Can I begin the enlistment process to go AD, once I hit 1 year prior to ETS date?

2019-01-12T23:48:33-05:00

I'm currently in the Army Reserve and my ETS date is Oct 7, 2020. Once I hit 1 year until my ETS date, can I start the process to enlist for Active Duty or do I have to wait until my Reserve contract is completely done? PFC Private RallyPoint Member SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSG(P) James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" LTC Stephen F. CPL Dave Hoover SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth PVT James Strait Sgt Wayne Wood SSG Private RallyPoint Member Capt Dwayne Conyers CPT Jack Durish

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2019 11:55 PM

2019-01-12T23:55:41-05:00

You can start your AD transfer process now with a conditional release. Find a recruiter and talk with your unit admin about a the conditional release packet.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2019 12:20 AM

2019-01-13T00:20:49-05:00

I'm assuming you can't do a conditional release, or don't want to. A year out seems pretty far, but it never hurts to talk to an AD recruiter. They'll tell you what they're current policies are on working with prior service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2019 12:31 AM

2019-01-13T00:31:36-05:00

I submitted and received a conditional release with about about 2 and a half years left on my reserve contract. There is nothing that says you cannot submit for one.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jan 13 at 2019 6:04 AM

2019-01-13T06:04:40-05:00

Why not simply talk to the AD recruiter who will then walk you through the process and get the ball rolling for a possible release from reserve status to go active duty. No need to ETS and go through all that rigamaroll.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2019 11:35 AM

2019-01-13T11:35:11-05:00

A year out is way too much. You need to start talking about 30 days out. The Prior Service Business Rules change frequently. What’s potentially an enlistment option today most likely won’t be a year from now.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2019 11:55 AM

2019-01-13T11:55:46-05:00

Does your command have an open door policy? If so why not just discuss it with your command your desire to go active duty and discuss if they can do a conditional release. The worst they could do is say no.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2019 4:41 PM

2019-01-13T16:41:57-05:00

I am in the same process. I considered doing a conditional release from Army Reserve as well, but was informed it would take upwards of a year and only one out five last year got approved. I'm waiting until May for my ETS to go back active. My recruiter said that would be the best option and nothing would change ETS or conditional release. Hope this helps.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2019 7:39 AM

2019-01-14T07:39:25-05:00

Good morning! You may request a conditional release from the Army Reserve to go Regular Army at any point in time as long as your chain of command is fine with it. If they are, you need to reach out to a recruiter so they can help you fill out the DD368 and your unit will need to endorse it and forward it up the chain to the first General Officer. The caveat is if you are on a bonus contract, you may be on the hook for it if you pop smoke early.

Regardless, weigh your options and definitely get with your chain of command and recruiter. I am all for career progression because it is good for the Army and most importantly, going Regular Army is good for YOU. #TakeCareOfTroops.

Keep at it, high speed.