Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 11/25/2010

Question
Hi I am currently in the Army Reserve and I had a few questions. I am currently in AIT now but back in BCT week 2 of basic training my DS made me go to sick call because of a really bad cough. Well when I got there the doctor asked me if I had any pre existing conditions. I said yes and the 2 conditions are seizures which was from about to age 11 and I believe and other one was anxiety attacks 2006. None of them hindered me from completing basic training at all. I did very good I excelled with no problem. But they made me sign for medical records on those 2 conditions. I was sent to behavior mental health and was cleared in about 10 minutes. My AKO medical readiness ae all green lights and my medical jacket has nothing about it. It's been 4 months since I signed for them has the military gotten my medical records? If so how can I view them? Will I be able to switch to active duty? Is there anything I will have to do? Thank you for your time I really hope you can get back to me this has been on my mind a lot.

Answer
Jeff,
Quit worrying.  No news is good news.  I wouldn't try to view my medical records at this point, you may jog somebody's memory to investigate them further and take action.  Let them be.

Be advised, you cannot simply "transfer" from the Reserves/Guard to active duty.  The Guards, Reserves, and Active Duty components are all different.  You must get an approved discharge from the Reserve/Guard component, and then separately process for enlistment for an active duty service.

However, you may apply to the Reserves for a "conditional release." Basically, a "conditional release" says that the Reserve Component  agrees to release you from the remainder of your commitment, if you are accepted for enlistment or appointment to an active duty service component.

To start the conditional release process, you must see an active duty recruiter.  The Recruiter is the only person who can request a conditional release.  He does this by submitting a DD Form 368, Request for Conditional Release.  This form must be signed by you and the active duty recruiter.

Remember, a conditional release does not have to be approved. It's entirely up to the Reserve unit.  If your unit is undermanned in your particular MOS they may disapprove the conditional release.  This is not necessarily a fast process.  I've known individuals who have waited for 6 months or longer for a conditional release to be processed.  So, it's important you allow plenty of time for the DD Form 368 to make it through the review process.

I hope this helps.
Thanks for your service.
Colonel H