I am currently a 42A, 9 months in. Is it possible to switch from Reserves to Active Duty before your contract is up? If so, how?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 15:24:27 -0400

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2020 3:27 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 15:27:28 -0400

A SOF Civil Affairs, Psyop, or SF packet is a sure way

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2020 3:29 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 15:29:36 -0400

Visit a recruiter and they'll give you the paperwork to go active. Your chain of command needs to be supportive though

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2020 4:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 16:32:36 -0400

You will need to start speaking with recruiters and then you will have to get a conditional release from your unit. It’s not guaranteed so start the process early.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2020 6:13 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 18:13:33 -0400

You'll need a conditional release from the Reserve in order to pursue an AC enlistment. Both ends have to agree for it to work, and it typically has a six month or so process.
Bring a recruiter in to help grease the skids.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2020 9:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:06:38 -0400

Fill out a 368 and be prepared to bug your command for 3-6 months.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2020 10:20 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 22:20:41 -0400

To add on to previous comments: Once you get released, you sign a new AD contract.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2020 1:26 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 01:26:39 -0400

You'll first have to begin with a DD368 - Conditional Release form. You will need the recruiter to sign the "recruiter" portion, and you'll sign your portion. Each command is different and will require supplementary forms, such as a DA4187, some DA4856s(counselings from career counselor & company commander) and a memorandum stating your justification for the request. This Is the meat and potatoes of a conditional release, so some units may request more documentation or merely will require the DD368. Be aware that this can take super long and many people will be dragging around, so make sure to constantly request a status or else it will end up sitting at some CSMs desk for 5 months and eventually they'll have you redo the process because why not. If you have any more questions feel free to shoot away. I'm pretty familiar with the process since I have attempted to be released since 2015 to my avail, however I'm going to keep trying until I ETS this summer. Because why not. If you dont get approved, there are opportunities to go on Active Duty tours . Look up https://pfi.dod.mil , https://mobcop.army.mil, and the National Guard has their own site for opportunities ( I believe it's called GKO). You can also ask your training NCO since they usually have a lot of friends in other units. Good luck, and try to ignore those who will choose to make your life unnecessarily difficult simply for wanting to advance your career. It's your life so don't let them stop you!