While serving in the Guard, how can I deploy or get stationed outside the US? Do I have to go active duty, or are there other options?

If you want to fully transfer "branches" that is a different beast. It involves talking to a Regular Army recruiter and getting a DD 368 signed off from the National Guard. The chances of it being signed off differ from state to state, but once signed off on and gone through the recruiting process again you'd be on the needs of the army and they'd station you where they need you and you'd be living the active duty life style.

I just finished all the noise myself, it can be a very lengthy process.

I'm a recruiter and I have a question. Why did you go Guard opposed to AD? PFC (Join to see) -

SFC (Join to see) - First of all, I didn't know about active duty, I met my National Guard recruiter through my college. My recruiter didn't give me more information. In addition, I knew it gonna be part time job, but honestly, when I knew about active duty, I regret joining NG, and it was too late.

I actually deployed to Iraq with my National Guard unit in 2010, so National Guard deployments happen. I would check out the mobcop site, others have posted the link; but I would also check with your unit about possible opportunities to either deploy with another unit or assignments in your state.

All of this being said, I would settle your affairs before going for a deployment or going "on orders" with a Guard unit. I'm not sure what your problems are, but take care of family and personal issues first. It's not good getting a phone call or email about a personal issue and you're too far away to do anything about it.