What exactly is AGR? If you come from Active Duty to AGR, would you still keep your full time pay, benefits and VA % when you’re out?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 12:22:19 -0500

Just wondering about AGR how it’s different from Active, Reserve, etc. also if you can keep your active duty VA percentage and claim when you’re done?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2021 12:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 12:42:46 -0500

You apply for AGR positions like you would any job. There are MOS and rank requirements for most positions, but ultimately the hiring boards want a quality soldier and are not 100% bound by those requirements.

Reserve AGR’s can be PCS’d anywhere in the country, Guard AGR’s anywhere within their state. Active duty pay and benefits in all ways except Guard AGR’s are on active duty under Title 32, but it’s still qualifying active federal service for regular retired pay.

Apply. Apply like crazy even if you don’t think you’re qualified. HRO will screen out the applicants that have no business being there and send the rest to the board. Most boards are looking for professionalism, institutional knowledge and a demonstrated work ethic.

The “easiest” path into AGR is a recurring position because turnover is high. But once you’re in the door it’s a little easier to transition to other positions. Let me know if you have any questions

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 21 at 2021 1:34 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 13:34:52 -0500

Someone correct me if I am wrong. I think one of the challenges to being AGR is going to a different unit to fill in a slot to get promoted. This may entail a good drive from the house to the unit.

I was AD with a large NG unit. I kind of liked the AGR system because the Chief of Staff for the unit was a well respected and influential COL. I would sometimes ask him for good favors. For example I had an E-5 with a college degree working for me. He was just outstanding and asked the COL if we could promote him to E-6. He made it happen much to my delight.

Response by COL Thomas F. made Jan 21 at 2021 1:35 PM

COL Thomas F. — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 13:35:53 -0500

AGR is just active duty serving one of the two Reserve COMPOs. Nothing else. Same pay, same everything. To get on AGR is a little more painful then going AC due to the HRC board requirements. I am not familiar with E4s in the AGR ranks but who knows. Talk to your HRC branch people or the State reps and ask. My advice to ensure you have EVERYTHING up to date and green - medical, dental, APFT, even having your required PME completed. Do not expect to be select just because you applied, but when they do call, do not turn them down because you don't like the posting. You will be basically be placed back in the deck to be reevaluated again with a new group of people. Take that first duty station and drive on to the next. As SFC Foreman stated, if you go Guard, you'll be Title 32 working inside the state you chose. If you work at NGB you'll convert to Title 10. Army Reserve AGRs are all Title 10.
Just remember, AGRs main purpose is to support the command structure of an organization. Its not meant for you to become any form of a "green tabber". If you can accept that as your calling, then go forth and do great things. You can always go back to M-Day/TPU status and satisfy your green tab desires then maybe go back AGR. Some lucky people (due to unique circumstances) get leadership positions. Download AR 135-18 for more information. Good luck in your pursuit.

Response by SGT(P) Christopher Poole made Jan 21 at 2021 3:05 PM

SGT(P) Christopher Poole — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 15:05:15 -0500

From my understanding, yes. If you google AGR, there are a few sites that may offer more clarification. From my understanding of looking into it, it's the same as active duty (benefits wise). Dont quote me on this since Im not a part of AGR. However, the main difference is you'll be working for reserve units, maintaining their daily tasks while they are away. Less active duty day to day stress, but they're will be an increase work load (From what I was told from a few AGR people I've bumped into)

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 21 at 2021 6:47 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 18:47:46 -0500

Just keep in mind, AGR's can be sent anywhere. We had an AGR MAJ assigned to XVIII ABC G3 for a year. It's not easy to get into.

Response by Wayne Soares made Jan 21 at 2021 8:18 PM

Wayne Soares — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 20:18:22 -0500

Thanks for the question Israel

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2021 8:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 20:21:09 -0500

It has all the same benefits of active duty and an active duty retirement. But don't make the mistake of thinking it's just active duty at your home or that it's simple to get into.

Response by Col Tri Trinh made Jan 21 at 2021 11:57 PM

Col Tri Trinh — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 23:57:26 -0500

AGR = Active Guard Reserve. Your length and tenure varies from service to service. AGR pay and benefits stays the same as AD. Your VA disability rating will like change (increase once you separate) due to the likelihood of additional injuries, illnesses or diseases incured in the line of duty.
AGR is a good thing in that it is more stable; you don’t come on and off orders due to lack of fundings/orders. All the best with it.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 25 at 2021 12:11 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 12:11:11 -0500

I think of AGR as civilian employees who wear a uniform to work. They are normally members of the Reserve Component unit by which they are employed. They provide day-to-day expertise and support the Reserve or Guard unit needs, but the "weekend warriors" can't provide. They work daily like other civil servants and also attend drill and do their two week training period. Their military rank is linked to their civilian pay grade. I have known them as instructor pilots, evaluation pilots, and second-in-command of Reserve or Guard Squadrons, Groups, or Wings.