Can I lose my NCO rank if I go from Army guard to active duty?

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 05:26:28 -0500

If I go from army guard to active duty and I'm scheduled for WLC in July but don't attend before I have to report, can they take my E5 rank? I was promoted before the new STEP system.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Feb 19 at 2016 5:43 AM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 05:43:19 -0500

Don't be surprised if you do.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Feb 19 at 2016 5:45 AM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 05:45:28 -0500

Either way, it would not be that hard to get back

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 5:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 05:47:44 -0500

When did you get pinned?
You should have 24 months from pin-on until you have to be a graduate of WLC.
I guess worst case scenario, if switching screws up your timeline and you can't get to school then your COC should be able to push an exception to policy request.
Good luck!

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Feb 19 at 2016 6:22 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 06:22:55 -0500

Although I haven't done the recruiting thing for some time the answer to your question is on the current USAREC's Business Rules. that document which is published 3-4 times per year establishes prior service accession into active duty based on the current service member's current status. Sometimes the loss of rank is the only way, sometimes not! Check with your local recruiter for the lates and greatest!

Response by SGT Benjamin Lindsey made Feb 19 at 2016 9:11 AM

SGT Benjamin Lindsey — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 09:11:29 -0500

I would say it could be a good chance it could happen. When I went from National Guard to Active I had just pinned my E4 and I made sure it was in my contract that I kept my rank.

Response by SGT Matthew Reid made Feb 19 at 2016 9:41 AM

SGT Matthew Reid — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 09:41:37 -0500

Yes, I went from E-4 Spec to E-2 in the late 80's. I was Reserve's.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 9:43 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 09:43:49 -0500

I think they will take your rank. However it shouldn't be hard to get it back.

Response by SGT Matthew Reid made Feb 19 at 2016 9:53 AM

SGT Matthew Reid — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 09:53:02 -0500

Yes. I went from E-4 spec to E-2 private when I transitioned from Army Reserve to Active duty in the late 80's.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 9:58 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 09:58:33 -0500

They might take a stripe regardless of whether you have been to BLC (WLC's new name) or not. There are very specific instructions for this, and they change regularly. You will certainly need a waiver to retain your rank. You need to ask very pointed questions of your recruiter.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 10:32 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 10:32:07 -0500

It is possible, but you will certainly know for a fact when you go to MEPS and process.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 11:15 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 11:15:40 -0500

Yes you can. But if you have signed a contract right now with Active Duty, and they have stated you will transfer over as an E5, then you will. It would be better for you to go WLC first, then apply to go to active duty. There is a chance that you will still be administratively demoted (not a bad thing) to Specialist when you transfer over. That's because the reality is that weekend warrior time doesn't match active duty time the same way. But if you already have WLC, then the next time you board for E5 while on active duty, you will be a head of the game. You will probably pick E5 back up within six months to a year depending on the board cycle. I wouldn't sweat it. But if you're bored and looking for something to do, then get on MOBCOP and apply for an individual active duty tour. Good luck to you.
-MSG Reeve

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 12:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 12:03:17 -0500

How did you manage to get into active duty? I've been trying to get back into active duty from the reserves for a few years now and every recruiter I talk to tells me the same thing, that they're not accepting prior service back into active duty due to the cutbacks.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 12:08 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 12:08:21 -0500

Here's the most recent guidelineshttp://m.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/continue-serving/active-duty/prior-service-business-rules.m.html

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 12:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 12:50:51 -0500

Yes

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 4:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:32:13 -0500

The answer to your question, though indecisive, is if the sacrifice is to be made to lose your rank and you'll make it back, why not? I'm contemplating the very same thing, though, I believe I'm only a step down to where they'd put me. I hated being a Specialist, so it's hard to decide.

Response by SGT Robert Cupp made Feb 21 at 2016 1:41 PM

SGT Robert Cupp — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 13:41:11 -0500

I ets'd from active duty as an e5 and went into the guard. A year later I decided to go back to active duty but I got dropped down to e3 when I went back in. I made it back to e4 but promotion points kept me an e4 for the rest of my enlistment. I finally got my e5 back a year ago in the guard.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2016 2:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 14:02:22 -0500

They would do a grade determination at the time of enlistment

Response by SFC Don Ward made Feb 21 at 2016 3:02 PM

SFC Don Ward — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 15:02:33 -0500

Look at the rank on your DD 214 from your last active discharge. That is probably your entry rank on active duty

Response by SFC Kevin C. made Feb 21 at 2016 5:01 PM

SFC Kevin C. — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 17:01:53 -0500

Years ago, 1989, I came back in active duty from the active reserves, and was active duty prior to that. That summer I was a Staff Sergeant pushing troops down at Ft Jackson (was in a training unit) reported straight to my active unit as a E-2 wearing my Drill Sergeant patch. Caught hell from the minute I got there. Had to explain why I was a Drill Private so many times I wanted to make up some far fetched story about haw I got busted. That was a long time ago, but going back into active duty was not easy then either. In the end I retired after 26 years total.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2016 7:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 19:16:54 -0400

Yes.

Response by SFC Shane Funkhouser made Jun 27 at 2016 3:06 PM

SFC Shane Funkhouser — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 15:06:35 -0400

Yes and they will. AD side you can't hold the rank until you have the school. On the flip side if you have the points generally once you attend the school for that rank you will get it back.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2016 4:32 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 16:32:29 -0400

Yes you can, and often, you do. They do this because leadership in the Guard is not the same as leadership in the Active Duty component. they want you to re-learn your job, on a day-to-day basis before re-earning your right to lead soldiers in your particular field. This way, you can provide proper and effective leadership, mentoring, and guidance, as well as being able to field real-world questions, based upon the new experience you have achieved.

Response by SFC Laurie Schultz made Jun 27 at 2016 6:41 PM

SFC Laurie Schultz — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 18:41:44 -0400

Yes. The Army normally doesn't hire off the street or from the reserves senior leadership. The guard doesn't either without command review and approval. You would be taking a promotion from someone within the system. Good luck.

