Should I join the Guard in one state and then request an IST right after basic and AIT?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 09:38:55 -0400

So I have an interesting situation. I am in the process of filling out my application for the Guard, and have been meeting with my recruiter. The situation is that my wife and I are planning to move to a different state at the end of the year (November-December 2018), but i want to go ahead and join the Guard now. My main reason for that is that the state we will be moving to is 20+ hours away by car, and we will not know anyone there. I would rather my wife have her family and friends while I am gone to Basic and AIT. Here is where I am wary... My recruiter wants me to join in the state where I currently live, go through training, then come back to start drilling for a month or two and immediately request an IST to the state we are moving to. I'm not sure how I feel about this. What are yall's thought on joining in one state while I already know that I will be moving at the end of the year? Thanks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 9:43 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 09:43:31 -0400

I understand your concerns about leaving your wife where she doesn't know anyone. The likelihood of getting an IST approved by your losing state right after they spent all that money to train you is unlikely though. Personally, I'd wait until you get to where you're going. I've done an IST before and it can be a mess. It took the better part of a year for everything to get done and I had to get my gaining 1SG and CSM involved.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 9:49 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 09:49:42 -0400

Join in the state you're moving to. It will be much, much easier and you'll avoid a lot of heartache down the road.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 10:03 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 10:03:03 -0400

Go active duty.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 10:17 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 10:17:13 -0400

As others said, an interstate transfer is a long process, and one that is not guaranteed to work. I would definitely look at enlisting in the state that you're moving to. Alternatively, you may want to look at the Reserves; transferring units across states is easier on the Reserve side.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 5:32 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 17:32:02 -0400

BLUF: Move first, Join afterwards. You're recruiter does not care about you once you sign and a lot will do anything to get you to sign, like tell you request an IST after you finish basic and AIT. Also there is no guarantee your gaining state has a slot just waiting on you. This is an all volunteer force, you join because you need/want something from the Army not because the Army needs/wants you. Don't let those Commercials and Recruiters fool you.