I am transitioning from IRR to ANG after being off AD for less than a year. Do I really have to go through MEPS again?

I agree, I was on IRR after leaving AD for almost 2.5 years. Aside from some paperwork, it was smooth sailing. I hope the same goes for you! Welcome to the Guard :)

Depends upon how good your recruiter is, I was IRR for over 5 years and then back to reserves and they gave me a horrible time. Told me I needed to have my annual health assessment completed first, then when I tried to schedule the assessment they said they couldn't because I wasn't in some computer system, I asked how to get into the computer system, they said you can't get into the computer system until you have your annual health assessment done.... no shit. I eventually had to fly to LA AFB (on my dime before I was brought back into reserves) and find some A1C who would do the annual health assessment on paper, and then fat finger me into their local system. Then they delayed the start of my security clearance paperwork for months so I couldn't work, then they sent out the person for the security interview and then 3 weeks later they sent someone else out, again, to do the same interview. I told them I just completed this 3 weeks ago and they said, oh well, I was sent here so lets do it again. Then because they delayed my paperwork for so long I only had a very limited time of actual duty for that fiscal year so when the put me up for major a few months after having been out of the AF for over 5 years I obviously did not make major. Since they also automatically put me up for major after I separated (never told me anything about that... I was out of the AF at the time) this meant that it was technically my second attempt at Major, so after spending all that time, money and effort I was told that I would be forcibly separated at the end of the fiscal year. Brilliant work AF.

I agree with all that has been said, it will also depend on the capabilities of your med grp and how fast they can process you. It may actually be far quicker and easier to get you in the unit if everything you need is done at MEPS.

This should be something the local recruiter can work through the local medical group. Though if you have to go through MEPS, it should just be for the physical process.

Any doctor, as long as a Military doctor approves of the final report, bring a DD form 2808