Response by SGM Joel Cook made Jun 28 at 2016 3:18 AM

SGM Joel Cook — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 03:18:56 -0400

I have seen it go both ways. If you go into a critical shortage MOS that the Army is hurting for, you could actually negotiate to gain a rank, especially if you have been in the NG for a long time. However if you try to go into a balanced or overage MOS, count on losing something. You should be talking with two people. First, a trusted senior active army vet or active duty person, then take that person with you to talk to the recruiter. Because the recruiter is only going to tell you what he has to in order to meet his quota for that month, quarter, or year. Unfortunately, that is not necessarily the whole truth or an outright lie. If you were changing from active to guard I would say find a trusted NG vet to talk with and take with you. Good luck.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 10:39 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 10:39:42 -0400

First off any dealings with a recruiter get it in writing don't go with the but he told me . As stated by some other comments complete BLC . And last but not least it's not always about the hard stripe understand I'm not sure how much active guard time you may have or how proficient you are at your position but you are joining a pool of Soldiers who have been doing this specific job 365 your proficiency level needs to be at a level your Soldiers have confidence in your actions and you can show them you know your shit before you begin to bark orders and make demands. Just remember as and NCO your responsible for the helping them mature as Soldiers and move forward in their career as well as yours just keep that in mind as you worry about if you will keep your E-5 which you made as a part-time Soldier not down grading that in anyway just want you to think on that as you embark on becoming an active duty Soldier

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 1:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 13:13:03 -0400

You'll have a grade determination waiver which will get you reduced to SPC. That's if your guard unit actually releases you and if you qualify for a prior service slot.

Response by MSG Michael McEleney made Jun 28 at 2016 1:21 PM

MSG Michael McEleney — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 13:21:18 -0400

The one to ask is your recruiter, if the BLC/WLC is a determining factor delay your signing date until you complete it. Have you told your NG unit you're going active? If so, they'll probably give the slot to someone else.

Response by SFC Bruce Scott made Jun 28 at 2016 1:52 PM

SFC Bruce Scott — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 13:52:09 -0400

Remember, to take any PS (any branch or component) into AD Army you will occupy a "slot" (TO&E Lin and paragraph) that some AD SPC has been gunning for. As an E5 you need to be fully qual'd to occupy the slot or the unit 1SG now has an "extra" task of getting you qual'd. You see 1SG (& CO) are rated on the percentage of qual'd personnel present in the unit. Not only would AD Army take your E5, bu your SPC DOR will be the day you report for AD. Going to WLC prior to enlisting is the smartest thing you can do.

Response by SFC Rich Goldstein made Jun 28 at 2016 2:18 PM

SFC Rich Goldstein — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 14:18:02 -0400

If you're just thinking about this and haven't done so yet, rather than proceed based on opinions, just go ahead and follow the advice many people have given and talk to a recruiter. You may find out that you cannot even get into active duty. The particulars about your current enlistment have to be examined and placed against current enlistment rules for Prior Service (PS) to join the Active Duty ranks. When I was recruiting I was difficult for PS to join, and when they did they always gave up rank. In a nutshell, you had to have gained it while Active, and they began deducting on a sliding scale based on how much time you've been out. Regarding getting it back, you have to meet the cutoff score after attending a board and being recommended for promotion. Look at the cutoff scores by MOS and you can judge the ease or difficulty of regaining NCO status.

Response by SGT David Tennien made Jun 28 at 2016 3:03 PM

SGT David Tennien — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 15:03:43 -0400

This was some years back, but I almost went back to active duty from the CA ARNG. I achieved my rank in the guard not the RA. Although I did go to PLDC and BNCOC in the guard to be eligible for my rank. I was a 11B20 and would have gone back in as a 11B20. My recruiter told me I wouldn't lose my rank. Only time you can lose your rank is dependent on the MOS. Don't have a clue about now.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 3:37 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 15:37:28 -0400

The simple answer is yes you can. Whether you do will be determined during processing with the recruiter who will submit a grade determination and will follow current USAREC Business Rules. You will be informed of the final determination and your rank will be on your contract.

Response by CPL Sebastian Mutchler made Jun 28 at 2016 4:36 PM

CPL Sebastian Mutchler — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 16:36:49 -0400

Historically you would go down a rank, unless you are going into an E-5 slot.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 5:26 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 17:26:11 -0400

Since army is similar, that i know of. In the marines, if you go from reserve to active you don't loose your rank but all of your points towards the next rank will start over.

Response by SFC Gregory Bradford made Jun 28 at 2016 5:52 PM

SFC Gregory Bradford — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 17:52:42 -0400

As I saw during my time in TRADOC, your tank will be in your contract. I saw a prior service SPC come in with a legit contract promoting him to SSG after AIT (not stripes for skills). Make sure it is in your contract and it's good to go.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 6:20 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 18:20:44 -0400

You have to go with in a year of receiving it

Response by SGT Jason Keefer made Jun 28 at 2016 7:23 PM

SGT Jason Keefer — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 19:23:31 -0400

Most of the guys I've met while active that made this transition lost one or more promotions.

Response by SPC Tarence Bailey made Jun 28 at 2016 8:32 PM

SPC Tarence Bailey — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 20:32:57 -0400

If your trying to go active from the MD Guard? Don't get your hopes up that you'll get your 368 even signed. I put in 3. 2 sat on some NCO's desk and never processed an 1 denied with no explanation. Than you try to ets and the recruiter tells you he stills needs a signoff from them but they won't sign off. It's not about your career, it's about their numbers. I could've left the military as an E6 minimum. But I made the mistake of enlisting with the Nasty Guard. Oh well

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 9:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 21:06:16 -0400

No each deal is separate.

Response by SSG Jonathan Harris made Jun 28 at 2016 10:06 PM

SSG Jonathan Harris — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 22:06:59 -0400

Yep your going to be a e-4. But just prove to your unit your a good leader and don't be a pussy and you'll get promoted in no time. Just so you know active duty isn't the guard. Your not going to be calling your commander james because you guys go to the same school or civilian workplace.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 11:27 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 23:27:12 -0400

E-5 is a pay grade Sgt , not a rank

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 11:46 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 23:46:38 -0400

Most likely will submit a grade determination waiver. Based on the needs of the Army will determine the rank.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 7:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 07:59:30 -0400

The question isn't CAN you, it's WILL you lose your rank... The answer is yes. If you haven't completed the appropriate NCOES for your grade, you will lose the rank. I'm currently working with an applicant in the same situation. He's a NG E5 that wants to go active. Been in the Guard for 10 years. Problem is, no WLC makes him actually an E4. RCP for E4 is 8 years. So he has to wait until he gets WLC in March before he can move over...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 9:00 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 09:00:39 -0400

The old rules and I haven't heard if any changes stated that if you held the rank on active duty, i.e. you deployed with the guard as a e-5, they can't take the rank it would have to be a voluntary reduction, if you haven't served any active time in grade then your on your way back down to the mafia

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 9:54 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 09:54:22 -0400

Hell I've been trying to active duty I got out of the guard because they would not let me go

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 10:32 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 10:32:58 -0400

Yes.

