What are my options for going from Reserves to National Guard?

2017-01-27T15:13:16-05:00

I lost my home and Job and had to move 6 hours away from my unit. A relative of mine placed $200K of debt on my disabled father so he lost his home and lives with me. My car broke down so I have no means to get to drill. I have 2 1/2 years left on contract and I was denied a 368. Can the local NG unit take me if they put me in IRR for a few months or should I seek a hardship discharge? Please help

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 3:14 PM

2017-01-27T15:14:40-05:00

Where you now live, are there any USAR units in that immediate area?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 3:24 PM

2017-01-27T15:24:47-05:00

Are the circumstances, see if your Army reserve unit could put you on orders for some Mission or you can least make some money and get some bah. I've heard that even in the irr you could still do two-week missions you can still be used with your expertise so check with your unit maybe they can put you on that move cop mop cop and find an active-duty position Stateside or even on the mission so you least get some money. Just an idea I mean they may need some positions available and it may not necessarily be in a war zone. Have you ever thought about that?

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 27 at 2017 3:26 PM

2017-01-27T15:26:39-05:00

The story as described does not bode well for you. Geeze look for a job. The Military is not a welfare system.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jan 27 at 2017 3:28 PM

2017-01-27T15:28:49-05:00

I am sorry about your situation but wouldn't it make more sense to ask to go onto Active Duty? You have many issues to address, and they sound expensive. Better benefits better pay....

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 3:40 PM

2017-01-27T15:40:30-05:00

Talk to your unit and see if they'll let you split-drill. If they'll allow it, find a local unit that doesn't mind having you around. It shouldn't effect the local unit's UMR or MTOE because you're still on the other unit's books.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2017 9:23 AM

2017-01-28T09:23:45-05:00

Have you contacted you company commander directly? If not, call your team leader and let him know that you're calling the company commander. Tell the company commander what your situation is, and why you're asking for help.

Unfortunately, a lot of issues can sit on the desks of the full time staff at an armory and nothing gets done with it.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Jan 29 at 2017 8:25 PM

2017-01-29T20:25:34-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member OK going to start with square 1- no one in your unit lives in your local area? Might be your first look. Second- talk to your front line supervisor as you may request to pull drills when you are in a better place because I can't imagine this is a life long problem. Last- I am not sure what having time on your contract has to do with moving reserve to guard. Not familiar with a 368, but leaving active duty Palace Front/Chase has ramifications that are tied to enlistment contract, but not guard/reserve. Unless you have a bonus- then you may have to repay a portion of received funds.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jan 30 at 2017 8:30 PM

2017-01-30T20:30:28-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I had to work through a similar situation when I was in MBA/JD joint degree in the 1990s. The conversations need to happen with the Commander or the BN Commander or even involve JAG or IG if they are unreasonable. If you have a person at AMEDD you have been working with, you can include them in the communications.
The NG will not want to pick you up if you are heading to Active and will not fulfill your contract.
Is there anyone else in the unit near your location that you can ride with during the BA weekend?
Bottom line is getting by with minimum Reserve duty while you complete your education to move on to better things for you and the service.
When I was a CPT I worked these type of situations out one on one. You can direct message me, I will help in any way I can.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Feb 3 at 2017 11:09 AM

2017-02-03T11:09:06-05:00

I wish I had a 368 for every family or situation I ran across in my career. But unfortunately SPC T, it would be like pulling teeth. My advise is to take leave from your current unit and try to remedy the situation and fulfill your service obligation (2 1/2 years).
Check your regs, I do not think you can be in an IRR status while serving in another component. It doesn't work that way.
I hope your situation works out for you, my humble advice is for you to stay in and finish your Service obligation because of (benefits, GI BIll etc...)
Good Luck warrior..!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2017 3:07 AM

2017-05-18T03:07:20-04:00

Ok, I have to say I feel bad for your situation. It's terrible your father has been saddled with this debt and your car broke down. In terms of switching from a reserve status branch to another, it generally takes an "act of congress". You would be better off enlisting into active duty. There, you can make it have a reasonable steady income and health insurance. Since your father is disabled, it is possible for you to have him as your dependent for insurance purposes. In the mean time, use : military one source, http://www.nrd.gov, and army emergency relief.

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