Would going from active Army to National Guard (so I can pursue college), and then going back to active hurt my career?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 17:57:07 -0500

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2017 6:02 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 18:02:30 -0500

No. It wouldn't hurt your career. But, there are ways to getting your college degree while on Active Duty.

Response by MSgt Carl Stokes made Jan 23 at 2017 6:12 PM

MSgt Carl Stokes — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 18:12:18 -0500

It could, you need to check with recruiters, there was a long period where they would not take prior service. This ebs and flows with the need of the Army but something you may want to be careful with. Also NG RANK DEPENDING ON WHAT IT IS , is not always transferable just check you six and be sure.

Response by MSG Steve Wiersgalla made Jan 23 at 2017 9:00 PM

MSG Steve Wiersgalla — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 21:00:40 -0500

If your in for the long haul on Active Duty stay there! There is no reason to lose rank trying to get back on AD. Or possibly risk not being able to get back. If you can use online courses. I waited until I retired and was working as a contractor to start my degree. My Military experience did cross over and give me lots of credits but it still took a while doing one or two courses each semester.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Jan 24 at 2017 12:59 AM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 00:59:46 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I took a two year break from active duty to complete my bachelors degree and then returned to active duty. While studying for school, I was part of the National Guard in my home town. If your wanting to be commissioned, you will be fine as long as you qualify for Officer Candidate School and meet all the requirements. If you are wanting to stay enlisted, keep in mind from other posts that your current rank may not transfer back to the active component. SFC Brian Johnston states this well in this thread. Best of luck and serve proudly no matter what you do.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jan 24 at 2017 9:42 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 09:42:39 -0500

If your goal is to become a Regular Army NCO and have a long career then retire, then stay put! Use all the resources available to you to complete college on active duty. It's not going to happen overnight, but if you work hard and take advantage of opportunities when they are there, you will earn a degree. If you want to ETS and go into the ARNG, that's fine too. But do not assume that it will be easy to just go back to the Regular Army. There are a lot of hurdles, like getting released from the ARNG (if under contract). Also, the Army has restrictions on prior service, so your options may be limited if there are any at all. Then there is the probability of losing rank. If you are a first term Soldier, you will have lots of options an incentives to re-enlist (more on the way per Army Times). All those will be pissed away if you get out and then later want back in. Think it through carefully and do your research.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 11:35 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 11:35:14 -0500

It depends what your future plans. If wanting to be a commissioned officer make college your primary focus and use the National Guard/ROTC to help maintain sustain military skills. If you're want to be a Sergeant Major or a Warrant Officer better to stay in the Army and take college classes on your free time.

Response by SPC Rick LaBonte made Oct 10 at 2019 6:49 AM

SPC Rick LaBonte — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 06:49:31 -0400

I imagine you would lose a pay grade. The reason I say that is a guy I served with left active and joined the National Guard, he left the Regular Army a Specialist and was automatically an E5 Sergeant upon entering the Guard

Response by SGT Jeffrey Thompson made Oct 11 at 2019 12:06 AM

SGT Jeffrey Thompson — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 00:06:46 -0400

You should follow your own thought process if you are highly qualified and need a break from the green weenie