Is it possible to enlist in a new state prior to your ETS date?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 08:25:24 -0500

I am an Army National Guard soldier from Minnesota currently deployed as a 12B, Combat Engineer. I am looking to re-enlist, but I do not want to do so with my current unit as I am moving out of state on my return to the U.S. I would like to enlist with an aviation unit in North Dakota for the tax-free bonus but am wondering if I can do that while currently finishing my first contract (ends in December 2014).

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 4:11 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 16:11:33 -0400

I would chat with your readiness NCO on your plans to move. What you could do (Ive seen it done) is re-enlist in this lovely state and then do an transfer to the North Dakota Guard. Some units want you to do all the leg work. Which means contacting the unit, finding a slot etc. Although, I am not sure about the bonus...? :| Sorry.

Would you be wanting to reclass to a different MOS, or stay your current MOS? Because that too can affect the bonus - which most of them are MOS specific.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 4:21 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 16:21:34 -0400

I would not try to get out and then go back in. Also, you can't technically extend to be in another states guard. What you would have to do is just extent or reenlist while you are deployed and do an interstate transfer on your return. You would have to speak to the RRNCO about this. Many times bonuses are tied to a set period of time in which you owe the state that is paying it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2014 12:27 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 00:27:33 -0400

I found myself in a similar situation last year. The gaining state wouldn't have anything to do with me until I was back in my home state. My advice to anyone that finds themselves in a situation like this is to notify your current unit of your intentions. Then do the leg work to find an available slot for your rank. If you're willing to change your MOS that will help you a lot. Once you find a unit, get their contact info and UIC and provide it to your current unit so they can include it in the IST packet. If you're a short timer it could complicate things. You'd have to find a unit that will take you at your word about your intent to reenlist. They might not want to close a slot to someone who's going to be around for a while for someone they don't even know who could change their mind and run after a few months.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 25 at 2014 1:03 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 01:03:06 -0400

Aviation! Yeah!!!!!!! We claim another happy camper. It's been 7 months, give us a status update SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member ?