Do evals and decorations follow if I switch services?

2015-10-18T21:37:27-04:00

I'm currently on active duty in the Air Force, and I'm looking to switch to the Army National Guard next year because I think a certain MOS is a much better match for my strengths. I'm waiting for my active duty service commitment to expire, then my plan is to separate from the Air Force and begin seeking service with the NG unit.

Do my evaluations, decorations, and rank follow me when I re-commission, or will I be starting over "tabula rasa?"

Also, could I theoretically enlist in the Guard if my local unit doesn't currently have open officer billets, and then re-commission at a later date?

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2015 11:15 PM

2015-10-18T23:15:18-04:00

awards do, evals don't

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2015 11:53 PM

2015-10-18T23:53:51-04:00

Decorations follow you, although a few are not authorized for wear with an Army uniform.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 1:05 AM

2015-10-19T01:05:06-04:00

You shouldn't have problem finding a billet in the Army National Guard. But don't overlook Army Reserve, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. I don't know if your trying to stay in your specialty or close one or not. You can likely change career areas and they can retrain especially in shortage area. Evals and most of your record would normally carry over but after you have had a few in the Army, they would weigh more by the promotion board (as would more recent ones anyway). All awards are permanent.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2015 2:37 PM

2015-10-21T14:37:17-04:00

Your commission rank will be determined by the available position and if whether or not the jobs are similar.

Response by LTC Stephen B. made Oct 21 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-10-21T16:06:09-04:00

All Active Duty/federal awards will follow, be mindful of the Army regulations regarding order of precedence. And look the precedence up, don't trust the barracks lawyers - I got a lot of bad scoop when I came over to the Guard from the Corps.

Rank - depends. I left the USMC as a 1st LT, kept my rank (and original date of rank). I'd recommend working with the Guard personnel folks sooner rather than later so there are no surprises - begin 'seeking' before getting off active duty. Some professional development and MOS courses from other Services are recognized by the Army, some are not. You don't want to be in a bind and be non-select for a promotion because there wasn't time to get the requisite schools, and you need to know the expectations and the impact on your personal time to 'keep tracking'. If you retain your rank and date of rank, you will be put before the Army promotion boards on the Army's timeline and up-or-out still applies.

I carried my evaluations in with me and they were made part of my Company-grade record. As stated by another, they will weigh heavily for no longer than your first look at promotion. After that, it will be 'what have you done for me lately' more so than anything, e.g. did you make the transition successfully.

Enlisting (essentially resigning your commission) then re-commissioning? That's way out of my expertise. You may want to check with AF personnel regarding your obligations beyond your AC service requirement. Again - don't let yourself be surprised.