What is the process to go National Guard from Active Duty? Can I reclass and go guard?

2023-02-03T19:01:36-05:00

E-2 Mortarman here. Due to my short contract (42 months) my re-enlistment window opens up in just over a year from now so I'm considering my options. I'm currently attached to a cav unit and I'm not a huge fan of it, plus my duty station kind of sucks. I'm thinking about the possibility of making the move to Texas ARNG. When researching units near my home of record I noticed, despite there being an infantry brigade in the area, all of the stations in my locale are largely engineer and sustainment units. Would it be possible to reclass to one of the more applicable MOS's and go guard or am I left with basically traveling several hours each month to the nearest infantry/cav station?

Response by COL Randall C. made Feb 3 at 2023 7:26 PM

2023-02-03T19:26:51-05:00

First, update your profile. It doesn't sound like you're a 'potential recruit' anymore :)

Specific to your question - would it be possible to reclass in the ARNG - absolutely! However, if you want to get into the details of "what can I do" and "where can I serve" in the TXARNG, you need to contact a state recruiter*
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* TXARNG recruiter - https://www.jointexasnationalguard.com/contact

Texas Army National Guard Recruiter

Talk with our helpful National Guard recruiters here in Wylie, TX. They can answer all your questions and help you get enlisted.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2023 9:31 PM

2023-02-03T21:31:30-05:00

Coming to the end of your contract for Active Duty...if you want to go Guard afterwards and reclass, you'll need to speak with your Retention Officer/Career Counselor first.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Feb 3 at 2023 9:57 PM

2023-02-03T21:57:06-05:00

Audie Murphy was in the Texas National Guard, so that might give you some incentive to check every possible avenue to reach your goal.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2023 10:37 PM

2023-02-03T22:37:42-05:00

For a period of time I worked in recruiting in the National Guard. Most states are more than willing to do that. You have to keep in mind that it is at the needs of the state. If the state is full of 13Bs then they may not offer you a chance to reclass. A lot of this is really timing. But if you want to go to the Guard you will have to complete your contract and speak with a Guard Transition Recruiter about what is open at the time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2023 3:38 AM

2023-02-04T03:38:46-05:00

At the last six months of your contract you will be required to meet with a Reserve Component Career Counselor. You can sign a contract into the NG that starts after your ETS. You can reclass into a slot in a nearby unit, however, being already MOS qualified they have up to two years to send you to AIT.