How does transitioning from AD to AGR work? Is it a harder process to put in an OCS packet while AGR?

From what I know, you are not able to reclass on AGR. There is no transition into the AGR from AD. If you talk to a Reserve Counselor who tells you that they can guarantee you an AGR position, they are BSing you. While you are on Active duty, you have to enlist into the Reserve component and then apply to AGR. If you're accepted, you're activated and sent to wherever the job is. The downside of AGR is that you have no choice in where you go if that's what the position involves. I don't even think you can go to OCS on AGR. Active Army has more protections and options than AGR. AGR is not simply being in the RC and staying local while receiving all the AD benefits.
There are several OCS programs between AD and RC, but being a single parent is not a disqualifier, as far as I know. You can always check the MILPER message for requirements.

I'm a single parent of three kids as well. I think the AD had a more reliable system than the RC and AGR. If you're lucky enough to land in an AGR job that offers long term stability, then that's great. But those positions are often highly competitive and not guaranteed. If you want to leave the Army and apply to AGR you should definitely have a backup plan.

You can also search AGR on this website and see a few of the AGR specific issues.

My answers are how this pertains in the ARNG.

SFC Boyd and SGT Ramos have good points. Just one correction on each - you are able to reclassify while in AGR. Also you can attend OCS while in an AGR status. To start with your original question, you would be able to apply for AGR positions while on AD. The hiring agency and HRO would determine if you get hired and are eligible. For instance if you have less than 6 months on your contract and are applying for AGR, the hiring agency might be willing to wait for you to ETS if you’re the best candidate. If you have 5 years left on your contract, you probably wouldn’t stand a chance. You can also become a traditional m-day Soldier and continue to apply.

If you get hired for a position in which you are not duty MOS-Q, then you could reclass that way (although you would have to really stand out against MOS-Q applicants). Once you are in the position, you can apply for lateral announcements to change your MOS, which is how we fill vacant PA ARNG positions first. Another option is a command re-assignment within your current AGR position that would require a reclass.

Once you are in the AGR system, you can drop an ARNG OCS packet if you have 90 college credits and meet the moral and other requirements. If accepted into the program (single parent status has no bearing), you would become an Officer Candidate and paid at a rate of E-6. This is different than the federal program rate of E-5. ARNG OCS has an accelerated and traditional program. NGB has directed all AGR Soldiers attend the traditional program unless you have already been hired for an AGR Officer position (although there are exceptions for everything). Traditional is a long weekend once a month (Friday night through Sunday night) program during phase 0. Phase 1 is two weeks straight through starting around July. Phase 2 is a year of long weekends (one per month) with a 5 day field excercise. Phase 3 is two weeks straight through the following summer.

Once you graduate OCS, you would put your NCO stripes back on if you did not have an AGR Officer position to fill. At that point, you would apply for Officer AGR positions and once hired, you would commission.

It’s a long process of about 3 years from the time you apply to OCS as an AGR enlisted Soldier to the time you get commissioned in an AGR billet. Could be slightly less or a couple years more. Add on your remaining time on your current contract and also consider there are no guarantees that you will be picked up for an Officer AGR job even if you get through the program. I think you have 5 years with an extension to take your commission before your certificate of eligibility expires.

Hope that sheds some light for you. I would recommend to start applying for AGR jobs in both the reserves and Guard and do some research on both organizations. If you can get your foot in the door, you will have some options. I know we are usually looking for Recruiters in our AGR program here in PA. That’s where I started my AGR career and I also went through the traditional OCS program while serving as an AGR recruiter. If you have any interest in talking to someone in the PAARNG recruiting battalion please let me know. Good luck!

In order to re-class as AGR you would have to interview for the position and be "hired" then they would send you to the school to re-class. ALC is harder to get into in you are guard or reserve just plan and simple. It can be done but I know people who are AGR that have stated it takes longer for them to get into the school. As far as OCS goes, you can go being a single parent as long as you have the family care plan and everything else that you are required to have as a single parent in the military. I would suggest making sure there is an AGR slot in the state you plan to be in, speak with OCS recruiters and/or instructors, and above all else speak with you support system to make sure that if this is a road you go that you will still be able to stay near them.