When switching from the National Guard to active duty, can you request a duty station?

2018-08-01T13:16:09-04:00

I’ve been in the Illinois national guard for almost 4 years now. I graduate college in 2 more years, as well as finish up my original guard contract. Once I graduate, I want to transfer over to active duty so I feel more accomplished with my military career. I’m a 68W and I’m content with staying in that MOS field. Once I actually get around to transferring am I able to request a certain duty station? I know when re-enlisting you can usually request something, but I don’t know if you have that same ability when switching components. I would love to get a OCONUS duty station, preferably Italy if at all possible, but I’d also enjoy South Korea, Germany, or Japan. I just want to get that experience in a different country. I’m not starting the paperwork for a conditional release or even talking to a prior service recruiter for another year since I hear it can take some time for it to go through, but I figured I’d ask on here to see if anyone has any insight or information for me.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Aug 1 at 2018 1:57 PM

2018-08-01T13:57:27-04:00

What is your actual job? Sometimes the same one isn't available as an officer or are you staying enlisted?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2018 2:45 PM

2018-08-01T14:45:04-04:00

Ask your recruiter about Option 18 (Station of Choice) If you are keeping your same MOS, there might be an option to do so. Please keep in mind that is is only your "choice" on what is available.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Aug 1 at 2018 5:04 PM

2018-08-01T17:04:10-04:00

As a prior service applicant, enlisting active duty into your primary MOS in which you were school trained, you will be offered duty stations in which DA has made available for your rank and MOS. This could be a list of 10, or could only be 1 (the take it or leave it option). All depends on what the needs of the Army are on that particular day at MEPS.

Response by SFC David Bentley made Aug 1 at 2018 5:57 PM

2018-08-01T17:57:51-04:00

Might I suggest you jump onto TOD https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/HQDA%20G-3-5-7%20Mobilization%20Division%20Tour%20Of%20Duty. I was tired of the Guard unit being on the sidelines, volunteered for a deployment twice. I was in the 340th BSB, they have never been called up op to go overseas in its existence. After a year of AD you can automatically stay active or extend. however no matter what you need command concurrence.

The resource cannot be found.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2018 5:49 PM

2018-08-02T17:49:13-04:00

No, I did the same thing. The only thing you can do is change your job when you get to meps

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2018 6:30 PM

2018-08-02T18:30:22-04:00

The Guidance Counselors at MEPS are responsible for your duty assignments through the DA. I recommend taking any available assignment as this is your first time in the Regular Army, there is a bit of a learning curve so take it slow, LEARN, and work on your leadership abilities since you’ll have 4 years TIS; they will expect a lot out of you. Good Luck!

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Aug 3 at 2018 1:47 PM

2018-08-03T13:47:01-04:00

I served in the Ohio National Guard for 3 years - Decided to go Active. Had to pay back part of my enlistment bonus - train for a different MOS - Didn't get a station choice. You will probably have to go back in rank, but as you have 2 years of college - shouldn't be less than PFC. If you graduate - you could apply for OCS.
As Far as asking for OCONUS duty station - if you put South Korea as a choice - you have a good shot at getting it. I was in Germany for 3 years - absolutely loved it. Good Luck to you.

Response by SSG Kasius McCall made Aug 9 at 2018 10:21 PM

2018-08-09T22:21:53-04:00

Anyone can request a duty station. Good luck getting it hahahaha

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2020 4:24 PM

2020-06-18T16:24:22-04:00

I know a couple of CE guys who did that. I don't know about your MOS though.