How hard is it to transfer from the U.S. Army Reserves to Active Duty?

Question

I'm considering joining the Reserves, but if I end up getting in and liking it and I'd like to just do it full time, how hard is it to transfer from a Reserve unit to the active duty Army?

Is it easier or harder for Enlisted people or Officers to do?

Is there any waiting periods involved? (example: Like must you be Reserve for a year before you can request to go Active).

Answer 1

The qualifications are not the same, and if you do make the move you will not have the choices you would have if you just enlist in the Active Duty Army.

Answer 2

They are effectively 2 different organizations. If you enlist in the Reserve or Guard and want to go active you have to have an active recruiter submit a request for discharge from the Reserve or Guard. If that is not approved you stay where you are. If you make the request after a couple of years and do make the switch you can lose rank and your MOS. Just depends on the needs of the Army at the time and several other factors in regards to rank.

If you go Reserve or Guard and are activated into full time federal service I believe that you can request to stay active. Not sure how that works but have seen some comments about it in here.

SSG US Army 73-82 Active and Reserve

Answer 3

Ask an active duty recruiter in your area, they will have a good idea of how it is.

In my area, there is a one year wait, unless you have a very good reason to go active.

It is not terribly difficult, you just have to submit some paperwork.