can u help...

[29nights]

Hi.
I just swore in last week for the ARNG in Texas and I'm very happy to serve again. (I'm prior service). I haven't been to my first drill, yet (you know to get uniforms, boots and ID card), but I really want to volunteer to deploy with anyone who's up for deployment orders once I do get "officially in the system". I was told that my unit was already overseas and I was kind of upset because I really wanted to jump into the action. I'm all set as far as family care, packing lists and finances for my family while I'm gone, so it wouldn't be a problem to just leave in a month or two. I would really appreciate some info. because my recruiters said that I'd have to go through the hassle of calling around and seeing who has a open slot for my MOS. How much of that is true? And who do I contact to ask about deploying? ( I doubt I'd have the nerve to talk to a commander) I live right next to Ft. Hood and that base is huge. I wouldn't know who to call first. I know it may sound crazy to want to go when everyone else is whinning about "why do I have to go?" But I feel that I have a lot to offer those who are already deployed and short staffed. I am not afraid of hard work and, like I said, I've done this before.
Thank you

[matthew.ritchie]

Don't worry, you'll have a chance to serve overseas if you want to. I'm sure your state has a mobilization office, and if you contact them you'll make the connections you need.

Also, log in to GKO (https://gko.ngb.army.mil/) and then visit this site:

https://apps.ngb.army.mil/template4....9zbSFAIyQlXg==

[Chris89]

29nights(you know to get uniforms, boots and ID card)

I thought you get your boots and uniform when you go to drills then after BT you get your ID card and Dog Tags or am I wrong?

[29nights]

Quote:
29nights(you know to get uniforms, boots and ID card)


I thought you get your boots and uniform when you go to drills then after BT you get your ID card and Dog Tags or am I wrong?



I've already been through BT and AIT (I'm prior service). When you go to your first drill you get put in the system, get your basic issue of dog tags and then meet your chain of command. (I was informed about this process this morning).

[Chris89]

wat ??????????/

[jadedman]

29nights,
Let me be the first to say, "Welcome back." (Surprised no one has done that, yet.) I was going through the site and I couldn't help but notice that your situation is similar to my Aunt's. She's prior service, too and she said that she isn't having the best of time finding an easier way to make the switch from ARNG to active duty. Her chain of command doesn't want her to leave because they said that she's a real asset to the company. (Honestly, I think they don't want to lose her to Regular Army. Which really puzzles me because the ARNG knows that they don't provide health, dental and a regular, steady paycheck for the month like regular Army, but as soon as you say that you want to transfer to AD because you need all of these things for your family, they lose your paperwork and do everything they can to stop you from making the switch.)
Yes, if you decide to do conditiona release the process is going to be ****. Even if you tell them you need the AD benefits for the kids (assuming you have some), they'll still tell you no. Yes, if you call IG they will probably ignore your request just so ARNG can retain their numbers (remember, they don't like losing to the other side). And yes, even if you volunteer to deploy,you will run into some ******** that will give you the run around as far as arranging slots for you to be assigned to a deploying unit. Because here's the deal: You're PS. They don't want to break their backs doing anything special for someone who has done this thing before. They want the fresh and green first timers who they know don't know anything. I'm sorry if this is cruel to hear, but that's the way it is. You're not the new kid on the block anymore, so if you want something done, you're going to have to be a huge pain in order to get what you want.
Make copies of your comple packet of anything you send to someone's office, so if they say they lost it--then you have another copy to fax to their office. If you talk to your chain of command, document everything they say and do regarding how they handle the process of you changing over. So, when you decide to go over their heads, there's proof of what they're doing or not doing-- instead of your word against theirs. Finally, do the best you can on your drills and don't give them a reason to kick back your paperwork. (Reasoning being is that if you're a bad soldier just because they're delaying your paperwork or told you no, they'll just get rid of you instead of transfer you.) Keep trying. Keep calling. And if all else fails you can arrange a meeting with your congressman (Believe me, no commander wants to get tangled up in that.)Good luck.

[LRSU_Dog]

I disagree with Jaded... And here is the reason why, we are all part of the same Army system. Yes there is truth to the statement that many ARNG units do not want to lose good people, and these units do have a mission to accomplish.

You need to get over the shyness of having to deal with a Commander, if it comes to that. Your first stop should be the deployment volunteer requests such as the link provided by Maj Ritchie, howeve if you are still waiting on AKO and GKO access go to the ARNG public website.

You shoud talk to your unit about getting into a depoyment so they are aware of your intentions/desires. They may help you out, or you may find some hurdles placed in front of you. This has nothing to do with being prior-service or new. One fact is that you have some training to go through to get up to speed, so keep that in mind.

Your state mobilization office can help to find units that need people to volunteer for deployment - if worse came to worse and you did not care who or where you deployed with/from send me an message off the board with your contact info so that I can pass on some other information. I will nee your MOS, current rank, and what unit you are assigned to at this time.

There are fewer roadblocks than Jaded makes it sound, but yes in some cases there will be a few roadblocks in some situations.