come off active. Don't fall under the grass is greener mentality because often the other side of the wire is fertilized with more bulls°°t. I'm a strong advocate of living the good life and having career profession that active duty offers. Also know that statistically you will find 200% unemployment for being a service member than civilians enjoy. Lastly the clicks of guard and reserves tend to increase the amount of folks that practice ornithology... in other words, blue falconry is rampant.

Response by SGT William Hutcheson made Aug 20 at 2015 4:59 PM

SGT William Hutcheson — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:59:42 -0400

Army National Guard Reserves and Air National Guard Reserves benefits are about the same depending on the state. In the state of Florida , state taxes are low and retirement incentive after 30 years of service " Florida Army National Guard Reserves " from " Part-Time Service, you will be immediately receiving a monthly check, no need to wait until your 60 years old. Re-up bonuses are higher in the National Guard Reserves than the reserves in some cases. In Florida, soldiers who enlist 6 years or more have an option of receiving free education benefits and also at the same time receive a bonus for enlistment, wish you the best of luck on your transition.

Response by SFC Bruce Scott made Aug 20 at 2015 7:08 PM

SFC Bruce Scott — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 19:08:37 -0400

SGT, it really depends an a number of factors. 1) Do you know where you are going to live / work / attend school when you ETS? If so you want to join a unit that is very local to your home (less that 30 minutes). 2) Consider both USAR and ARNG (but that is an issue to be considered on its' own merit) units regardless of your MOS. 3) Career Progression; is there a unit (USAR?) w/your MI MOS w/in 100 miles of where you are going to be? Could you "split the difference" commute wise, living 50 miles from work and 50 miles from the Reserve Unit (TPU) (my son ETS'd the Regular Army and drives 150 miles to his USAR unit. Why? They're airborne and he gets to jump and draw jump pay)? are you wanting to change MOS' and be a Medic or Grunt or Treadhead? Worth considering, at least. Contact the IRR and consider being an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (MI seems a natural fit for that).
The Reserve Component wants you. They will train you in a new MOS if need be.
The medical benefits alone are worth one weekend a month / two weeks a year til you've got your 20. All things being equal I'd go USAR (I'm Retired NG) as they are federally funded and there is no State HQ to "short stop" monies that could benefit you.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 9:04 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 09:04:09 -0400

SGT Cole, an in-service recruiter will meet with you when you ETS to fully inform you of your options. I collected a SRIP bonus and when straight into the Ohio Guard when I came off of Active Duty. To the CSM's point, it can be difficult to find the right slot in the Guard, but inter-state transfers are possible; I have executed three of them thus far.

Response by Col Dana Morel made Aug 26 at 2015 9:58 AM

Col Dana Morel — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 09:58:23 -0400

I just ran down the answer to your question with Army Recruitment and Retention. Seems there is no program now for finishing your enlistment in the Reserve or Guard. There was a program in the past but it's no longer offered. You can "sign up for one or the other in advance" which sort of reserves a slot for you in the Reserve Component. But you still have to finish your term of enlistment with the Active Component first. Sorry!

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Oct 17 at 2019 11:05 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 11:05:05 -0400

The Army Reserve including the IMA program would gladly help you. Recommend you seek support from either Local Army Reserve Commander or contact HRC and speak to Individual Mobilization Augmentee IMA POC. If you are languages qualified there would be a plus fir your assignment. Seek help ALDI from Army Reserve Recruiter who may know things that I do not know.