Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 8/31/2007

Question
I'm a 2LT in the Army National Guard, with over 8 years of army service (including a year in Iraq.) I was Direct Commissioned and have completed OBC.  I recently moved to a new state for graduate school.  My Interstate Transfer (Conditional Release) has been approved by my old state. I have 90 days to find a new unit, or I could be transfered to the IRR IAW paragraph 4-21, AR 135-91.  However, the nearest open officer slot for my branch is a 6 hour drive away, and things are hectic for me right now.  Could I just let the 90 days run out and transfer to the IRR and serve there until I move somewhere else?  Would I be promoted to 1LT while in the IRR?  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Dear Terry --

Yes, you could revert to the IRR, but you may owe some additional time.  In the IRR, you can be promoted, but it is slower.  You will also have to find some way to do your two weeks of drill each year to stay current on retirement points and eligibility.

Alternatively, you could talk to the nearest possible unit, and find out if they have some remote operating locations that are closer to you.  They may also allow you to "telecommute" for doing such lieutenant efforts as writing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other documents.  Then you could do the long trip less frequently, but still do your required drill hours.

Finally, you could look for a non-branch specific job for a lieutenant at a unit closer to you.  Platoon leader in a headquarters and headquarters company or a detached platoon at a remote site both come to mind.

I recommend you explore a few of these other options before settling on IRR.

Good luck to you, and thank you for serving.