Response by SPC Joe Haney made Jun 29 at 2016 10:53 AM

SPC Joe Haney — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 10:53:39 -0400

The Guard is a joke with rank, I went into the Guard as an E5 from the Navy, first drill weekend Top comes over and asks why I have buck stripes on... I show him my contract... He says nope you're a Spec 4, I was like WTF. Change my rank to an E4 mad as hell go two years and two months to finish out my obligation, tried to unsuccessfully transfer back into the Navy with no luck. Got out and told the Guard recruiter to pound sand, when he offered me E5, and a bunch of money.

All other aviation MOSs were on stop loss except mine, so I was OUT! Find out that I did in fact make E5 in the Navy, and should've been an E5 in the Guard. Then the icing on the cake, my unit gets deployed to the Gulf, I get an effin call from some scumbag never been deployed knob gobbler in recruiting asks if I wanna come back in, and this time for rank of billet; an E7, yep! A joke, says you'll deploy as a Sergent First Class, when you get back you'll go back to Specialist, but then you retire out at highest rank achieved. That would've been a nightmare, all those stripes and I don't know shit about the Army but I can fix aircraft systems. Besides making really good friends, I hated the Guard. Active duty had its moments but is was 1000 times better than the Guard, and when I was in there were people with twenty years and not a single deployment. My tops fruit salad was a joke, ASR and a bunch of ASMs maybe some other ribbon for school.

The Guard was so effed up you're doing the right thing, if you're high speed you'll get your rank back.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 11:02 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 11:02:20 -0400

Ssqsd33s!+@4!!$3564

Response by SFC Richard Giles made Jun 29 at 2016 12:15 PM

SFC Richard Giles — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 12:15:52 -0400

It's based on the needs of the Army

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 1:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 13:24:16 -0400

Yes it will be taken because there is no point system used for active guard you made were given the rank because a slot needed to be filled. You can earn it back but you need to start working on knocking out stuff now so that in a few months when you go to the board and finish BLC (formally WLC) you can get picked up quickly.

Response by SPC Jay Hefty made Jun 29 at 2016 2:46 PM

SPC Jay Hefty — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 14:46:53 -0400

It depends on skill set and civilian education. Talk carefully to the recruiter for sure. If you were going to medical service corps, nursing or medical corps you could direct commission to field grade.

Response by CPL James Mellar made Jun 29 at 2016 3:08 PM

CPL James Mellar — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 15:08:51 -0400

You will lose your rank.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 3:29 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 15:29:57 -0400

I like how everyone is saying yes because it happend to them, and that is not true. The Ultimate fact that will you retain your rank or lose it when you go into active duty is based off needs of the army. Which a lot of things are going towards nowadays with us cutting numbers.

Response by SFC Jd McKenzie made Jun 29 at 2016 4:31 PM

SFC Jd McKenzie — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 16:31:27 -0400

Yes, I was E-7 in the Army Guard and wanted to go Active Duty and the best they could do for me was E-4 maybe E-5... This is because the Guard has its own schools and the Army doesn't recognize them for one... And for some odd reason when you want to do a lateral transfer, they seem to want to punish you and take away what you've already earned, Even if you were "only" part time... I spent time in the Guard, made it to E-4, went Active back to E-1 and back again to E-4 then back to the Gaurd all the way up to E-7 and when I wanted to go back on Active Duty they wanted to rape me again of my rank so I applied to the AGR program was accepted and kept my rank and drove on... Now retired

Response by SPC Dan Kissling made Jun 29 at 2016 5:15 PM

SPC Dan Kissling — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 17:15:40 -0400

Honestly my best advice to Specialists is to just knock out WLC before you put in your packet. You have to complete it regardless of how you are promoted so you might as well make WLC your first priority after being promoted to E4.

Another side benefit of doing this is that you can keep retraining yourself on basic NCO tasks and drills the rest of the time you are a Specialist. Thus making you the best prepared for the stripes before you even wear them.

Response by TSgt Martin Bria made Jun 29 at 2016 5:49 PM

TSgt Martin Bria — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 17:49:28 -0400

Good possibly! Lot of things affect what happens, like professional school you may or may not have taken. The bottom line is if you don't regain the former rank, you still retire at the highest rank achieved.

Response by SGT Brian O'Leary made Jun 29 at 2016 6:14 PM

SGT Brian O'Leary — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 18:14:05 -0400

I have never herd of anyone going to active duty and keeping there rank, at least a lose of one pay grade.. Was always told how reserve component troops just were not up to speed of there Active duty counter parts.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 6:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 18:22:04 -0400

When I left the reserves and joined active duty I was able to keep my SGT/E-5. The difference is I attended PLDC WHILE I was in the reserves- the way it was explained to me is that since I completed all the requirements for the rank according to the active duty standards I was able to keep it- but I had to go needs of the army as far as duty station

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 7:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 19:25:57 -0400

I went from the Air Force to ANG to USAR to Active Duty and kept my rank.

Response by CW3 David Covey made Jun 29 at 2016 7:59 PM

CW3 David Covey — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 19:59:30 -0400

I went from E6 (p) in the guard to E1 in 1984 when I went active duty. Made my E6 back in 1987 and my warrant in June 1988.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 8:23 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 20:23:24 -0400

Only certain MOSs can go Active and most E4 and Below can with less than 48 months AFS

Response by SPC Nick Hitt made Jun 29 at 2016 8:55 PM

SPC Nick Hitt — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 20:55:46 -0400

Yes you don't have the experience than active-duty soldier does

Response by 1SG Donald Ingels made Jun 29 at 2016 9:26 PM

1SG Donald Ingels — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 21:26:15 -0400

Yes - you can. Even if you completed the course you are not guaranteed to keep your rank. An assessment of your active duty experience is conducted and you are places at the needs of the Army, which can result in you being administratively reduced. If you successfully complete WLC before you transition you may be able to retain that credit when you make the active duty promotion list.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 9:55 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 21:55:03 -0400

Its BLC now

Response by SSG Shafter Baker made Jun 29 at 2016 10:15 PM

SSG Shafter Baker — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 22:15:46 -0400

Probably not. Perscom has established rules about that.

