Can a soldier lose a pay grade when going from reserves to active duty?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 10:23:52 -0400

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 8 at 2020 11:37 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 11:37:43 -0400

Dear Rosalyn, I pray that you are successful; at finding the answer to your question. SPC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2020 1:10 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 13:10:12 -0400

Yes that can happen. Depends on the needs and career field at the time of conditional transfer.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2020 1:10 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 13:10:59 -0400

Can they? Yes, they certainly can. Almost happened to me....twice.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2020 1:52 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 13:52:29 -0400

I don't see it happening to a SPC though, and not a 35F (when only not being flagged is required for promotion).

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Aug 8 at 2020 2:12 PM

1LT William Clardy — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 14:12:03 -0400

Certainly can, and can lose more than one pay grade, SPC Private RallyPoint Member. Back in the post-Vietnam period (a.k.a., the "VOLAR" days), I know several pilot-rated infantry squad leaders who given a choice of going from an O-something to E-6 or going civilian, and I had a squadmate in AIT who went from E-7 down to E-2 (and an MOS change to 11C) to get back into the Regular Army.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2020 2:16 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 14:16:31 -0400

Is there a way that losing rank can be avoided or is it just based on the needs of the army. For example a reserve soldier with actual mission experience and so on?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2020 3:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 15:11:40 -0400

It’s called a grade determination. It’s not an issue as an E4 but anything higher and you could have to give up a stripe or two. I saw a Reservist SFC come active as a SGT one time. Most people simply aren’t willing to give up that much rank to go active

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 8 at 2020 4:40 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 16:40:04 -0400

Yes they can, but if you do everything that is expected of you, you can get it back in no time.