What are my options for joining the reserves/ guard after active duty?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 09:36:31 -0500

I will be getting out of the army soon and after spending a few years getting my degree I may consider joining the reserves or guard. I had a few questions though.

Will I lose rank if I’m out for about 3-4 years?

Is it possible to reclass and join the reserves/guard? Will I have to go back to AIT

Is it possible to commission with my degree? Will I have to attend any sort of OCS?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2021 9:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 09:49:12 -0500

You are eligible to join the Reserve Component six months from ETS. You need to go sit in the Reserve Transition briefing at your installation, all of this is covered in that briefing

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Nov 30 at 2021 9:50 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 09:50:03 -0500

You need to reach out to both recruiting format. You should have reps on your installation. They will put your mind at ease.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Nov 30 at 2021 10:58 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 10:58:40 -0500

A couple of short answers.
Will I lose rank? Maybe. Usually the Guard and Reserve will bring you in at your existing rank if they have a slot.
Can you Reclass? Sometimes. If they need an MOS and yours is overstrength, they will generally offer you a new MOS. The Guard and Reserve often have Reclass schools that they send you to instead of AIT. I branch Transferred to the Engineers to join the Kentucky National Guard since they were short Engineer Officers at the time. I completed the Reserve version of what was at that time the Engineer Officers Advanced Course to Branch Qualify.
No direct Commissions unless you are a doctor, lawyer or Chaplain generally. If Officer is your goal, the easiest route is ROTC. As prior service, you can skip the first two years and join as a Junior and still Commission at the end of your Senior Year. If not, you would have to attend OCS.
I would suggest joining one or the other when you come out, no break in service and it counts as TIS. The only big advantage the Guard would have is the fact that many States offer tuition assistance beyond the GI Bill.
If you decide to commission and join ROTC, I would suggest doing it in the Simultaneous Membership Program. Again, no loss of TIS, you would get paid for drill as an E-5 and you should pick up some leadership experience as SMP.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2021 11:33 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 11:33:36 -0500

You're an E4, you won't lose rank.
It is possible to reclass, and yes getting a new MOS means going to that MOS school.
With a degree you can just join as an officer candidate to go to OCS.
You can also just go to the Guard or Reserves now, and get a little more help paying for college.
Like SFC Private RallyPoint Member said, go talk to your on-post Reserve Component Career Counselor (RCCC). It's a mandatory stop for clearing, but won't hurt to stop by early to ask questions.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 30 at 2021 12:17 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 12:17:51 -0500

Why wouldn't you have to go to AIT? Reclass is getting a new MOS, that is what AIT is for to train you in your MOS.

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 30 at 2021 1:39 PM

SrA John Monette — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 13:39:26 -0500

Why not get your degree while in the reserves/guard?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2021 1:52 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 13:52:20 -0500

If you are getting a degree and want to commission I recommend ROTC.

Also why are you not considering the guard / reserve while attending college?