Response by 1SG David Niles made Jun 29 at 2016 10:24 PM

1SG David Niles — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 22:24:18 -0400

Yes you can, if they don't have your Mos, if they don't have a slot open with your rank and mos, if you agree to reclassify in an mos in your rank and you go to school in a year you could also keep your rank

Response by SSG Scott Persson made Jun 29 at 2016 10:39 PM

SSG Scott Persson — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 22:39:36 -0400

Yes, and most do or are knocked down one grade. Get WLC so you're promotable.

Response by SSG Robert Albright made Jun 29 at 2016 11:02 PM

SSG Robert Albright — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 23:02:49 -0400

I made the jump from guard to active the first time in 1985. Back then you were dropped from whatever rank you held to the last rank you held on active duty. So I dropped from SPC to PFC. In 2008 I made the jump back while I was activated guard. Under those circumstances I kept my rank as a SSG because I had already had BNCOC (also made it while I was on active duty the first time though that didn't matter). My advice is to get WLC out of the way its a PIA but you'll have to take it sooner or later.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 11:09 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 23:09:32 -0400

No sweat....Shiner still taste like Shiner. Suck it up, you want back in the grind then go for it. You worried about your bank account then pull more OT.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2016 1:13 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 01:13:11 -0400

Yes. Active will take your stripes, either down to SPC or PFC. It's bullshit, because officers don't get reduced.

Response by SGT Ray Rose made Jun 30 at 2016 2:39 AM

SGT Ray Rose — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 02:39:38 -0400

I didn't lose my E5 before going active

Response by SPC Michael Bailey made Jun 30 at 2016 4:07 AM

SPC Michael Bailey — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 04:07:24 -0400

The old rule was if you went Active to RC then back again, you'd go active at whatever rank you went RC at. I had an NCO that was AC/RC at the school house and wouldn't go active because he'd go from E-6 to E-4. It's dumb but then, it's the Army

Response by 1SG Ken Gillespie made Jun 30 at 2016 4:47 AM

1SG Ken Gillespie — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 04:47:40 -0400

I dropped from E-5 to E-3 when I converted from Reserves to Regular Army.
Good news was I made it back within a year.

Response by SSG John Jennett made Jun 30 at 2016 7:55 AM

SSG John Jennett — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 07:55:25 -0400

Yes, when I came back active from the reserves I was reduced to SPC. Regs have changed since then and there are factors involved. But it is a definite possibility.

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made Jun 30 at 2016 8:38 AM

Sgt Charles Welling — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 08:38:27 -0400

Don't know specifics your case, but, you need to consider that you have to meet the qualifications and there has to be a slot for you. I am a Marine veteran, all during my life I have seen service members move from service to service and lose rank in doing so. YOU are making the request and there may be opportunity for you but it will be in their terms. BTW, how are you making a move you don't fully understand before you do so?

Response by SSG Jeff Beltran made Jun 30 at 2016 9:20 AM

SSG Jeff Beltran — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 09:20:29 -0400

I had a similar issue, when I went Active Duty in 1996. I went from E-5 to E-4. It had something to do with adjusting to the Time and Service from Reserves to Active Duty. It felt like I was getting ripped off, but it finally made sense, when I reported to my first unit and started learning what the real Army life was and what it was to be a Professional Soldier 24/7.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2016 9:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 09:32:08 -0400

Yep, you sure can.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2016 9:41 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 09:41:51 -0400

All depends on your new contract.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2016 9:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 09:52:34 -0400

Depends on the recruiter...and what he is willing to do for you. The fact you don't have wlc done though does not help. Also how long have you been an E5 counts too

Response by SGT Benjamin Engel made Jun 30 at 2016 12:36 PM

SGT Benjamin Engel — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 12:36:21 -0400

Remember the TIS/TIG requirements for each rank. You can make E5 in the guard without ever meeting time in service requirements for the army. A year in the guard only gives you a couple months of the required time so a lot of the time people are demoted for that reason

Response by SSG Kyle Stromgren made Jun 30 at 2016 12:43 PM

SSG Kyle Stromgren — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 12:43:10 -0400

Do the WLC befor you go active if you can so it is out of the way. If the guidance counlser at MEPS said you are losing rank it happens I lost a strip when I went active from the USAR, Look at AR 601-210 for current rules .

Response by SPC Kenneth Meredith made Jun 30 at 2016 5:03 PM

SPC Kenneth Meredith — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 17:03:12 -0400

Yes. But you may only have to reduce to E-4 depending how long its been since active duty. I went from reserve back to active but since it had been years so I was reduced from E-4 to last active duty rank E-3. So explaining awards and service stripes became a regular occurrence. I have not known anyone transition as a reserve NCO to active as an NCO. I even had to give up promotable status to reclass but quickly boarded again. This has been many years ago and knowing the Services this could have very well changed.

Response by SFC Dennis Graham made Jun 30 at 2016 5:17 PM

SFC Dennis Graham — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 17:17:17 -0400

If the rank was earned in the guard then yes, if you earned it on active duty got out went into the guard and are now going back to active duty then no (possibly). This is based on the rules in play in 2002 it may be different now.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2016 5:21 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 05:21:09 -0400

You will not keep your rank if you haven't attended WLC. Also, you may be ineligible to switch over to active duty. Check with a local recruiter.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2016 7:59 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 07:59:26 -0400

Read the regulation, the only way to get your answer!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2016 11:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 11:55:09 -0400

You will loose rank regardless of WLC attendance. I was active then got out to get my degree and joined the reserves. Was promoted to SGT and attended WLC. Couple of years later came back active duty. And in the process they took a stripe from me. So... It doesn't matter if you have WLC, expect to come into AD as a SPC.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2016 1:23 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 13:23:11 -0400

They can

Response by MSG James Strickland made Jul 1 at 2016 2:34 PM

MSG James Strickland — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 14:34:46 -0400

All required schools to maintain your current rank still applies. You need to hit the promotion Reg so that you're informed. Never turn down a school. Compete WLC of you have the chance. You can't point the finger at anyone else if you fail to do your part.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2016 5:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 17:52:04 -0400

I just came off of recruiting and it all depends. Believe it or not as a recruiter we have to submit you for a grade determination waiver and I have never seen it coming back disapproved. Any issues let me know, [login to see] my number if you need help

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2016 1:38 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 01:38:22 -0400

While it may seem unfair now, it's probably a good thing. The guard and the big boy Army are two different animals, and as a SGT you'd be expected to walk, talk and act like a tried and tested leader. A little time to learn and get used to how things run definitely couldn't hurt.

Response by SFC Brian Gillum made Jul 2 at 2016 8:07 AM

SFC Brian Gillum — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 08:07:25 -0400

Yes.

