Thoughts on transitioning from active to guard? Tips and any advice? https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/thoughts-on-transitioning-from-active-to-guard-tips-and-any-advice <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Adapt Sun, 29 Dec 2019 21:18:19 -0500 Thoughts on transitioning from active to guard? Tips and any advice? https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/thoughts-on-transitioning-from-active-to-guard-tips-and-any-advice <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Adapt SGT Private RallyPoint Member Sun, 29 Dec 2019 21:18:19 -0500 2019-12-29T21:18:19-05:00 Response by COL Dana Hampton made Dec 29 at 2019 10:13 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/thoughts-on-transitioning-from-active-to-guard-tips-and-any-advice?n=5392976&urlhash=5392976 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Reach out to your unit’s full time staff. They can help you on board smoother and ensure all your uniforms and equipment are up to snuff.<br /><br />Understand that the pace of training is different. The Guard has to cram a lot into a short amount of time. The same annual requirements are mandated for Guard units as AD, but you have fewer days to accomplish them. Since your FA, be prepared to take the safety exam shortly after arriving. Overall, it won’t be bad. Take time to get to know your section just like on AD. Depending on when you arrive in the training cycle for your first drill you may have a super 8 UTA which is a 4-day drill. Discuss training with your employer if they are not familiar with Guard training cycles. COL Dana Hampton Sun, 29 Dec 2019 22:13:37 -0500 2019-12-29T22:13:37-05:00 Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 29 at 2019 10:19 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/thoughts-on-transitioning-from-active-to-guard-tips-and-any-advice?n=5392983&urlhash=5392983 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="852313" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/852313-13d-field-artillery-tactical-data-systems-specialist">SGT Private RallyPoint Member</a> if you are at the end of your contract and approaching ETS it could be a good way for you to continue your service, some money coming in while you job search, pursue education and start a civilian career at the same time. You need to check in and see if you can use the post 9/11 gi bill and the state tuition waiver at the same time (most states extend this to Guard members). LTC Jason Mackay Sun, 29 Dec 2019 22:19:20 -0500 2019-12-29T22:19:20-05:00 Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2019 12:20 AM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/thoughts-on-transitioning-from-active-to-guard-tips-and-any-advice?n=5393157&urlhash=5393157 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I went to the Guard as an SGT right after I left Bragg. It is a different world but I found it to be very rewarding. It&#39;s not the regular Army but you will see some very unique benefits. When you deploy you will have a unit of professionals from many other disciplines besides just being in the Army. Plus you can serve and continues to get benefits like tricare and college assistance. CPT Private RallyPoint Member Mon, 30 Dec 2019 00:20:23 -0500 2019-12-30T00:20:23-05:00 Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2019 3:07 AM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/thoughts-on-transitioning-from-active-to-guard-tips-and-any-advice?n=5393372&urlhash=5393372 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I found it to be a very easy transition but I did it as a Field Grade so your experience my vary.<br />Have back up documentation for all of your awards to include campaign ribbons. If you don&#39;t have it they can confirm you were deployed and add a memo to verify. The guard is much more focused on having back up documentation for everything than the Regular Army.<br />Check your expectations, go with an open mind and you&#39;ll get out of it what you put into it.<br /><br />Good Luck LTC Private RallyPoint Member Mon, 30 Dec 2019 03:07:04 -0500 2019-12-30T03:07:04-05:00 Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 31 at 2019 12:05 AM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/thoughts-on-transitioning-from-active-to-guard-tips-and-any-advice?n=5396566&urlhash=5396566 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Hurry up and wait and wait and wait... top heavy with Sgts. Same BS... in compacted time.... CPL Gary Pifer Tue, 31 Dec 2019 00:05:48 -0500 2019-12-31T00:05:48-05:00 Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 31 at 2019 12:09 AM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/thoughts-on-transitioning-from-active-to-guard-tips-and-any-advice?n=5396573&urlhash=5396573 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>PS... make sure you get your points for your 20 year retirement and docs for any VA disability... don&#39;t quit or take time off. Ge get that retirement... CPL Gary Pifer Tue, 31 Dec 2019 00:09:12 -0500 2019-12-31T00:09:12-05:00 2019-12-29T21:18:19-05:00