I’m a bit worried about requesting a transfer from my unit. How do I go about this?

2022-05-02T16:20:51-04:00

Hi,
I recently finished AIT in December as 88M. Long story short, I interviewed with Innovation Command and love the role (its more in sync with my civilian job AI, ML, Robotics etc along with the PhD degree that I hold) and got accepted.
I feel like this is the right opportunity for me as I am able to leverage my civilian skills and contribute more fruitfully to the army.
However, my current unit has been really supportive of me so far (even in the past 4-5 months i have joined).
The new unit has signed 4651 and I now have to get it signed by my current unit.
So far they have no clue about my intention to change the unit.. So they would be taken by surprise? To be honest, I didnt knew if I would clear the interview or not.
How should I go about this? I am bit stressed out that I might be disappointing my current unit.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2022 4:29 PM

2022-05-02T16:29:50-04:00

Well....if your unit is saying they've never seen or has no clue as to what that form is....I find that kind of suspect. However, if your unit is supportive of you to transfer to another unit that could provide better opportunities for you, I don't see why they wouldn't sign approval for transfer.

All you can really do is when you sit down with your current Command, lay it out as best you can.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made May 2 at 2022 4:30 PM

2022-05-02T16:30:07-04:00

Simply request to see your Company Commander and explain the situation to them. They are the one to release you so keeping it a secret will simply keep you right where you are. Besides - you owe them that much since you say, "my current unit has been really supportive of me"...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2022 4:38 PM

2022-05-02T16:38:17-04:00

Are you transferring in between Army National Guard and Army Reserve or are both units in the Army Reserve?

Response by CPT Enrique M. made May 2 at 2022 7:00 PM

2022-05-02T19:00:38-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member First of all welcome to the 75th. A lot of us from the 75th are on here by the way ;) I would just have the conversation with your leadership and ultimately your commander. Unless you are flagged, there should be no reason for him/her not to release you.

If you need to give them an explanation, explain to them what you will be doing for the 75th and how the work here will impact units like the one you are leaving.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 4 at 2022 2:33 PM

2022-05-04T14:33:14-04:00

Nobody loves you or your career more than you. If you have an opportunity to do something that you feel you can do well and that you will enjoy then go for it. But you need to be the one to tell them before they see it come from S-1 or someone else. That's the right thing to do. Especially if they have been nothing but supportive. You owe them honesty if nothing else. Side note, you have a PHD related to AI and Robotics and you enlisted as a 88M? That's the craziest thing I have heard in a long while. Either your recruiters did some razzle dazzle or you were asleep at the wheel.

Response by SSgt Adam Nawoichik made May 7 at 2022 10:37 AM

2022-05-07T10:37:37-04:00

The worst they can do is not sign it. It's your career, do what is best for you. Explain why you wish to leave. Unless the unit is desperately pressed for 88M, I don't see a reason why they would want to keep you from excelling in another area — a good unit CO wouldn't hold that against you.