Is it possible to switch Reserve units/branches before attending BOLC?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2020 19:10:42 -0400

I am a reserve 2LT that was supposed to attend BOLC in April. That was canceled due to COVID-19. Long story short, I chose my unit and branch because I had a job offer in another state. My plan was to move to that state after BOLC. With the record unemployment, that company has withdrawn their job offer, so I can no longer move. Due to this, I might need to move to a unit closer to home in order to keep my current job. The state where I currently live doesn't have my branch. Has anyone in the reserves switched units or branches before attending BOLC?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2020 7:16 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2020 19:16:44 -0400

I don’t believe it’s a relatively tough process. Call the OSM for your state and see what is available. He could probably generate an LOA pretty quickly if there are open slots.

Response by Lt Col Brett Meyer made May 12 at 2020 7:17 PM

Lt Col Brett Meyer — Tue, 12 May 2020 19:17:11 -0400

Have you looked at the Guard in your area? Not sure what branch you were “granted” with but the Guard may offer more options.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2020 7:17 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2020 19:17:51 -0400

I only have a minute to respond at the moment (so hopefully somebody else comes in with details), but just to ease your mind, yes. This isn't infrequent or unheard of, at least for Reserve Officers in Basic Branches. Until you graduate BOLC you are fairly fluid.

I can't speak to the State transfer portion though.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2020 8:55 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2020 20:55:22 -0400

Reserve transfers are pretty simple if there is another unit has a matching rank/branch slot.
Talk to the recruiter or retention NCO for options on reassignment and branch options. They can also verify any potential issues with your contract.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 13 at 2020 8:27 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Wed, 13 May 2020 08:27:03 -0400

Where is your picture. stupid LT

Response by LTC John Shaw made May 13 at 2020 9:52 AM

LTC John Shaw — Wed, 13 May 2020 09:52:44 -0400

As a 2LT you have the opportunity to change but do it quickly or you will find orders for the re-aligned BOLC and a ticked off planning person in the Lieutenants in transition branch at Fort Knox.
You could also attempt to transfer to the National Guard in the state but that will need to be reviewed by the Army Reserve Regional Command prior to transfer and may be denied.
I switched branches and units in the Kentucky Guard, only to switch to Army Reserve later in my career. As CPT Garbarini says, find the retention NCO, they will have the power to login to the Retention Management System. You should be able to login to your Reserve account and review open slots. There is also the HRC https://selfservice.rcms.usar.army.mil/

EAMS-A Single Sign-On

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2021 11:00 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 11:00:34 -0400

I have the same exact question as I near OCS completion slotted as a QM but I wanted to switch to MP before BOLC.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2021 10:14 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 10:14:57 -0400

Did you ever find the answer to this? I am currently attempting to switch from QM to MP.