Anybody go from Reserves to NationalGuard?

2021-01-25T18:46:19-05:00

Anybody experience the pipeline from reserves to NG? I was in the IRR and had a year left in my MSO and joined the reserves about 3 months ago. My ETS is in OCT this year. I want to go to the NG because my PMOS is 11B. I already talked to a NG recruiter and have the DD368 that needs approval from my units G1. The issue I am having is my unit requires a bunch of other things on a checklist before they can send up the DD368 up the chain which i am having issues with its not like active duty where i can just walk to S1 for assistance lol. I had to get a counseling done by a career counselor which I was advised if i dont get the DD368 approved before I ETS I will have to go to meps again to go NG. That is what im trying to avoid is going to meps again. I know if I get the conditional release approved before ETS and i am all green on med pros i wont have to go to meps. How would that work if all fails and i have to ETS but I am still green on med pros. Can i simply get into a NG contract the same day I ETS the reserves without meps? What are my options with going back into the IRR than NG? Any career counselors or S1 personnel who can give me guidance? Thanks

Response by A1C Johnny Le made Jan 25 at 2021 7:03 PM

2021-01-25T19:03:01-05:00

I went from air force reserves to air national guard. It taken me roughly 7 months.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2021 7:25 PM

2021-01-25T19:25:02-05:00

The reserves just issued a message recently concerning conditional releases. The commander up the reserves strongly encourages subordinate Commanders to retain their soldiers. Basically they said any requests that is not strongly Justified should be denied. The giant packet you are referring to is actually standard for the reserves, and was issued as part of the message.

I don't remember having to go back to the MEPS when I joined the National Guard after a break in service. But, accession policies change all the time

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made Jan 25 at 2021 7:25 PM

2021-01-25T19:25:07-05:00

I went from the Reserves to National Guard. My unit wouldn't cut me loose, so I had to wait until my end of contract date. I was well outside of any IRR obligation at this point.
I got with a NG recruiter, and she had everything go seamlessly.
I drilled with my reserve unit for the last time in March and began with a NG unit on April.
I am going to say this, after I got there I regretted the move. I ended up doing civic details for the state and never did get to work my primary MOS (13B) which was the major reason for the switch.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2021 8:18 PM

2021-01-25T20:18:54-05:00

I hate the culture of small Army decisions of keeping troops from going where they want to go.

Best of luck and God Speed on finding the right fit for you.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2021 10:13 PM

2021-01-25T22:13:31-05:00

I would recommend re-enlisting for shortest possible time into the IRR so NG can pick you up. I know the CAR just published on Jan 20 the new guidance but I don’t have it with me to share.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2021 12:07 PM

2021-01-26T12:07:17-05:00

Get a good PHA before you ETS and you can skip MEPS physical but can still contract for incentives if you’re eligible. Odds are your 368 will not be signed before you ETS given it has to be signed by a GO. Talk with the NG recruiter and maybe attend a drill of what would be your unit before committing.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2021 8:52 PM

2021-01-26T20:52:33-05:00

If you don't feel like doing paperwork, just contact a Guard recruiter, and start working on your contract about a month out from your ETS.
Your Guard contract can be effective the day after your USAR ETS.
If your PHA is current, you won't do a med screen at MEPS, but you will need to go there to contract.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2021 9:30 PM

2021-01-26T21:30:45-05:00

I think there are some longer term considerations.
#1) Both the USAR and the NG have a lot of room for improvement. Don't assume jumping from one to the other will solve your frustrations.
#2) What are your longer term plans in relation to your MOS 11B, and having to avoid a new MOS? Having multiple MOS's is a pro in your longer term career, and as you get older might you want to get out of 11B anyway. Considering that, would going into the NG still be in your longer term plan.
#3) It's my observation that the things in the USAR right now that are causing retention problems which is hindering soldier mobility (simply things like a TPU to TPU transfer) are caused by RFX and higher commands trying to keep billets filled for higher reporting readiness metrics. If you can get out of a place that is handcuffing soldiers your over all USAR experience will improve greatly.
#3a) Be careful where you step if you are in a administratively easy unit. You might get trapped again.

If I were you, or making a recommendation to any of my soldiers I would recommend you get yourself transferred to the IRR per your contractual obligation. Once in the IRR it is much easier to land just about anywhere you want in the USAR. You just need to make sure you avoid RFX or a unit culture holding onto soldiers. Basically, your best chances are a non MTOE unit (which can be identified in FMSWEB).

However, if your 11B motivation is your driver and the NG is your only solution and you just don't want a new MOS, then I ask you, how long to you plan to ride out 11B, and if you plan to do 20+ years, and "eventually" change MOS's then why is it important to hang onto 11B currently?

Food for thought.