With a year left on my contract, would the Army Reserves be willing to work with me in letting me out early or transfer to IRR status?

2019-01-07T06:24:33-05:00

I’m currently in the Army Reserves on my fifth year - I still have one year left on my 6+2 contract. I was able to finish graduate school at an Ivy League institution and was offered a job abroad. Would the Army Reserves be willing to work with me in letting me out early or transfer to IRR status? I’d like to know your inputs. Thank you.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2019 6:32 AM

2019-01-07T06:32:01-05:00

It is up to your Bn, Brigade and USARC. My friend, an Officer, had to nag his unit and his RSC for 9 months with calls, e-mails and face-to-face conversations to get in the IRR. You may have to do the same. He was talking to and e-mailing the Commanders and the civilians. It was painful. Good thing the USAR and civilian staff are not affected by the partial gov. Shutdown.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Jan 7 at 2019 7:10 AM

2019-01-07T07:10:09-05:00

Depending on where you are abroad you might still be able to serve your last year. Look into reserve opportunities in or near where you might be working as well as look into IMA positions that's individual mobilization augmente. If IMA you could get your last good year in completed in like a month or so and be free except for your SGLI debt

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2019 7:47 AM

2019-01-07T07:47:52-05:00

IRR is an option but it would depend on the command, they may request a letter explaining the reason and it also depends on the command, some commands are more willing than others to work with soldiers. As the LTC mentioned there are reserve units overseas, you could look into that.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2019 10:44 AM

2019-01-07T10:44:33-05:00

You just finished a graduate degree at an Ivy League school, certainly you can figure out the answer to this question. Not being facetious.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2019 11:00 AM

2019-01-07T11:00:23-05:00

I think it depends on the needs of your unit and USARC in general. If your MOS is overstrength and/or being phased out, you'll probably have a much easier time getting released from your contract then if your MOS is in high demand.

If you received an enlistment bonus, be careful about trying to end your contract prematurely. Otherwise you may end up having to pay back a portion of your bonus.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2019 12:45 PM

2019-01-07T12:45:51-05:00

Leaving the country is a legitimate reason to go into the IRR. You'll have to put an IRR request packet together with your ARA or RPAC. Your CoC will submit their recommendations and they'll let you know either way.
Your other option is to request a transfer to an IMA or WIAS unit. You can use the vacancy search in the HRC portal, under tools, or talk with an Army Reserve Career Counsellor.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2019 1:04 PM

2019-01-07T13:04:46-05:00

Let me set my PBR down and hit pause on Hee-Haw and answer your Ivy-League concerns. It is up to your CO - but yes, they will work with you.