What is the timeframe and likelihood of my 368 conditional release being approved (New York NG 11B)?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 May 2019 15:34:40 -0400

I'm currently in RSP for the New York national guard. I am shipping to basic training in July. I recently decided I would rather go active duty, but I already signed a contract so it looks like a 368 is my only option now.

I enlisted in 11B with a $20k signing bonus (obviously an understrength MOS, not good for my odds, I know). If I file a 368 as soon as or 6 months or so after I return from IADT, is there any way for me to freeze the first payment of my bonus to increase the odds of the 368 being approved? With my MOS likely being under strength, do I have basically no shot with a 368, or is there a chance?

Thanks.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2019 6:03 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 May 2019 18:03:32 -0400

PFC Private RallyPoint Member, have you....at any time....spoken with your Recruiter in regards to your decision to want to go Active Duty? But...here is what I know on 368s and bonuses:

1) If you are approved to transfer to Active Duty, you will lose all remaining Bonus Money and (HIGHLY) probably have to pay back any amount of bonus already received. If your Bonus is tied to your MOS and your State....yea....you gonna pay that back.

2) Even if you file a 368 six months after you get back from AIT, at no time are ANY of your Commanders at ANY level required to approve your transfer. Any and all could say NO and then you are right back where you began.

My best advice, for starters, is to just start talking with your Recruiter to get all the up to date information. They are the SMEs, after all. Another piece of advice is to just sit back and go through the next yrs of motions to ensure that you don't lose any of that 20K nor have to pay back any of that 20K.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made May 5 at 2019 8:50 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sun, 05 May 2019 20:50:04 -0400

How about talking with your recruiter ASAP before you ship out?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2019 1:01 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 May 2019 01:01:22 -0400

I see this question over and over again. once you have contracted with the National Guard you will be required to complete that contract. You may have a chance of being released to the National Guard but it's only if your command allows you. That's why they call it a conditional release. Usually on your initial contract they will not release you. Although you have not encouraged any obligation necessarily because you haven't shipped but this is something that you need to talk to your recruiter about. If you signed a contract you need to understand what that means.