To the OP, the following rant is not directed specifically towards you, but is so inspired by:

I will grant this, the question(s) posed in an open forum do help in the sense that they provide "some" answers to folks with the same question.

That being said, is a little research of the $&@*^%# regulations that @&$*^#% difficult? With everything online anyway, a simple search of the regs using keywords in the search bar should not only yield the information you want, but give you the definitive answer(s) and the exception(s), waivers, etc that are available.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2016 8:10 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 08:10:45 -0400

i loss my rank when i went active. I was also with a E-6 that was busted down to e-4 due to in/out rules. It was logical due to the fact I was promoted in the reserves and not in the new MOS. Took a little over a year to go to the board but it was worth it. You just have to overcome the reserve/national guard stigma.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2016 9:09 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 09:09:56 -0400

I went active in 2013. Unless it changed you will remain an e5. Honestly I was not going to join if they took away..good luck

Response by SFC Wesley Arnold, Jr made Jul 2 at 2016 12:01 PM

SFC Wesley Arnold, Jr — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 12:01:32 -0400

Your rank is based on you your time served on last on activate duty (deployments not included) rank. All of your time of serves still counts for pay but your Basic and AIT and possibly any immediate following active serves or schools will be calculated in to your retirement. I'm not sure how anytime served as active duty during deployments (not AT) might factor out.

Bottom line can it? Yes. Your best bet is to sit down with a recruiter and hope for the best, but plan on the worst. My personal example was E3 AR to E2 active but got E3 9 mouth later directly from DA and not my unit (there was some pissed off individuals about that); the big kicker is if you want to try and change your MOS upon entering active duty. For me I was unable to due to having an under strength MOS; after 2 years I could request reclassify provided my MOS was not still under strength. My choice (and best choice - personally) was choosing an MOS that was more under strength than my current MOS. Remember is this is your choice a smaller filled MOS also comes with slower promotions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2016 1:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 13:21:28 -0400

From E-6 to E-2? It's been years since I retired but what the hell? Something fishy?

Response by SSG Joshua Sandor made Jul 2 at 2016 1:35 PM

SSG Joshua Sandor — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 13:35:29 -0400

E5 is a pay grade, SGT is your rank. I hope they make you earn it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2016 2:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 14:40:48 -0400

If you meet all the requirements for the next rank of SSG, then you would maintain the rank of SGT. These include WLC, any required online courses, and that you are current on all required qualifications, and current on all annual training for your MOS. After transferring, you cannot be eligible for promotable status for a year. Make sure theses things are all squared away and then you should be good to go. If you do not, then you will probably be dropped down to SPC or SPCP.

Response by SSG James Nottingham made Jul 2 at 2016 6:34 PM

SSG James Nottingham — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 18:34:23 -0400

Active duty is a whole different ball game, did you earn the rank, meaning time in service, you should ask your active duty recruiter

Response by 1SG Mark Reed made Jul 3 at 2016 12:20 PM

1SG Mark Reed — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 12:20:19 -0400

If you want to enlist active duty and they will let you in, do it. If your a good soldier, max out your military and civilian ed and get cracking on your PT The NCO Rank is yours to have..

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 5:27 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 17:27:55 -0400

Having been acrive my entire career, I cannot help you with your question, however I can tell you thay E5 is not a rank, it is your grade. Your rank is sergeant.

Response by SFC Patrick Vaughn made Jul 4 at 2016 1:40 PM

SFC Patrick Vaughn — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 13:40:55 -0400

Yes they will reduce you.

Response by SSG Mackey Freise made Jul 4 at 2016 1:50 PM

SSG Mackey Freise — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 13:50:08 -0400

Years ago I was planning on switching from Guard to Active as an E-6 and was told that I would most likely be reduced down to E-4 or even E-3, but would gain it back quickly. I had worked hard for my E-6 so I decided to transfer to the reserves and keep my rank.

Response by Lt Col Michael Kwan made Jul 4 at 2016 6:57 PM

Lt Col Michael Kwan — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 18:57:05 -0400

SFC Olivero Rodriguez especially when that combat vehicle has some parts built in that Congressman's District. A lot of the major weapons systems subcontract out so that most of the states gets part of the action and no congressman likes to cut a program that might cut jobs in his or her district.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2016 9:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 09:24:42 -0400

Is it in your contract?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2016 9:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 09:42:23 -0400

Read AR 600-8-19 promotion Regs

Response by SSG Robert Albright made Aug 18 at 2016 2:57 PM

SSG Robert Albright — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 14:57:37 -0400

Those regs change over the years, but I can tell you that when I jumped back active in '08 if you didn't have the leadership schools you stood to lose your rank. I kept mine because I had been to BNCOC years before hand. Also, you might as well wait and get WLC out of the way cause you have to go sooner or later.

Response by Maj John Prince made May 9 at 2017 11:22 AM

Maj John Prince — Tue, 09 May 2017 11:22:45 -0400

Yes

Response by SPC Kenneth Meredith made May 11 at 2017 3:05 PM

SPC Kenneth Meredith — Thu, 11 May 2017 15:05:02 -0400

Yes, you will most likely be reduced to E4. This should be stated in your contract. Most likely depending on your MOS you can board for promotable status and when the points get applied you will make the list. I boarded within 2 months for return of P status after rank reduction to reclass. You may find as I did you may not have enough points for promotion again active. Of course things are changing so much there may be a new AR.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2017 1:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 May 2017 13:01:04 -0400

Yes. Without PLDC/WLC/BLC (or whatever new name they come up with next week), you will be reduced to E4. If you are past the active duty RCP for an E4, you won't be able to enlist. I would suggest knocking out the school 1st.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jul 16 at 2017 6:14 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 18:14:59 -0400

I'm not Army but I think it's where they need you and what they need and what the Regulations demand and if they are willing to bend.. Each Service has their plan.. so hope for the best ! I think if you are able to keep those stripes show your appreciation and go above and beyond the 125% in the performance of your duties, SGt. CARRY ON, SOLDIER !

Response by SGT Jeff Wickes made Jul 26 at 2017 2:24 PM

SGT Jeff Wickes — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 14:24:35 -0400

If you were deployed they can only drop you to your deployed rank. So if you were a E-5 deployed then No. If not then Yes.

Response by SSG Jimmy Cernich made Jul 27 at 2017 1:13 PM

SSG Jimmy Cernich — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 13:13:10 -0400

I dont know why it would be a problem national gaurd and reserves deploy more than active units.

