Will I keep my rank if I go from national guard to active duty?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 21:59:16 -0500

When my contract ends i'm thinking of going active duty. The thing is, will i keep my rank if i keep the same mos or will i be demoted? This may seem like a stupid question, but If i end up changing my mos can i also keep my current rank? I just want to know if anyone has any similar experience with transitioning from NG to active duty. Thanks in advance.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Dec 5 at 2015 10:01 PM

MAJ David Vermillion — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 22:01:43 -0500

Years ago you wouldn't but the military has changed so much, I will have to find out when you do.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Dec 5 at 2015 10:03 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 22:03:06 -0500

I did when I went from the reserves to active duty. But that was in 1979. And some people on active duty resent it.

Response by SFC Eric Williams made Dec 5 at 2015 10:06 PM

SFC Eric Williams — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 22:06:11 -0500

Rank normally remains unchanged when going from AGR to RA. Your recruiter will inform you of the variables during your chosen time to transfer services. My recommendation is for you to contact your local recruiter on Monday Morning to find out what your options currently are as positions will open monthly, sometimes quarterly and unfortunately in some cases only once for the year. Good luck with your decision, I think it's a good one.

Response by SSG Joe Jordan made Dec 5 at 2015 10:51 PM

SSG Joe Jordan — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 22:51:23 -0500

You should be able to keep your rank depending on how long you've been out!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 11:08 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 23:08:46 -0500

You keep your rank when going active from national guard no matter what mos you choose... Your recruiter can inform you of the best option to keep your rank

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2015 12:00 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 00:00:20 -0500

Your best bet is to enlist into an MOS that is needed. 15W (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator) and 15E (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Maintenance) is undermanned, promotions are quick, they feed into a Warrant Officer MOS, UAS are the wave of the future, and they will only get better and under higher demand. While the rest of the Army is downsizing, 15W/15E/150U are only getting larger. If you like Aviation and like Computers then this is the MOS for you. Ok, I'm done recruiting now. Back to the war.

Response by SPC David Glines made Dec 6 at 2015 12:44 AM

SPC David Glines — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 00:44:46 -0500

You should keep your rank but at one time if there were no open slots for an mos they used to give you a slot at a lower rank the called it a mandatory reduction in rank due to the need of the Army going from National Guard to Active component but that was a long time ago and I think was for E-4 and below

Response by SSG John Caples made Dec 6 at 2015 11:32 AM

SSG John Caples — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 11:32:11 -0500

As long as you bring a copy of your promotion order's with you

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 9:45 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 09:45:58 -0500

It depends on if you are filling an E 5 slot going back in. As of right now they have E5 and E6 slots available for certain MOS'S

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 10:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 10:35:17 -0500

All ranks are determined by the needs of the Army. The Army typically does what is called a rank determination when you come back to Active duty. Usually you keep your rank if you're an E5 and below. You sometimes lose it as an E6, and usually as an E7. Asking RallyPoint won't answer the question of whether YOU will retain your rank. That's as random as whether you will get an enlistment bonus. Meaning, strengths will determine.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 12:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 12:13:44 -0500

From my understanding you drop down one rank

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 2:26 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 14:26:03 -0500

SGT,
There is a possibility of being administratively demoted if you cross over to active duty. Just depends on the needs of the army, your level of experience, and any active time you already have. Really it just boils down to the needs of the Army. If you want to stay an E-5, get on MOBCOP (mobcop.army.mil) and apply for tours.
-MSG Reeve

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2018 4:43 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 May 2018 04:43:11 -0400

Dlackbird1

Response by SFC Patrick Machayo made Mar 3 at 2019 5:08 AM

SFC Patrick Machayo — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 05:08:07 -0500

I faced that predicament. Unfortunately there are few alternatives.