ANG to AFRC IMA (Place Holder)

[TheNewGazmo]

I went back through 10+ pages of archives here to see if there was a thread I could bring back from the dead.  I couldn't find one so I'll make a new one.

I just recently transferred from the ANG to an AFRC IMA job.  This post and thread will be a place holder for more information when I have more time to sit down and write a novel of my experience with this process.  Like anything military personnel/administrative related, it was a nightmare... so far.  Hopefully it'll all be worth it.  I've got my 20+ years already, but decided I didn't want to fly anymore or do the UTA thing anymore and didn't quite think it was a good idea to retire yet so I decided to try the IMA world.

*****EDIT*****

I'll start answering some of the questions below.  

I really had to seriously compare the pro's and con's since my brain was pretty much committed to retiring when I stumbled across the IMA vacancy, but my main reasons for staying in were:

I've already been an O-5 for a bit over 3 years.  I was one who was good going out as an O-4 and then I promoted to O-5.  When I did the math, an O-6 collecting an ARC retirement in 2037 with 6,000 points was over $20k per year more than an O-5.  Well beyond what I had imagined, so it was a big factor in my decision. The opportunity to promote to O-6 is a good possibility in the position I'm in.  There are a couple of O-6 positions above me in the unit already.  I also decided that I wanted to stay in and try something different before I pulled the plug.  The ANG has it's advantages in that you can be a flyer for your whole career if you want and retire as a mission-ready line pilot, but a part of me felt I needed to try something else.  Military flying wasn't doing much for me anymore and I felt I needed to put that phase of my life behind me.

There's only 24 IDT and 12 AT plus MPA when made available (reduced retirement eligible).  I really don't need military days to augment my airline schedule anymore as I am very senior in base/in seat, not commuting and loving life.  With the amount I was having to participate in my Guard unit (the ops tempo just never seemed to let up), it was basically starting to hamper my ability to pick up open time and make more money at the company anyway.  One 2-day premium pickup is worth more than a whole month of ANG pay. 

No UTA's.  I was really done with the whole one weekend a month thing.  I won't work weekends and the schedule is very flexible.  I'll be the only reservist in the squadron (it's all AD) and the position is basically a deputy Sq/CC augmenting my AD counterpart.  So, I figured I'd give it go.  Worse comes to worse, I hate it and I pull the handle in a few years.  No commitment.

Still eligible for TRS healthcare as an IMA (A or B, not C).

THE PROCESS (I may add to this little by little):

1. Find the position you want.  You do this by going on the Reserve Vacancy site off vMPF.  It's in the same area you can find the PERSTEMPO and PRDA links.  Click on that and go to IMA vacancies.  If you're a flyer, you'll pretty much be eligible to apply for Pilot IMA (11XX) and Operations Support (16XX) vacancies.  Note that IMA positions are rank capped, so if you're an O-4 close to meeting your O-5 board, you probably won't get hired into an O-4 IMA position and probably don't want to because you will not be able to promote until you find an O-5 position.  If you're already an O-5, you can sit in an O-5 IMA position until your MSD (not a bad deal).

2. Find an AFRC recruiter.  I'd imagine this process is a lot easier if you're already AFRC.  The recruiter can get you more info about the IMA position.  If there is no POC listed on the vacancy announcement, they can get you this info.  I'd advise you contact the hiring official via email or phone and discuss the position.  If it's local, you may even want to show up for a meet and greet, which I believe goes a long way in showing your interest.  Lots of people apply for these positions and many of them are not local.  There are IMA positions all over the country.  The recruiter will probably have you fill out a bunch of AFRC application-type paperwork to start a file on you.

