Should I choose AGR or Active duty?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 20:32:43 -0500

So I’m an E4 31B getting ready to MOAB to GTMO and I’m trying to decide if I want to go active or go agr once I get back. What do you think?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 8:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 20:41:51 -0500

AGR means you don’t have to worry about moving around every few years. It’s pretty competitive though.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 11:03 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 23:03:41 -0500

They both have different pros and cons. I'd say assess where you are and where you wanna be as you progress in life.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Feb 10 at 2020 11:39 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 23:39:46 -0500

I'd go active

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Feb 11 at 2020 1:13 AM

SFC Stephen P. — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 01:13:38 -0500

Go Regular Army.

While E4 is technically eligible for AGR, all the positions are E5 and above.
Bulk of the AGR positions are recruiting/retention, HR, supply, or maintenance. MPs will have a difficult time advancing.

RA is going to give you more opportunities for advancement, and less chance for HRC to revert you to TPU (it happens).

The only real advantage of AGR is low likelihood of assignment on a major installation and the drama it entails.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2020 4:57 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 16:57:32 -0500

If you love your job and the military - go active.
AGR is a board process and only open when a slot becomes available. It is very competitive.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2020 11:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 23:24:16 -0500

Go active duty, there are more doors you can open vs AGR

Response by CPT Brock Young made Feb 13 at 2020 10:22 AM

CPT Brock Young — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 10:22:19 -0500

What are your priorities and where do you live? I'm AGR (as well as a former 31) and in a state like CA, it's a good gig because our Guard is so big. But like MAJ Private RallyPoint Member said, it can be VERY competitive (and political) in smaller states. However as a SPC, it's a an excellent time to get in and get established. Being AGR means you'll never PCS outside of your state unless you want to and apply for other AGR positions, which you can do.

It's all about what you want, what your priorities are, and what your goals are.