How hard is it to do an Inter-State Transfer?

CPT Russell Pitre — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 22:52:01 -0400

I got out of the guard a while back and went into the private sector. I still maintain a lot of contacts to back in the Guard and Active side of the Army. So I just found something that is just sounded ridiculous. I know what an Inter-State Transfer is. It is something you can do in the Guard. But from what this CPT told me is that his state told him they don't have to release him.

To me that is some BS. It sounds like a threat than anything else. So this CPT is about to move to another state due to his civilian career but he is looking at flying back to his home state. This can't be right.

Is there some regulation about this? Can a state stop you from going to another state's National Guard? Where is the regulation on this? If this were a civilian employer they would have been sued for every trying anything like this.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 1:58 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 01:58:00 -0400

It is a funding issue...because people contract with a specific state (in the National Guard) the state is required to budget and pay for their training and drills. Depending on the costs spent to train the individual it is easy to see how the state would want to get their money's worth.
Not sure if there is any formal stipulation on release from the National Guard, even for a transfer, but I do know it is an ongoing battle. People move all the time and not everyone can afford to travel back and forth for drill.
Your CPT friend can request transfer to the IRR, sometimes that goes easier than a state to state transfer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 2:50 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 02:50:42 -0400

I did it in the CA ARNG. MY Bn CDR did not mind I knew that the ID ARNG was mobilizing for Iraq OIF III/IV in 2004. I just was getting off title 32 operation noble Eagle III at Dugway Proving Ground Utah. I faxed the paperwork to the IDARNG myself being a former S1. The TAGs of CA and ID both did it in a few days. I had the orders cut leaving CA and being picked up by ID. I am sure some warrants in the G1 shop can help on RP or a G1 Officer can too.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 5:44 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 05:44:31 -0400

Officers are under direct commission they are a little more strict about releasing officers

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 11:05 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 11:05:03 -0400

CPT Pitre, I've done it twice - once from NY to DC and again from DC to VA because my civilian jobs changed. I actually have to do another one to Ohio for another upcoming change in civ jobs. The process is onerous but not complicated. You need to secure a Conditional Release Memo (usually on a 4187) and meet whatever requirements there are for the new state. I found that most states won't block the transfer unless they are being difficult. If you are moving, it's unrealistic (and IG usually agrees) to expect you to drive 8+ hours to get to drill.

The problem is the National Guard's system of "what have you done for me lately," where OERs aren't a good enough reputation for you. The transfers set me back 2-3 years of reputation building both times I did it. It cost me a unit vacancy promotion to CPT (2 years) and caused a delay in finding a company command because none of the senior officers in the state knew who I was. Even my gaining NCOs told me they were a little leery about getting some new reject officer before I got there (my 1SG and I had a good laugh about this one). It eventually worked out, but I figured you would want to know the "risk."

Feel free to PM or email me if you want more info.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 11:35 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 11:35:56 -0400

It was like pulling teeth. R+R seems to trump the needs or wants on an individual officer. It took 15 months to make the IST official and complete. Other have pointed out, and I agree, you do a reset in obtaining reputation and political capital in a new landscape. It looks simple on paper, though.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 12:00 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 12:00:26 -0400

I am in the reserves and my civilian job sent me to another state. (CA-WA) I spoke with retention and they said, all I had to do was get a counseling statement that I was leaving my current unit, and RST with the gaining unit until I had a counseling statement with them that I was joining their unit. I did that and orders were cut by next BA.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 7:23 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 19:23:59 -0400

The Reserve is easier because you are dealing with just one set of rules. The Guard has differing rules by state.

I did 8 1/2 years in the Reserve I drilled in Lincoln, NE, Omaha NE, Rock Island IA, Des Moines IA, Dubuque, IA, and Quincy IL.

It was never a major problem.

The reason for this - I worked for a company that gave me 7 assignments in 4 states in 10 years.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2016 11:55 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 11:55:58 -0400

I just completed an IST from NC to CA in January of this year. I was deployed with NCARNG to the Middle East 2014-2015. I alleviated some of the issues by informing my chain of command as early in the process as I could. My BTC was supportive of the decision because I did my research and had the reasons and answers up front before our discussion. I contacted CA about 8 months out and began correspondence.
I had a lot of help from the Brigade S1, whom I was on deployment with. And CA was more than helpful. My experience may not be the norm but the transition was smooth and quick once all the paperwork was in. I feel post-deployment helped and providing my intentions early for planning on both ends.
CAARNG has been great on job side as well. My civilian job fell apart and a temp position opened and they gave me a chance. I am more than appreciative.
I do say when you are performing the SUDAs until your IST is complete and you have a chance to help, take it. Those little tasks that you perform may be what gets you in. First impressions...