What’s it like switching from National Guard to Active Army?

2019-06-22T23:26:40-04:00

I’m considering switching from ARNG to Active Duty when my contract is up in March. I will have 8 years of service, and am an E-5. I would more than likely stay as a 19K. What is it like to be Active Duty as a Tanker, and what should I expect being an NCO with no Active Duty experience? (Obviously Guard culture is different than Active Duty)

Response by SSG William Jones made Jun 23 at 2019 1:35 AM

2019-06-23T01:35:28-04:00

My 19K time was with USAR. Really couldn't give you the perspective that you are looking for. I wouldn't think that it would be so drastically different, just more of it!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 24 at 2019 6:26 PM

2019-06-24T18:26:30-04:00

Response by SPC Anthony Schepis made Jun 27 at 2019 7:35 PM

2019-06-27T19:35:51-04:00

I can’t speak for the guard but you will go to the field about 60 days worth within an 18 month period and then deploy. An average day is in the motor-pool doing maintenance and if not that doing some detail. Expect more discipline on active duty and higher standards. Being an E-5 it shouldn’t be any different than the guard, you do monthly counseling statements for your loader/driver and run CQ at the barracks that’s about the biggest responsibility you will have. Expect to run PT for your platoon some days and VCE for other companies when they shoot gunnery. That’s about all I can think of it’s easy being a buck sergeant.

Response by SGT Herman Wallace made Jun 29 at 2019 4:50 AM

2019-06-29T04:50:19-04:00

I joined Active Army from NG in 1986. At that time they did not honor rank obtained from NG so I would have been busted to E1 ( the rank I got out of AIT with. I had college so I joined at E3.
I was no training necessary so I went straight to my first duty station. My advice is check everything out prior to signing and get it in writing.

Response by CPL Douglas Reimers made Jun 30 at 2019 12:53 AM

2019-06-30T00:53:49-04:00

No difference just a lot more field time and a whole lot of tanking..

Response by SGT Chase Warren made Jul 24 at 2019 12:33 PM

2019-07-24T12:33:15-04:00

I have been in all 3 components. My NG and AD time were as a 19k. I was NG first so I can probably give you some good info on this. It was a culture change, I hadn’t been on a tank in years due to a break in service and time in the Reserves. For me it was relearning how to tank, plus learning the M1a2, I had only ever been on a1’s. So that may or may not be an issue. If you are good at your job and tactically proficient you will do ok. You may have to deal with the ribbing about being in the guard, but shoot a good table vi and they will slack off. Also make sure your in good shape, ad pt standards are a lot tougher. Most units expect a high pt test score and keeping up in pt everyday.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 5 at 2021 1:01 AM

2021-11-05T01:01:29-04:00

Active duty tankers face a lot maintenance, training, and mandatory training that focuses on socially rights and wrong. Just because you were never on active duty does not mean you are less of an NCO.

As an E-6 you must be lead and possibly become the the acting PSG.

This is what you should know.
- The TACSOP.
- Be a good leader.
- Care about soldiers.
- UCOFT
- Gunnery
- Troop Leading Procedures.
- Technical aspects of the tank.

Response by SSG David Brown made Apr 17 at 2022 12:21 AM

2022-04-17T00:21:08-04:00

Oh 100% different