Can I switch from active to NG or Reserves while in my first contract?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 19:46:42 -0500

I want to be closer to home to take care of my mom who has a ton of medical issues. Not being home is not a option for me I jumped into my contract to quickly and regretting my decision. I’ve been really depressed since week 5 of basic because of it I’m not in week 4 of AITidk where to go for help everywhere I read people just tell them to deal with it and finish their service. Idk who to ask what I’m just scared there going to try to get me to go talk to someone and reset me keeping me here longer then I need

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Jan 11 at 2019 7:48 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 19:48:37 -0500

It's been a long time since I was in but that was always no for many reasons.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2019 8:25 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 20:25:42 -0500

Yeah sorry man, you have to finish out your contract first.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2019 8:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 20:34:10 -0500

One you've signed your contract and have shipped, you're locked into AD until you've finished out your contract, you should have thought about this beforehand.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2019 8:44 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 20:44:51 -0500

Not on your first contract. At best you can get an early release 180 days out from your ETS to contract to another component, if approved.
Your particular case sounds more like you need an entry level discharge.
You would want to get that due to hardship, (your mother's condition) before they process one on your behalf for Depression.

If you get that, you can think about joining the Guard later, after you are back on your feet.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 11 at 2019 9:10 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 21:10:52 -0500

PVT Private RallyPoint Member look for installations close to your mother and request a compassionate reassignment via 4187. Work with your local command. https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Enlisted%20Compassionate%20Actions

If your mother can't live on her own, consider making her a dependent so she can live with you. https://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/SecondaryDependency/secondarydependency_Army.html

Your profile has no info available in it so I can't see where you are, your MOS, and what you are doing. I'm assuming you're still in IET. You can't do anything from there, ideally you want to catch this before you have orders. You need to talk to your chain of command. You can't sneak around and hope to work a drug deal,

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Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Jan 11 at 2019 9:36 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 21:36:38 -0500

Just a suggestion; while on active duty, do not make the same mistake that many young soldiers do, because “they don’t get their way.” Be the best soldier you can be while in training, then onto your first assignment...it’ll make time go by fast. If you do the opposite, and complain, fail PT tests, Weapons qualifications, etc, you’ll develop a reputation of being “one ate-up soldier” and things will be more difficult for you, when you’re putting in your request and as your paperwork travels thru the “slow” system...your reputation will follow you. I do agree with LTC Mackay, regarding a Compassionate Reassignment. It’ll be an active duty assignment closer to where you want to be. Before your contract is over, you’ll probably see a Reenlistment NCO. That’s when you search, with the Reenlistment NCO for a Reserve Unit or National Guard Unit closer to your home; be willing to change your MOS though. Once they find a slot and MOS for you, you’ll reenlist into it. That’s kind of the “nuts & bolts” of it...unless things have drastically changed since leaving 8 ½ years ago.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2019 9:38 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 21:38:22 -0500

LTC Jason Mackay has provided you the best course of action.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 11 at 2019 10:53 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 22:53:44 -0500

Call the Red Cross for assistance!

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2019 10:56 PM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 22:56:00 -0500

If anything hasn't changed, you can either go NG, Reserves or IRR after your first contract. For instance on an 8 yr contract, if you sign up for 3 active you can do the rest in any of the other 3. Just do what you need to do to make it a smooth transition. Good luck

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jan 11 at 2019 11:37 PM

SSG Brian G. — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 23:37:24 -0500

No. On the first contract you are stuck. You cannot go from AD to NG, RE or IRR. You can upgrade on the first contract but not downgrade. However there are avenues open to you. Go to your base Chaplain and talk to him or her. They will be able to help in ways you might not expect or think of. Also see about a compassionate reassignment or see about making her your dependant.

I get that it sucks and that you feel like there is nothing you can do about it, but you have to keep your head on your shoulders and emotionally straight. Finish out your AIT and graduate. The complete your first contract.