Would one of the members care to give me a clear and concise answer in regards to the IRR program and what happens after my six years?

SPC(P) Alexandra Hinds — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 09:13:52 -0500

I was looking over my original contract the other day and realized that I enlisted for 6 and 2. My six ends in October, 2017 and I am just curious, what happens after the contract ends? Am I eligible to move into the Inactive Ready Reserves since my contract only states serving 6 years in the Active Reserve Component? I apologize if the question is confusing or unintelligent.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Dec 29 at 2016 9:18 AM

LTC John Mohor — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 09:18:31 -0500

SPC Alexandra Bassett the short answer is yes you move into the IRR. But those two years won't count to retirement and you are subject to active duty recall those two years if needed.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Dec 29 at 2016 9:20 AM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 09:20:54 -0500

You may request transfer to the IRR after your first six years. Keep in mind you must have 50 points a year to have a good year for retirement purposes. Usually your unit retention NCO will be hunting you down for a re-enlistment.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Dec 29 at 2016 10:59 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 10:59:25 -0500

Everybody who enlists in the military (active or reserve component) incurs an 8 year Military Service Obligation (MSO). Your enlistment contract for the USAR is for 6 years, with 2 years in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), to round out your 8 year MSO. This is commonly referred to as 6x2. If you do not re-enlist with the USAR before the end of your 6 years, then you are discharged and placed in the IRR for the remainder of your 8 yr MSO. As a member of the IRR, you are not paid, nor are you required to attend any military functions. However, you are subject to being recalled to your unit, previous command, or to active duty. If you reenlist to stay in the USAR, then your MSO expires after you have completed the 8 years. For example, if you reenlist for another 2 years and then get out, then you are out completely without going into the IRR because you have completed your MSO.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Dec 29 at 2016 12:44 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 12:44:40 -0500

No it's not confusing at all. It's a pretty standard question people have. So you've done your 6 years active, so you'll have 2 years of reserve time left. You'll automatically be moved into the irr, it's not a question of eligibility. No more formations. No more duty. Once or twice a year a prior service recruiter will call you to make sure you've stayed out of trouble. You still have base access and base privileges minus the healthcare. You don't get paid either. It's just 2 years where you'll be on a roster just in case you need to be activated.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Dec 29 at 2016 12:49 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 12:49:48 -0500

At the end of your six year Active Reserve obligation, you will automatically be moved to an Inactive status unless you reenlist or are extended (voluntarily or involuntarily). In the current environment, it is unlikely the USAR would be looking to extend you but things can change quickly.
At the end of your 8 year MSO, you should be sent your Honorable Discharge Certificate.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Dec 30 at 2016 8:14 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 08:14:01 -0500

A lot of good answers here. This is an example of how beneficial this forum can be in addressing questions like this. There is a tremendous pool of knowledge and experience out there which a new person would not otherwise have access to.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2017 10:46 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Jan 2017 22:46:34 -0500

You will be transferred to the IRR upon completion of your TPU service unless you elect to extend or reenlist your current contract, which is a recent change. You used to be allowed to continue drilling until the completion of your 8 yr MSO without reenlisting. Keep in mind, you are required to maintain the same readiness standards while in the IRR, so that means annual PHAs, flu shots, dental exams, etc. Does that always happen, no......., is it supposed to, yes.

Response by SPC(P) Alexandra Hinds made Jan 4 at 2017 11:21 AM

SPC(P) Alexandra Hinds — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 11:21:42 -0500

Well, as of a few days ago, I was able to get all of my paperwork submitted through my Unit point of contact - The Sergeant is sure it will be completed in time considering I still have 10 months left but regardless, I will be transferring into the Inactive Ready Reserves. That's a good thing to hear. Thank you all who responded to my question - it is greatly appreciated!!