Can I go to AD SFAS after my ETS in the National Guard ?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:41:17 -0500

Can I go to Active Duty SFAS after my ETS in the National Guard and under 18x or there’s a different process? (I know the attrition rate is very high and if someone fails is going to the 82nd)

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2023 8:34 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 08:34:31 -0500

Typically the Army's Prior Service Business Rules preclude prior service from contracting as 18X.
But you can enlist for any MOS on active duty then volunteer for SFAS once you get there.
And if you enlist for any job on Fort Liberty, then you won't have to travel to get to SFAS, and if you make it, you won't have to PCS to get to SFQC. That just saves you time and effort.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2023 8:50 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 08:50:39 -0500

Even if you could go 18X as prior service...don't. Go Active Duty in an MOS of your choosing. Then try SFAS. This way you wouldn't be stuck Needs of the Army if you're unable to pass the course.

Response by COL Randall C. made Nov 23 at 2023 11:19 AM

COL Randall C. — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:19:38 -0500

Yes... maybe. It's not as cut and dried as it could be because you'd be a prior service recruit. The "business rules" for prior service recruits change frequently based on the Army's requirements, so the only one that would have the most up-to-date information would be a recruiter. Although, as SGM Private RallyPoint Member stated, very rarely do they allow prior service recruits to enlist to be an 18X.

If you were a prior service 18X, then the answer would be yes (through the SF Prior Service Accession program)

That's if you want to go SF after you ETS.

There is a path if you're an "in-service" recruit in the National Guard*, but that's to become an 18x and service in a National Guard Special Force units. However, the USAREC Special Operations Recruiting Battalion (SORB) specifically deals with in-service recruits* and would have the best information to give you about being a reserve component Soldier who wants to become an 18X on active duty.

This will at give you a definitive answer if there's a possible route in your current situation. If not possible, then I'll triple-down on MSG Private RallyPoint Member's and SGM Private RallyPoint Member's advice. If your ultimate goal is to become an active duty 18X, then re-enlist as a prior service recruit and after you're back on active duty, submit a packet. That way your 'backup plan' is of your choosing and not 'the needs of the Army'.
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* ARNG - in-service prerequisites and restrictions - https://www.nationalguard.com/special-forces-prior-service-applicants
* SORB recruiter contact page - https://www.goarmysof.army.mil/Get-Started/Contact-a-Recruiter/

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