Army Reserves to Army Actice Duty...

Question

If a prior-serviceman signed a 6-year contract with the Army Reserves, got a new MOS (because his, 13P, doesn't exist anymore) and a decent bonus, would he be able to switch to Active Duty within months of joining the Reserves, maybe within 6 months of finishing AIT??? And would he be able to get the duty station of choice, since he won't have to go to AIT again? (He has a fiance and daughter in Germany.) And would he have to pay back his bonus in any way???

Answer 1

I would like to comend them on their service.  In general, here are some thoughts to your questions.

1.  would he be able to switch to Active Duty within months of joining the Reserves, maybe within 6 months of finishing AIT???

It would be possible to transfer to the active component Army.  He would have to request a DS368 from an active duty recruiter. The request would have to be approved by his unit.  Some units will not consider the applications until certain conditions are meet. (such as number of drills, time with unit etc)

2.would he be able to get the duty station of choice, since he won't have to go to AIT again?

It depends upon the needs of the Army.  If his tansfer to the Active component is approved, (likely but not guaranted) it would depend upon his MOS.  Depending upon time in service, demand for his particular MOS, etc his request mave be approved.

3.would he have to pay back his bonus in any way???

A reqruiter would be able to give a complete answer.  I beleive in general he forfits his first bonus payment if he has not finished IAT at least 1 year ago.  He would also forfit the rest of his bonus.  However, he might be elgiable for reenlistment bonuses from the Active duty Army.