3.  If you're ANG, you'll need to get an AF 1288 drafted and routed through your Guard leadership.  Your unit may have other local processes for a separation, but it'll go up through your CoC (up to TAG) for approval.  This takes a while.  It shouldn't, but it does because FSS manages the whole thing.  For me, it took about two months.  Once the AF 1288 comes back signed, it goes back to your recruiter.  The recruiter will have to put a separation date on your AF 1288.  Picking this date is very important as I will discuss in a bit in my take-aways and how I would have done things differently if people actually knew what they were doing and gave me the correct information during this process.  If you explore the IMA world from the ANG, expect that this will be the first time everyone is doing this and in the end, you're the one who can get screwed if it's not done correctly.

4.  Once the 1288 is ready to go, the recruiter will submit it to HQ RIO/DET - X.  Depending on what MAJCOM this IMA job falls under, that Detachment will vary.  RIO/DET will review your application and send it to the hiring official after they review it.  Keep in mind, you may have already had a hand-shake agreement that you have been hired into that position by the hiring official.  If you haven't been hired, your application may just go into a pile with everyone else's.  These IMA jobs may be a lot more popular than you may think so it is important to network and/or rush the unit.  RIO/DET had my application for almost two months, which at the time, I was told was longer than usual, but apparently there was a hold up with their HARM reviewing my flying records.  We're now at about the 4-1/2 cumulative month mark from when I began the process.

5.  RIO/Det adds some things to your AF 1288 and will send the package back to your ANG unit's FSS.  Your FSS will submit the separation package to ARPC.  This happens through the new "myFSS" system, which at the moment, is a colossal train wreck (because vPC-GR was so broken, we had to change it, right?).  Even though your 1288 got routed through your leadership for you to apply to get out of the ANG, your separation package will now be routing electronically through myFSS to your leadership again (at least through SQ and OG/CC's) for approval.  Even though this should only take a few days, expect another month.

6.  Once the package is signed by your leadership, FSS will submit it to ARPC.  If there are any errors in your separation package, ARPC will kick it back (there were thanks to my FSS).  This will delay the process more.

7.  The ANG and Reserves like to play games with manpower numbers so depending on what time of year and what those numbers look like, they may not let you out until it's good for their PowerPoint presentations.  Mine sat with a technician for three months.  Depending on what separation date you put on your 1288, this could screw you.  More about that below.

8.  When my 1288 came back from RIO/Det earlier in the process, my FSS told me that once they submit the package to ARPC, it'd only be several weeks for an approval.  Why I believed them, I don't know, but I did so when I chose my separation date, I picked one out ahead about a month.  Well, the process took another six months.  With each and every day that went by past my separation date, my separation was to be back-dated.  The catch with this is that I could no longer do military duty with the ANG past this date and I could not do military duty with the AFRC yet prior to being gained, which meant I was pretty much in limbo.  Depending on your points situation and your R/R date (which stays the same going from ANG to AFRC), you may back yourself into a corner getting your 50 points for a good year.  Your 15 ANG membership points will be prorated based off your separation date.  My recommendation is to set your separation date out further in the future and make sure you get 50 points for the year before you separate.  I was already past my 20 year mark, but I'd still not want deal with not getting a good year.  Also, if you are using Tricare Reserve Select, back-dating your separation will screw with that and DEERS as well because you may show a break in service for a while until the AFRC gains you (could be a week or more).  Expect disrupted military email service, CAC certificate issues and you will come up "terminated" when they scan your CAC at the front gate.  It will also not work at the commissary (but they let me shop anyway).

I am also hearing "rumors" that approved reduced retirement applications that were done in vPC-GR are "lost in space" and especially so going from ANG to AFRC or vice-versa.  I am in the process of trying to track mine down.  It is no-where to be found in the new myFSS system and vPC-GR is gone.   What is even sweeter is that ANG AROWS doesn't talk to AROWS-R and once you are separated from the ANG, you will no longer have access to your orders.  So, it'd behoove you to download all of your orders from AROWS-ANG and store them somewhere safe (maybe multiple places) because you won't be able to get them.  Ask me how I know.  Of course, don't expect anyone to tell you this very valuable information at your unit or find it on any out-processing checklist (probably a good place for it).  Luckily, I was able to talk my ANG FSS into downloading and emailing me all of my 200+ orders after I was separated.  Don't expect the same treatment.

