Thoughts on transitioning from active to guard? Tips and any advice?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 21:18:19 -0500

Adapt

Response by COL Dana Hampton made Dec 29 at 2019 10:13 PM

COL Dana Hampton — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 22:13:37 -0500

Reach out to your unit’s full time staff. They can help you on board smoother and ensure all your uniforms and equipment are up to snuff.

Understand that the pace of training is different. The Guard has to cram a lot into a short amount of time. The same annual requirements are mandated for Guard units as AD, but you have fewer days to accomplish them. Since your FA, be prepared to take the safety exam shortly after arriving. Overall, it won’t be bad. Take time to get to know your section just like on AD. Depending on when you arrive in the training cycle for your first drill you may have a super 8 UTA which is a 4-day drill. Discuss training with your employer if they are not familiar with Guard training cycles.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 29 at 2019 10:19 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 22:19:20 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member if you are at the end of your contract and approaching ETS it could be a good way for you to continue your service, some money coming in while you job search, pursue education and start a civilian career at the same time. You need to check in and see if you can use the post 9/11 gi bill and the state tuition waiver at the same time (most states extend this to Guard members).

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2019 12:20 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 00:20:23 -0500

I went to the Guard as an SGT right after I left Bragg. It is a different world but I found it to be very rewarding. It's not the regular Army but you will see some very unique benefits. When you deploy you will have a unit of professionals from many other disciplines besides just being in the Army. Plus you can serve and continues to get benefits like tricare and college assistance.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2019 3:07 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 03:07:04 -0500

I found it to be a very easy transition but I did it as a Field Grade so your experience my vary.
Have back up documentation for all of your awards to include campaign ribbons. If you don't have it they can confirm you were deployed and add a memo to verify. The guard is much more focused on having back up documentation for everything than the Regular Army.
Check your expectations, go with an open mind and you'll get out of it what you put into it.

Good Luck

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 31 at 2019 12:05 AM

CPL Gary Pifer — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 00:05:48 -0500

Hurry up and wait and wait and wait... top heavy with Sgts. Same BS... in compacted time....

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 31 at 2019 12:09 AM

CPL Gary Pifer — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 00:09:12 -0500

PS... make sure you get your points for your 20 year retirement and docs for any VA disability... don't quit or take time off. Ge get that retirement...