Why doesn't the Army want USAR officers to serve on AD?

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 10:01:41 -0400

It is my understanding that USMC, for example, has USMCR LTs on active duty. They seem to do okie dokie and can do a couple of years and REFRAD. USAR Os are not bad just because they have no ring to bang.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2023 1:43 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:43:58 -0400

All my USMC LT Battery Commanders were reservists while I was on active duty. They rotated out every one or two years. I believe it was part of their contract. They served active for two years and then transferred to their respective reserve unit. Of course this was back in the late seventies early eighties.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2023 1:56 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:56:05 -0400

USAR Officers can serve AD time on ADOS orders. Depending on mission, could be 30-365 days.

Response by COL Randall C. made Aug 16 at 2023 5:27 PM

COL Randall C. — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 17:27:29 -0400

Well, since 1981, there are no 'USAR' officers in the active component that go to 20 years.

Since 1981, if you were in the active component and had a Reserve commission, you were offered a Regular Army appointment when promoted to Major. If you didn't accept it, you were separated from the active component.

If you're asking "Why don't they generally allow all officers instead of only those listed in the Call to Active Duty program*", it's because there is a specific number of individuals needed at each rank. There is no reason the Army (or really any service) to bring on an O-4 (or O-3, O-5, etc) when they don't have an authorized position for them.

The CAD program changes each year depending on the needs of the Army active component requirements. For example, you could apply to transfer to the active component as a reserve component O-5 right now if you are one of the needed specialties.
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* CAD - https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Call%20to%20Active%20Duty%20Program

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Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 16 at 2023 7:59 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 19:59:11 -0400

Hell I had USAR Maj's working in my XVIII Corps G3 shop, for about a year at a time, retired 95

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 19 at 2023 11:35 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 11:35:14 -0400

They serve AD quite often. The bigger question is why don't more USAR officers apply for permanent active duty positions.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2023 3:55 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 15:55:06 -0400

I am in the ARNG and I have completed 2 Tours of Duty in the last few years. It's a great way to get AD time towards retirement. TODs can be a couple months to 3 years in length. Though it's a tricky slope. Don't get caught in sanctuary without a plan to get the remaining years. It's possible to work for large organizations that need full time AD support. Some will keep you on ADOS indefinitely or help you transition to AD.

You need to be on a military domain computer and go to MOBCOP: https://mobcop.aoc.army.pentagon.mil/. Then click on TOD. Filter jobs by MOS and rank.

You should be able to do similar on a civilian computer with this new service, but I haven't tried it yet: https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2022/02/16/guard-reserve-soldiers-can-now-browse-active-duty-jobs-on-their-phones/

Lastly, I think your main question is how to get back in AD proper. You can check out the Call to Active Duty Program. They update the list of Officer MOS and requirements annually in April: https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Call%20to%20Active%20Duty%20Program you will need to log in with CAC.

The 75th Ranger Regiment is now accepting Call to Active Duty (CAD) Applications for many Warrant and Officer MOS positions.