Response by SSG Robert Zierler made Jul 28 at 2017 11:36 PM

SSG Robert Zierler — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 23:36:48 -0400

When I did that many years ago, reserve to active duty, back then you were reduced one rank or pay grade. Sorry, don't know about now.
'

Response by SGT Matthew Reid made Aug 3 at 2017 12:31 PM

SGT Matthew Reid — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 12:31:30 -0400

When I went active duty in 88 as a reservist and SPC4, I was reduced to PVT2. I am sure the regulations have changed much since then. A current recruiter would be the one to talk to, but as Sergeant Lindsey mentioned below. Make sure everything is in writing before signing anything!

Response by SP5 Barry Brasfield made Aug 4 at 2017 9:50 AM

SP5 Barry Brasfield — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 09:50:58 -0400

When transfered from guard to regular the took one paygrade that was in the 70's

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2017 9:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 21:06:23 -0400

You probably will.You will not get it back unless you marry the First Sgt's daughter.The Guard is a social club shit thru with cronyism,nepotism,and favoritism.

Response by SFC J CRuz made Oct 19 at 2017 9:42 PM

SFC J CRuz — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 21:42:05 -0400

As I remember it your US Army recruiter should had send all your documents to the USAREC to do a grade determination base on your time in services school and unit vacancy. If your recruiter was very pro active all can be done in less than 4t days.

Response by SFC Don Ward made Oct 19 at 2017 11:12 PM

SFC Don Ward — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 23:12:09 -0400

What does your DD 214 say your rank is at your separation?? I went from E4 wearing E5 (what they used to call Acting Jack) to E1 when I went from reserves to active.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2017 7:50 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 07:50:36 -0400

Your recruiter will do a grade determination and that will depend on needs of the Army and strength of your MOS. This year I put in a Reserve E-6 that stayed E-6 and two Guard E-5s that stayed E-5. It's not a guarantee you will keep your rank but you won't know until the grade determination gets back. Go see your recruiter.

Response by SFC Steve Christian made Oct 20 at 2017 10:04 AM

SFC Steve Christian — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 10:04:46 -0400

It depends on finding a slick recruiter, not having a preference for first duty station, and a high demand MOS. In these cases, an E5 can possibly keep the rank, but not any rank higher than that, at least not that I have seen.

Response by PFC Carl Ware made Oct 21 at 2017 2:33 AM

PFC Carl Ware — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 02:33:46 -0400

I went from being an E-5 to a E-3 when I switched to active duty. Depending on your MOS, it can be hard to get it back in a timely manner.

Response by SGT Jason Keefer made Oct 21 at 2017 9:30 AM

SGT Jason Keefer — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 09:30:52 -0400

You'd likely lose it regardless. Guard to Active transitions frequently cause reductions in rank.

Response by SGT Tyler Bitner made Nov 11 at 2017 2:32 AM

SGT Tyler Bitner — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 02:32:43 -0500

Usually they will take a rank from you but it really just depends on how they do the paper work. When I went from national guard to active duty I was an E4 promotable but they weren't accepting anything over Pfc so I had to take a loss in grade to go active.

Response by PFC Carl Ware made Jan 6 at 2018 12:05 AM

PFC Carl Ware — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 00:05:29 -0500

I went back to active duty after serving two years in the Army Reserves. It cost me 2 ranks Sp-4 down to E-2. And yes, it totally sucked.

Response by PFC Carl Ware made Jan 6 at 2018 12:06 AM

PFC Carl Ware — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 00:06:53 -0500

It also depends on age.

Response by SFC J.c. Bailey made Feb 25 at 2018 1:26 PM

SFC J.c. Bailey — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 13:26:45 -0500

You have a chain of command, If no results go to the I.G. Simple

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2018 3:12 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 15:12:11 -0400

waaay back in the day, I was a TSgt (E6) in the Air Force, got out and decided to get into the Army Guard. Had to take a "voluntary" reduction to E4.

Response by MSgt Dollar Bill Rutledge made Sep 26 at 2018 3:57 PM

MSgt Dollar Bill Rutledge — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 15:57:22 -0400

Way back in the day, 1980, I got out of the Air Force but within 3 months came back in. The only thing I lost was the 3 months time in grade while out. But like I said that was a long time ago.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2018 4:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 16:42:20 -0400

Under the new rules not sure , it was last rank held on active duty (Title 10 deployments counted)

Response by SFC Carlos Cruz made Sep 26 at 2018 7:44 PM

SFC Carlos Cruz — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 19:44:37 -0400

SGT Gregory Parrott, is going to happen your will lost one rank unless your recruiter get you a E-5 position. I will recommend the you attend WLC now get credit when you are on active duty & don’t have to attend it again. Be smart make the move after the WLC, if you lost the rank is ok because you get it. Ack in 6 months ok.

Response by SPC Osvaldo Ortega made Sep 26 at 2018 7:52 PM

SPC Osvaldo Ortega — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 19:52:22 -0400

Yes......

Response by PO2 Karl Lehn made Sep 27 at 2018 12:57 AM

PO2 Karl Lehn — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 00:57:38 -0400

Why didn't you go AGR or Technician? Far as I know you'll keep your rank if you did this.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2018 6:07 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 06:07:40 -0400

You will lose your rank anyways even if you had attended wlc. They usuqlly take a rank when you go active. I know 5 soldiers who went active and they all lost 1 rank.

Response by SFC William Huse made Sep 27 at 2018 7:08 AM

SFC William Huse — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 07:08:28 -0400

Went through this many years ago, may have changed, but yes they didn't recognize promotions from guard or reserve.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2018 8:15 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 08:15:51 -0400

Regardless of when you promoted... BLC is mandatory and yes.... if there are no availabilities in your job for Sergeants than yes they can take your rank... oh and you are referring to yourself as a pay grade which clearly shows you dont deserve it and should absolutely go learn how to be an effective leader in a professional military educational school.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2018 10:38 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 10:38:05 -0400

I was active for four years and transitioned to the guard. I applied for a conditional release to go back active. I had to reclass to keep my Spc at the time. They told me if I wanted to stay infantry that I’d have to be a Pfc so I went with my options. They also corrected my date of rank for Spc to my prior AD DOR. So I was immediately eligible for the board after AIT. I had a few classmates at the time who were reserve and guard SGTs that kept their rank. Look for the high need MOS.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2018 11:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 11:17:19 -0400

I just came on active duty as a SSG from the reserves. I kept my SSG rank because I had completed my NCOES requirements from when I was on active duty previously. So, my transition back was smooth. But to answer your question- yes. I have a battle buddy right now who came active from the guard as an E6. He has to complete ALC or he will lose his rank. So to answer your question- yes. Do your school man.

