5 Ways To Transfer From Army Reserve To National Guard

Serving in the military is a significant commitment, and sometimes, service members may find that their needs or circumstances have changed. If you're currently serving in the Army Reserve and are considering a transfer to the National Guard, you're not alone. Many service members have successfully made the transition, and with the right guidance, you can too. In this article, we'll explore five ways to transfer from the Army Reserve to the National Guard, as well as the benefits and considerations of making this move.

Understanding the Difference Between Army Reserve and National Guard

Before we dive into the transfer process, it's essential to understand the differences between the Army Reserve and the National Guard. The Army Reserve is a federal force that provides support to the active-duty Army, while the National Guard is a reserve component that can be called upon to support state and federal missions. The National Guard has a dual mission, meaning it can be deployed both domestically and internationally.

Eligibility Requirements for Transfer

To be eligible to transfer from the Army Reserve to the National Guard, you'll need to meet specific requirements. These include:

• Being a current member of the Army Reserve
• Having a minimum of 12 months of remaining service obligation
• Meeting the National Guard's enlistment or re-enlistment requirements
• Being willing to enlist or re-enlist in the National Guard for a minimum of 6 years

Method 1: Inter-Service Transfer (IST)

The Inter-Service Transfer (IST) program allows Army Reserve soldiers to transfer to the National Guard. To be eligible, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements mentioned above. The IST process typically takes 2-6 months to complete and involves the following steps:

• Submitting a transfer request to the Army Human Resources Command
• Receiving approval from the Army Reserve and National Guard
• Completing a National Guard enlistment or re-enlistment contract
• Attending a National Guard orientation and integration program

Method 2: National Guard Bureau (NGB) Form 22

The National Guard Bureau (NGB) Form 22 is another way to transfer from the Army Reserve to the National Guard. This method requires you to submit a formal request to the National Guard, which will then be reviewed and approved. The process typically takes 3-6 months to complete and involves the following steps:

• Submitting a completed NGB Form 22 to the National Guard
• Receiving approval from the National Guard
• Completing a National Guard enlistment or re-enlistment contract
• Attending a National Guard orientation and integration program

Method 3: State National Guard Transfer

If you're looking to transfer to a specific state's National Guard, you can submit a transfer request directly to that state's National Guard. This method requires you to meet the eligibility requirements mentioned above and to be willing to enlist or re-enlist in the National Guard for a minimum of 6 years. The process typically takes 2-6 months to complete and involves the following steps:

• Submitting a transfer request to the state National Guard
• Receiving approval from the state National Guard
• Completing a National Guard enlistment or re-enlistment contract
• Attending a National Guard orientation and integration program

Method 4: Cross-Level Transfer

The Cross-Level Transfer program allows Army Reserve soldiers to transfer to the National Guard while also changing their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). This method requires you to meet the eligibility requirements mentioned above and to be willing to enlist or re-enlist in the National Guard for a minimum of 6 years. The process typically takes 3-6 months to complete and involves the following steps:

• Submitting a transfer request to the Army Human Resources Command
• Receiving approval from the Army Reserve and National Guard
• Completing a National Guard enlistment or re-enlistment contract
• Attending a National Guard orientation and integration program

Method 5: Prior Service Transfer

If you have prior service in the National Guard and are looking to rejoin, you can submit a transfer request through the Prior Service Transfer program. This method requires you to meet the eligibility requirements mentioned above and to be willing to enlist or re-enlist in the National Guard for a minimum of 6 years. The process typically takes 2-6 months to complete and involves the following steps:

• Submitting a transfer request to the National Guard
• Receiving approval from the National Guard
• Completing a National Guard enlistment or re-enlistment contract
• Attending a National Guard orientation and integration program

Gallery of Army Reserve to National Guard Transfer

Army Reserve to National Guard Transfer Images

Conclusion

Transferring from the Army Reserve to the National Guard can be a great way to continue serving your country while also taking advantage of new opportunities and benefits. By understanding the different methods of transfer and the eligibility requirements, you can make an informed decision about your future in the military. Remember to carefully consider your options and seek guidance from a career counselor or recruiter to ensure a smooth transition.

If you have any questions or comments about transferring from the Army Reserve to the National Guard, please feel free to share them below.