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Originally posted by CombsJ:

The MOS I am considering is 96B which is not a combat MOS, but it is currently understrength in the WA Natl Guard (which is why they are offering the 20k bonus.)

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Is there a time requirement for the Guard, after which I could transfer to active duty without problems? One guy told me that after 3 years I could transfer whenever I wanted to.

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Originally posted by Gonzogfy:
three got screwed over from their units, became discouraged and gave up trying to transfer.

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Originally posted by GovIssueJosh:
OK, I may have the most up-to-date personally story for this but since every situation is different, YMMV (your mileage may vary)

Oh, and you may want to grab a canteen real fast as this may get a little long winded.

First of all, you can make the effort to talk to as many AD recruiters as you want but most of them will tell you that there is nothing they can do for you until you have a DD Form 368 signed by your chain of command. In essence, that is absolutely correct. They will be able to tell you general things based on past experiences but they won't be able to nail-down ANYTHING. I assure you.

Your CoC is ultimately responsible for your release. If your CO isn't on board, it is going to be difficult to get the battalion, brigade, and whoever else commanders to bless of on your wish also. Key ingredient seems to be whether or not you really NEED to transfer. IE: Lost your full-time employment, don't have insurance, etc. etc. The final decision rests on your AG.

I was in the recruiting command when I executed my 368 so I was actually able to hand carry my form to get signatures all the way up to AG. If you can do this, please do. It will help immensely. That seems to be the biggest problem with this, if the people you need signatures from haven't even RECEIVED your paperwork, they can't sign it. The other problem with coming from the National Guard is your CoC is very likely not to work full-time wherever you drill so it may take as many months (drill weekends) as you have signatures to make things happen.

After you have a complete DD Form 368 you can now start actively working with an AD recruiter. You will do an enlistment packet just like you did the first time you joined, minus the physical (if it is up to date) and the ASVAB. An additional step that will take time is your Grade Determination. Basically, that is the Army's way of saying whether they will let you come to them as whatever rank you are. This is NOT a guarantee. I was 11B infantry, SGT/E-5 and was trying to re-class. Well then they came back with my grade determination, they told me I had to stay infantry and go to Korea if I wanted to stay a Sergeant. Had I choose to sign a Declaration Statement, I could have given up my Sergeant stripes and A. chose a duty station as a Specialist or B. re-classed into an MOS until after I signed the Dec. Statement. Which, oh by the way, is non-reversible. So, if you sign the Dec. Statement, that's that. Done and done. You rank is gone until you earn it back.

The packet and MEPs process isn't over night either so please don't be in a rush to get it done otherwise it will only lead to weeks of disappointment. I signed my AD contract 10FEB2009 and didn't even ship until 04MAR2009.

There are many more details to this process and this story but I don't want you to have to read a book. This is the meat and potatoes. If you want every detail, I would be glad to give them to you, just e-mail me.

P.S. As of right now, AD is taking VERY few, if any, prior service recruits. They are on pace as of right now to double their projected recruiting numbers so they just simply don't NEED to take prior service people. There are many arguments to this matter but fact is fact. Many people are without jobs on the American economy and are looking to the service. Only the best qualified future soldiers are being allowed to enlist. IE: No law violations at all, no medical issues of any kind, etc. etc.

My advice to you is if you think you want to go AD, go now, there is aren't a ton of opportunities on the economy right now and you can still get your bonuses, college credits, and whatever else you're after while you're on AD. Oh, and you will be getting PAID twice a month to do so. Just be motivated and willing to do whatever it takes to get to the end-goal and you will.

One last thing, by regulation, you can transfer from the National Guard to AD 6 months after you are MOS qualified but as stated earlier, it isn't an overnight process and there is a chance that you won't even be released.

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Originally posted by SGT_Devine:
I agree if your goal is to go active either wait the 2 years until your children are older then go straight active or go active now. I was active then got out and transferred to the national guard and now am wanting to go back active and it is not easy going. Go active stay active. If you want to do Guard/Reserve do active first you'll be a much better soldier.