Response by MSgt Don Smith made Sep 27 at 2018 11:43 AM

MSgt Don Smith — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 11:43:31 -0400

Unfortunately true though this rule is old it was designed to level the promotions opportunities in all branches of the military.

Response by LTC Russ Smith made Sep 27 at 2018 11:57 AM

LTC Russ Smith — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 11:57:52 -0400

There seems to be two issues at play here. 1. If you were promoted according to the Army standard by the Army National Guard in my opinion you should keep your rank. 2. During Vietnam a number of National Guard NCOs volunteered individually to go to Vietnam and they were all reduced one grade if they were a staff sergeant or above before going to Vietnam. I've always found that deeply offensive. It appears they committed a crime under the uniform code of military Justice called being an NCO in the National Guard. It reminded me of the all-black units in World War II. Many of them were assigned to the US Mexican border during the war . Upon being sent to Italy to get into the real fight, many were reduced in rank administratively. It's obvious why. It would be nice if the army got into the habit of erring on the side of the soldier once in a while.

Response by SSG Erik McKinster made Sep 27 at 2018 1:19 PM

SSG Erik McKinster — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 13:19:05 -0400

You might have to reclass. I was an 11C and they gave me several choices to keep my rank. Wanted that as my only requirement. He’d to go 13F. Best mos ever.

Response by SSG Paul Newman made Sep 27 at 2018 3:09 PM

SSG Paul Newman — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 15:09:25 -0400

I left active duty after 12 years in 1988. A recruiter from the guard and reserves asked me when I outprocessed a@ Ft. Dix, after my last your ended in Germany. He called the CSM in my state to see what opportunities the guard had for me. I knew my state had a medivac unit. I has been a medic in a rifle platoon and re-upped for 91c30 and was an ICU nurse at Landstuhl. He said if I wanted to fly medivac I would have to take a cut to E4, cause he didn't want me outranking his existing NCO'S as an E6. I told him no thanks I'd worked 24/7 for 12 yrs for my rank to surrender it in favor of a weekend warrior. Pissed me off. Never did guard or reserve after that. Had civilian medic and nurse's licenses and never looked back

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2018 3:23 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 15:23:07 -0400

Im thankful people are still answering 2 years later but my goals changed. Im still guard and going ti ALC in february then going warrant officer

Response by PO2 Jim Stevens made Sep 27 at 2018 3:32 PM

PO2 Jim Stevens — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 15:32:55 -0400

YES!!
Upon entering the United States Army after serving in the Louisiana National Guard as an E-5 which I had achieved in the USN. I was only allowed the rank of Private First Class E-3 after completing refresher boot camp at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo.

Response by SGT Erik Dunn made Sep 27 at 2018 5:48 PM

SGT Erik Dunn — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 17:48:22 -0400

Should have never been an E5 before warrior leader vacation course anyeay....big problem with reserves and especially guard ...promote people who have no leadership training smh

Response by SFC Vic Barrera made Sep 27 at 2018 6:43 PM

SFC Vic Barrera — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 18:43:48 -0400

Is all determine by HRC

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2018 12:02 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 00:02:35 -0400

Are you scheduled to report for active duty before your WLC class? If not, I strongly recommend that you attend the class. Having your NCOES completed will help you keep the rank, or qualify you for promotion once you meet the time in grade and time in service requirements if you do get administratively reduced. Your recruiter will be able to tell you what rank you'll be coming in with.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2018 9:16 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 09:16:27 -0400

Coming from a recruiter, when you enlist at MEPS a grade determination is sent up to USAREC. Usually it's not a big deal, but lack of NCOERs can sometimes be an issue. If you can justify the reasons why you were unable (or your unit was unable to schedule you) to attend, you should be G2G.

Response by SSG Robert Brown made Sep 28 at 2018 12:57 PM

SSG Robert Brown — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 12:57:43 -0400

Yes. Back to last active duty rank. That was a few yrs ago I did it

Response by CSM Ralph Hernandez made Sep 28 at 2018 4:15 PM

CSM Ralph Hernandez — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 16:15:13 -0400

Yes, they can reduce you 1 rank! But if you haven't been in any trouble you can make it back pretty fast.

Response by CPT Jim Lee made Sep 28 at 2018 4:31 PM

CPT Jim Lee — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 16:31:25 -0400

This is just one of the reasons I tell youngsters NOT join the Army... more than willing to screw their own people.... I had a Provost Marshall... a Major who showed up, 18 mos. before his retirement, as an E-6...retired as a Major with same pay... but screwed him for 18 mos. not to mention all our combat experienced pilots that goT RIF’d... I know I’m old but wrong is wrong. How many enlisted people got sent to jail... while the Officers walked? I lost respect for the Officer Corp. in the 80’s... history has only proved my case..

Response by SN Peter Stella made Sep 28 at 2018 11:02 PM

SN Peter Stella — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 23:02:10 -0400

Never hear of this happening in the Navy or Marines anyone? never understood it i think its a Airforce Army thing.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2018 11:13 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 23:13:59 -0400

Count on it

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2018 1:35 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 01:35:44 -0400

I’m not sure if it was stated already, but all your guard time hardly computes to active duty. So, if you hardly had any active duty time and you get kicked down your time starts to where they computed your active time ended. So, if you did 3 months of active service in the guard that’s all that transfers for promotion and you start over from there and you won’t get promoted back to 5 until you hit the minimums and at the units discretion until forced by regulated maximums per rank.

