Who is my first point of contact when requesting a conditional release to active duty?

2022-03-13T21:12:34-04:00

I was active duty for 3 years, re-enlisted into the National Guard for a 20K bonus for 3 years. I’m nearing halfway through that contract and I am wanting to see how I go about beginning the process of going back to the active component. Any insight appreciated.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2022 9:38 PM

2022-03-13T21:38:10-04:00

In most cases it is handled by the recruiter. And you might be obligated in returning part of the bonus.
https://recruiting.army.mil/Portals/15/Documents/WO/dd0368.pdf?ver=2018-05-02-162845-597

dd0368.pdf

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Mar 14 at 2022 8:05 AM

2022-03-14T08:05:41-04:00

If you have the ability to finish the 3 year commitment to the Guard I would recommend doing that. It would be immensely easier on you and the folks routing the paperwork considering you have a bonus to factor in. If it's a financial issue spurring this would you have the option to serve in an Active status for the last half of your contract? I know there are some reservists and Guardsman who work actively for years serving certain roles. If waiting it out is possible you could do that and it will provide enough time to work a smooth transition back to AD.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2022 9:33 AM

2022-03-14T09:33:43-04:00

First step is talking to active duty recruiter. You will need a DD 368.
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/transfering-from-national-guard-reserve-to-active-duty-3353261#:~:text=To%20start%20the%20conditional%20release,368%2C%20Request%20for%20Conditional%20Release.
This is a good summary of the process

Page Not Found

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2022 11:15 AM

2022-03-14T11:15:08-04:00

You will have to contact an AD Recruiter and your unit Career Counselor, as well as inform your NCO chain of your intentions. You will want to make an appointment to your local JAG office and request legal advice on the process, but simply put you'll be sending a memo through your CoC to the TAG who will be the final authority on releasing you from the Guard.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Mar 14 at 2022 3:06 PM

2022-03-14T15:06:44-04:00

If someone hasn't pointed it out already, with 18 months to serve, it would probably be easier to complete your enlistment and keep your bonus. My experience says that the time it takes to go through this process averages about 9 months, give or take a couple months. Just wait until you ETS and take you NGB22 down to the recruiter and see what's available.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2022 4:05 PM

2022-03-14T16:05:32-04:00

Speaking from personal experience its very hard to get released from the guard or the reserve to go active duty. It has to go all the way up through the chain of command and be signed off by the first general officer in your chain of command and they can just say no plus you will probably have to pay your bonus back. When I did my IRR time with the reserve I put in a conditional release to go active duty I put it in like May went all the way up to the First General officer and never heard anything back until November when I just ETS from the Reserve then just went back active duty. They kept telling me just a couple more weeks it would be signed and sent back that went on for like five months so good luck.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Mar 15 at 2022 10:46 AM

2022-03-15T10:46:00-04:00

I would say that is the unit AST. He/she (not the pervert kind) knows who to contact and what to do. Remember, without the AST, the unit would not run.