More to follow....

Edited October 23, 2023 by TheNewGazmo

[hindsight2020]

interesting. Is it because of O-5 TIG or some such? Usually folks use the IMA to get to 20 Reserve; the folks who want to manipulate the airline schedule (but we don't talk about fight club) tend to prefer the TR/DSG over IMA as it offers more footprint.

 

[Chida]

Hard for a part-timer ANG to promote beyond O-5. 

[TheNewGazmo]

On 10/17/2023 at 7:37 PM, hindsight2020 said:

interesting. Is it because of O-5 TIG or some such? Usually folks use the IMA to get to 20 Reserve; the folks who want to manipulate the airline schedule (but we don't talk about fight club) tend to prefer the TR/DSG over IMA as it offers more footprint.

I added a lot to my original post.

Edited October 23, 2023 by TheNewGazmo

[TheNewGazmo]

1 hour ago, DSG said:

Does a rated captain have a shot at these slots or are they mostly for FGOs

I don't see why not.  There are O-3 jobs out there, but honestly, unless you just pinned on, I'd apply to O-4 jobs.

[snoopyeast]

A great post by TheNewGazmo.  This is great info for anyone trying to go from ANG to AFRES.  One other note for others.  Being on a ANG promotion select list does not transfer over to the reserves.  You must be pinned on (federally recognized) before transferring.

Three big takeaways.

1.  The process takes a long time.  Plan accordingly.  

2. Be sure to get your good points year in before your planned transfer date.

3. Be cognizant for any promotion window, board, pin on date etc.

[roto]

On 10/23/2023 at 5:12 PM, DSG said:

Does a rated captain have a shot at these slots or are they mostly for FGOs

Yes, a buddy in my unit (Captain) just did it. ANG to AFRC IMA 

[Chida]

20 hours ago, snoopyeast said:

 Being on a ANG promotion select list does not transfer over to the reserves.  You must be pinned on (federally recognized) before transferring.

This is true if it’s a state board. It is not true if it’s a national board. (The normal, every yr board at ARPC is the national (title 10) process.

for ex: I met the normal, every year ARPC board in early 2019. Was selected and on the list by Aug. During my wait to pin on (and prior to ANG Fedrec) I transferred from ANG to AFRES in Nov. I was AFRES for about 5 mos, then pinned on Mar 2020

[TheNewGazmo]

On 1/8/2024 at 2:40 PM, snoopyeast said:

A great post by TheNewGazmo.  This is great info for anyone trying to go from ANG to AFRES.  One other note for others.  Being on a ANG promotion select list does not transfer over to the reserves.  You must be pinned on (federally recognized) before transferring.

Three big takeaways.

1.  The process takes a long time.  Plan accordingly.  

2. Be sure to get your good points year in before your planned transfer date.

3. Be cognizant for any promotion window, board, pin on date etc.

Thanks.  Almost 4 months later and I'm basically settled into my IMA job.  I even volunteered for a few months of MPA days to learn the job and get my face in there a bit.  

Some more things I've learned in the past few months.  The old "I am alone" (IMA) joke, is real.  Everything you do has to go through myFSS to HQ RIO.  Pay, leave, personnel issues (OPR's, points, etc.).  It's all on you.  Every time you get paid, submit your LES for points because it doesn't happen automatically.  

Also, I did find my previous reduced retirement application in the new myFSS.  It did carry over.  That is a relief.  

Also, if anyone plans to do this - if you are coming due for an OPR, try to time your separation after your OPR is due and get your previous unit to complete it.  Preferably before you tell them you're leaving.  I can tell you by experience that no matter how long you've spent at your Guard unit (almost 20 years for me), the minute you leave, they will almost 100% not give a shit about you anymore.  Life goes on without you.  Trying to get them to put you on the front burner to get an OPR done that should have been done months before you left may not be an easy task.  Nevermind trying to get a decent strat from them.... don't ask me how I know.  It's been like pulling teeth.  Had I still been there, my overdue OPR would be on the Wing King's slides every week and I wouldn't have heard the end of it.  Now, I get questions like, "Are you trying to get promoted again?".  Um..... Not your business anymore.  Just do your job.

