What other courses of action do I have after being denied an early release from AGR?

2019-03-27T06:55:29-04:00

I am on AGR Receuiting orders for the National Guard. I recently was offered employment by the New York City Fire Dept (FDNY) and I submitted my resignation from AGR. My Resignation was denied by my BC. What other sources of action do I have? This is my dream and FDNY is known to throw out tests. 17 months of waiting for my orders to end is risking a LOT. I even volunteered to work for free a few days a week ( FDNY works 2 24 hour shifts a week) and that was shot down by BC. At this point I feel abandoned by my chain of command, as if they do not care about my livelihood. Hypothetically what would happen if I were to either A) Fail height and weight, or B) get a hand tattoo? Would either of those result in an honorable or under honorable conditions REFRAD? I’m having a hard time finding the answers to that. Thank you

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2019 7:18 AM

2019-03-27T07:18:34-04:00

I would tag Retention NCO and other stuff in your post I'm sure there are others here that can give you better advice in the AGR land with your post.

I would highly suggest you do not Fail Height and weight or get a hand tattoo. Failing an APFT will make it more difficult on you and getting a hand tattoo would be clear violation of policy especially being a recruiter geez.

Response by SGT Everett Bickford made Mar 27 at 2019 8:10 AM

2019-03-27T08:10:11-04:00

I understand the pinch that you are in. I had already invested 21 years in service, and my guard unit was undergoing a reclassification of the unit. We who were direct support had to be retrained to be Air Defense. Some of the other long term service members were not doing so well in the cross training, and were faced with hard decisions.
Two of my sons in their military experience have also faced obstacles that caused hardships of similar magnitude.
I regret to say it, but sometimes, you have to choose the lesser of the undesirable choices.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 27 at 2019 4:09 PM

2019-03-27T16:09:26-04:00

Who the hell say you have to have anything but the service? YOU swore an Oath, and SIGNED a Contract. God forbid something as small as that get in the way of your dream. Seem harsh, get over it- I lost too many folks who gave up or put their dreams on hold to serve, and came back in a box. You can try to go higher, but I will imagine it won't get changed.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Mar 27 at 2019 4:17 PM

2019-03-27T16:17:21-04:00

Did you singed a contract? If so did you read the fine prints? I know is not the answer you are looking for but at the end of the day you signed a commitment. Perhaps there is a way to legally get off it, but it might require your unit to be in a bad spot. Guess where your commander do?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2019 5:18 PM

2019-03-27T17:18:01-04:00

I should specify, my intent is to stay in the guard. I am trying to get out of my recruiting orders and just go back to the Infantry

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Mar 28 at 2019 12:03 AM

2019-03-28T00:03:56-04:00

This is why I say recruiting suck a$$. Once they get their hooks in you they never let you go. Buyer beware, you bought the ticket, enjoy the ride.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Mar 28 at 2019 12:07 AM

2019-03-28T00:07:18-04:00

No many. You signed up. Suck it up young man.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2019 1:31 PM

2019-03-28T13:31:50-04:00

Have you considered accepting the job and requesting they hold the position for you until your tour is up? USERRA may apply here. USERRA is very broadly written and can apply pre employment as well. You can find out more at esgr.mil and I urge you to research more and contact the ESGR before doing something that might result in a less than honorable characterization of service.