Switching from Gaurd to active Army?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 15:55:00 -0500

Hey i am currently enlisted in army gaurd and am wanting to go active duty. Is it worth trying to switch or should i wait until my current contract ends? Also i enlisted with a bonus, is that lost if i switch before my contract is comple?

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Mar 11 at 2021 4:06 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 16:06:18 -0500

Look under Army Regulation 601–280 Chapter 5. Also contact your retention NCO as well. I currently have a soldier now wanting to go Active from Reserves and his packet is going to take a long time average time 6 months or more.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2021 4:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 16:35:27 -0500

Honestly, it will depend on how badly the Army wants you and how badly the NG wants to keep you. If everyone agrees this is best for them (you really don't play into this equation, just your MOS) it will still take a considerable amount of time. It can't hurt to talk to your retention NCO, either way.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Mar 11 at 2021 6:59 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 18:59:52 -0500

Jesus. this question gets asked about twice a week. First, you need to find a recruiter that will deal with you. He will fill out and give you a DD Form 368 Conditional Release to give to your COC. It then must go up the Chain to the First General in the Chain, or his designated representative. He can approve or disapprove, there is no requirement to release you from your contract. How likely depends on how much of your contract is left, is the State shorthanded, are you a hard to replace MOS, and how much the Guard has spend on you. I'm out of date these days, but when I was CO and S1, I can't remember anyone getting released unless they had served over half their enlistment. 90 days would be considered a lightning fast turnaround on a Release.
Not only will your bonus be lost, but depending on how much time you have already served, you may be required to pay back part of it.
And Guard is spelled G U A R D.
IMO, if you are within 14 months or so of your ETS, it's probably a waste of time.

Response by MSG Clyde Mills made Mar 12 at 2021 5:37 AM

MSG Clyde Mills — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 05:37:44 -0500

Absolutely it’s worth your time and effort to try and go Active Duty from the ARNG. I did it and it was the best decision I made for my military career. Even though I had to drop in rank from E-3 back to E-2 to do it. I still made Sgt. E-5 in 20 months to the day from the day I enlisted on Active Duty. Earned an EIB and Graduated as an Honor Grad as an E-3, at my PNCOC Primary Non Commissioned Officer Course for Combat Arms. It’s call PLC I believe these days now Primary Leadership Course.