Response by PO1 Pete McElroy made Sep 29 at 2018 8:29 AM

PO1 Pete McElroy — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 08:29:54 -0400

It does for everyone, it even happened to me. But I was so new it didn’t really affect me all that much. I went from E2, Active reserve to E1 on active duty plus I had to give up the rate I had in the reserves and cross rate five months after I just completed the first ‘A’ School. I was back there so fast they thought I was there for a C school. I had to pay back a $2000 SRB, and my time and rate went back to zero. But it all worked out until I retired. Not one person in 20 years ever told me oh by the way remember the five Vance you did on active duty in the reservist for your training that time counted. So the one year you’re supposed to get to prepare for retirement I got five months, not including having to burn 45 days of leave (I had no choice, I had to sell back 60 days off my first enlistment)
But I’m not even the worst case, there was a massive cheese I knew out in Coronado, CUCM Whitney, who retired with 49 yrs! This guy, made it all the way to East seven during Vietnam got out in the 70s try to get back on active duty in the 70s when I tried to return they told me never served. In Vietnam he did work for Christians in action, and apparently they destroyed his entire service record. He had one piece of paper that that proves he had served, off that one piece of paper they re-establish the service record but gave him the rank of…E-1! They allowed him to do all of the coursework (this was the Navy) from E-1 thru E-6 waived the time in rate, but he had to retest for Chief (E-7 for the initiatied) and go through transition (aka initiation) AGAIN! When I met him in ‘93 he was a BUC when I saw him again in ‘08 just before his retirement he was E-9. He could have easily been an LDO or Warrant, but it was more important for him to stay in San Diego. He had 2 4” Binder’s full of “I love me Stuff” truly a remarkable man.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2018 10:36 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 10:36:20 -0400

It’s called the legacy program, no ncoes for the rank you hold it’s a bar to re-enlist or take the reduction till you meet the standard. If your slotted for school and it’s not your fault write an exception to policy.

Response by SGT Joshua Bressel made Sep 29 at 2018 2:57 PM

SGT Joshua Bressel — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 14:57:32 -0400

I wasn't told, which screwed me, but I was active duty, and wanted to finish College. I did a "try one" in the Guard, where I was an E-4, CPL, then, since I wasn't done with school, but, the Guard wouldn't let me go, when I graduated, I enlisted to the Reserves, for 2 years, and transferred to active, after 1. When I switched from Guard, to Reserve, I dropped, from E4 to E-3, but was, thankfully, re-promoted, by my unit, a month later.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2018 1:21 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 01:21:54 -0400

Hey! Recruiter here. Simple answer is yes, you can lossibly lose your rank, however not without cause. All E5 and up prior service have to go through what is called a grade determination waiver process. From my experience, even though you may have the chance of losing rank, I very rarely see anyone lose rank unless they have been out of the Army for a while.

Response by SGT Steven Jones Sr. made Sep 30 at 2018 6:02 PM

SGT Steven Jones Sr. — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 18:02:54 -0400

What if I come out of retirement.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Nov 28 at 2018 8:26 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 08:26:32 -0500

It all depends what the Regulation says and what the NCO who is working the Soldiers assignment

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2019 5:31 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 05:31:00 -0400

Update for everyone: 3 years ago I was heavily looking to go active duty, no longer. I am still a technician for the MA ARNG. I am a SSG now working on my WOC packet. Thank you

Response by SFC Byron Perry made Sep 17 at 2019 4:50 PM

SFC Byron Perry — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 16:50:03 -0400

Yes

Response by SPC Andrew Phillips made Mar 6 at 2020 7:03 PM

SPC Andrew Phillips — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 19:03:32 -0500

You should lose your rank. Most active duty E3’s know more about Soldiering than an E5 in the Guard. It is what it is, sorry if it hurts your feelings.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 12 at 2020 6:54 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 06:54:03 -0400

It is highly likely, saw a Cpt take a bust to 1st Lt to be company commander of our Guard unit, he got his Cpt bars back 6 months later, he was a West Pointer.

Response by SFC Charles Webb made Mar 12 at 2020 1:42 PM

SFC Charles Webb — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 13:42:59 -0400

Yes, not only is it possible, it's likely probable....rank in the military is ALWATS about slotting mandated by congress in order to keep yout rank, a slot must be available in that component..that said, if there is a slot there, AND you have a 1059 PRIOR to STEP you may be able to retain your rank...hope that clarified things

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2020 11:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 23:37:19 -0400

Should have lost it already. STEP has been in place for years now. You should have gone to school within a year of the promotion (with deployment exceptions obviously) or lost the rank. So, don't sweat it too much. Can't be too worried or you probably would have made the school more of a priority to begin with.

Response by SGT James Shelhart made Mar 15 at 2020 1:18 PM

SGT James Shelhart — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 13:18:46 -0400

I went back in after 5 years out and they told me I was going to lose a stripe, I told them to piss off, and they miraculously found a waver for me to keep rank and not go back to boot camp. Keep talking and say the right things and you might be ok, if not, show you deserve the rank and get the points and you'll be right back there

Response by SGT Albert Thompson made May 4 at 2020 8:58 PM

SGT Albert Thompson — Mon, 04 May 2020 20:58:02 -0400

It’s very possible. Back in the day, I spent 5 years in the Reserves. I left the Reserves as an O-2. In spite of having a college degree, I went on Active Duty as an E-3! I have no bitterness or regrets, but it would have been sweet to pick up the rank I gained as a Reservist on AD.

Response by CSM David Porterfield made May 5 at 2020 2:54 PM

CSM David Porterfield — Tue, 05 May 2020 14:54:59 -0400

All depends on the needs of the Army. It often changes. Many years ago I was an National Guard 11B SSG and was accepted back on active duty as a SSG and retained time in grade BUT they would only accept me as a recruiter because I was a previous recruiter and the Army was short recruiters. I chose not to do it. Couple years later tried again and was accepted as an 11B SSG with my choice of dity assignment. Didn't do it because I wanted to stay married. After.my first tour in Afghanistan in 2005 was given the choice to transition to AD as a SFC 11B. All I had to do was sign the documents. After a tour in Iraq with 3rd ID Div HQ Red Team i was asked if i wanted transition to AD as a MSG. Said no. Fast forward to 2012 when there was no longer a need for more AD NCO's since there was a drawdown in forces I tried to stay AD because at this point I had 17 1/2 years accumulated AD BUT the Army said we changed our rules and we wont let you do any active duty tours or transition to AD because you hit sanctuary at 18 years and have to keep you until you retire. Ended my career with just under 30 years total service and 17 1/2 years active duty. Needs of the Army. I've seen active duty SSG & SFC 11B's transition to a Guard Infantry Battalion and have to take a reduction to SGT because all the SSG & SFC positions were filled. BUT have also seen them keep their rank at different times. Needs of the Army is always the way just like we started taking some felons and people with neck and hand tattoos during the surge in Iraq.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made May 31 at 2020 1:09 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sun, 31 May 2020 13:09:00 -0400

Not sure why they feel the need to take away from already been earned, makes no sense to me. If they don’t need your rank in your MOS to go active simply say no or you’ll have to change fields.

Response by CW2 Michael Mullikin made Jul 29 at 2020 4:24 PM

CW2 Michael Mullikin — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 16:24:07 -0400

I believe that depends on the recruiter.