Is it possible for an Active Duty Soldier to get assigned to a Reserve Unit?

SFC Shakira Browne — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 18:44:25 -0400

I'm an 11 year indef. SSG. I'm on the fence about getting out because I have a son that I'm missing out on things with. 11 years is hard to throw away when I'm essentially over the hump. I'd like to see if I can get attached a reserve MI Unit back home in Georgia, but I'm concerned applying for AGR will take me completely out of my MOS. Has anyone ever heard of an active duty soldier being assigned to a reserve unit?

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 7 at 2015 7:24 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 19:24:10 -0400

SFC Shakira Browne I did a little eresearch oin the web and this is what I found out. You need to speak with someone in the AGR Assessions program for the Reserves. Your not going to like what I have to share: "The AGR application process is different between the National Guard and Army Reserves. The reserves accept one application and runs off an OML list. You will not know where you are going before (if) you get offered a position." There are some AGR RP Members out here, so hopefully they will chime in and provide additional guidance.

Here is website that may give you additional information: Good Luck

http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/continue-serving/army-reserve-prior-service/active-guard-reserve.html

Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Reserve Jobs

Learn what it takes to be an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) soldier and find information about Active Guard Reserve (AGR) jobs on goarmy.com.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 7 at 2015 7:39 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 19:39:37 -0400

We used to have some AC officers assigned at the state level (being that we are so small) to liaison-ate (yeah I made up that word) between us and big Army. Stuff like making sure our force alignment and structure was working and training was meeting standards. As the good COL Mikel J. Burroughs states AGR is a crap shoot. Even once you're in the door, you go where the rank is to make your next promotion. Units aren't manned by AGR like on active duty. You generally have a supply SGT, readiness/training NCO and possibly an admin NCO at the company level, an officer in the S-3 and similar NCOs at the BN and above. During the week, they are all involved with keeping training schedules, required paperwork and administration of the unit going and not necessarily working in the same position they would on a drill weekend. Most of the AGR force structure will support the state HQ and its functions and not necessarily MTOE units.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jul 7 at 2015 8:19 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 20:19:42 -0400

I would suggest you explore AC/RC units under First Army. In general, they have a core cadre of AC (AC, not AGR, though they have some of those too) Soldiers but a majority of Reservists. Given your MOS, I expect you would have to go to an immaterial billet.

Response by Sgt Matt Koeneman made Jul 9 at 2015 5:09 AM

Sgt Matt Koeneman — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 05:09:35 -0400

I know it is in the Corps. Reserve units will sometimes have need of an active duty personnel to fill a permanent position.

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 11:21 PM

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 23:21:24 -0400

SSG Browne...I can tell you that this IS going to happen in the Louisiana National Guard beginning in FY17. I am currently the Administrative Officer for the 199th Regiment (RTI) where we teach WLC, OCS, 88M, 12N, 12W, and 31B. Fort Polk's WLC will be closing their doors at the end of FY16 and we will be picking up their mission. Our current AGR instructors will be augmented with both Active Duty and USAR AGR Instructors and Staff. These E6 instructor positions will be MOS immaterial so you PMOS will not matter.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 7:03 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 19:03:25 -0400

I am in a reserve unit that falls under an active duty command within a hybrid brigade. Occasionally, we get active duty members "tasked" to us to fill in shortages, or give them a job until they retire. Typically this is in leadership positions or to fill an empty AGR slot.

I am not sure about just joining a reserve unit in the manner you are thinking.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 9:28 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 21:28:23 -0500

You mentioned GA, aren't there any MI positions at Benning, Stewart or Gordon? The USAR does have MI units and wouldn't prevent you from staying in your MOS, so AGR could work for you. You can submit an AGR packet, if you don't like what they offer you, simply decline the position. AGR accessions has some flexibility in placing new AGR accessions, so it could work out. As LTC Stoneking mentioned AC/RC slots are available as well, your branch should be able to tell you where those are located.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jul 4 at 2023 9:51 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 09:51:46 -0400

I think I remember such, called additive full time manning or something like that. Kinda like an ROTC assignment where you go to the area where you plan to retire. Guvment moves your HHG and such, and you get a place to call home in your golden years. Often led to soldier ROAD.