How hard/easy is it to switch an Army Reserve duty station?

James Hubert — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 20:47:46 -0500

Hi all, I've done my ASVAB and am considering MOSs available at my local duty station, Ft Lewis in Washington State. After graduating AIT my plan is to go to a school in new york city sometime next year.
My recruiters here and others I've talked to tell me a transfer should be pretty easy to somewhere near NYC, but I know it depends on availability. If I were to go, say, 12C (bridge crewmember) does anyone know how hard/easy it would be to transfer duty stations next year? Thanks for any feedback.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2019 9:41 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 21:41:19 -0500

I served at three places in 8 1/2 years. How hard is it to transfer? That depends on your reason and whether you can find a unit with a vacant slot

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made Feb 3 at 2019 11:54 PM

SGT Chris Padgett — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 23:54:09 -0500

depends on your MOS as to where you go. All units have Supply, NBC, Maintenance and other support MOS's on their MTOE. Supply and NBC seem to be the two that all units have. It would be easier to transfer if you had a MOS that goes anywhere. When I went from Artillery to Commo my options sure opened up for me.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2019 4:03 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 16:03:28 -0500

Find a unit that has an open slot with a Commander willing/wanting to accept you and also talk with your current Commander to see if they are willing to let you go. If both parties are in accord, then you need to complete the TPU to TPU transfer packet. This packet will include the cover sheet/check list, the DA Form 4651, and the TPU to TPU Counseling form from your Retention NCO. Once this packet is compiled, it will need to be submitted to your BN S1 and/or RPAC. Bear in mind that if the unit you are trying to transfer out of is a RFX (Ready Force Ten), then your chances of being released is slim. Also, bear in mind that the Commander of the unit you are trying to get to does not have to take you nor does the Commander of the unit you are trying to leave have to release you.