[SocialD]

14 hours ago, TheNewGazmo said:

Also, I did find my previous reduced retirement application in the new myFSS.  It did carry over.  That is a relief.  

 

Is yours actually going through?  I submitted an updated application April of 2023 and mine still shows "work in progress."  I'm retired now, but call out FSS Chief today to see if she can check into for me.  I understand things can take a bit, but this is pretty excessive.   Thankfully, I have about 17ish years (depending on what they say) to figure it out lol.  

 

14 hours ago, TheNewGazmo said:

Also, if anyone plans to do this - if you are coming due for an OPR, try to time your separation after your OPR is due and get your previous unit to complete it.  Preferably before you tell them you're leaving.  I can tell you by experience that no matter how long you've spent at your Guard unit (almost 20 years for me), the minute you leave, they will almost 100% not give a shit about you anymore.  Life goes on without you.  Trying to get them to put you on the front burner to get an OPR done that should have been done months before you left may not be an easy task.  Nevermind trying to get a decent strat from them.... don't ask me how I know.  It's been like pulling teeth.  Had I still been there, my overdue OPR would be on the Wing King's slides every week and I wouldn't have heard the end of it.  Now, I get questions like, "Are you trying to get promoted again?".  Um..... Not your business anymore.  Just do your job.

 

That sucks to hear.  I once knocked out 4 OPRs in about 2 days for a guy so he could have them for an airline interview.  Long story on how he was missing 4 OPRs.  But to your strat comment, are those sought after things within your old Guard squadron?  I bet I could have queried all the pilots (non former AD guys anyway) if they know what a strat is and I bet less than 50% would know what I'm talking about and the other 50% would say strategy?   Having only been at one Guard unit my whole career, it's always interesting to see how things are done differently out there. 

Funny story...

I'm out in PHX hiking up camelback and get a call from an old college friend.  I hadn't heard from her since college, but I knew she was in a high profile job at Delta, so I answered.  She said, hey are you behind on OPRs (she's mil as well)?  I'm thinking well that's a weird question to lead with after 20 years of never talking.  I'm like, do you mean am I personally (I was)?  She's says, no I mean is your wing behind on OPRs?  I just laugh and say if it's not a year overdue, we're not worried about it.  She laughs, and says that makes sense, thanks gotta go.  I hang up like, what a weird conversation.

Fast forward a few days, I'm back at the squadron and figure it all out.  Turns out she was interviewing a squadron mate who didn't have his last OPR.  She was just calling me to verify if his story checks out because the others on the board were asking and her base appears to be pretty strict on OPRs.  Dude owes me lots of beer. 

[kaputt]

You shouldn’t have to submit your LES to get points. I schedule everything through UTAPS and as soon as my supervisor approves a worked IDT in UTAPS it gets submitted for pay and points. I’ve never had an issue with the points or pay not showing up. 

[nunya]

4 hours ago, kaputt said:

You shouldn’t have to submit your LES to get points. I schedule everything through UTAPS and as soon as my supervisor approves a worked IDT in UTAPS it gets submitted for pay and points. I’ve never had an issue with the points or pay not showing up. 

Oh I've had plenty of UTAPS points not post to PCARS. They had an entire newsletter about it. Hopefully it's fixed and doesn't reappear but definitely don't trust them!  https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/RIO-Buzz/Vol-34/

[kaputt]

2 hours ago, nunya said:

Oh I've had plenty of UTAPS points not post to PCARS. They had an entire newsletter about it. Hopefully it's fixed and doesn't reappear but definitely don't trust them!  https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/RIO-Buzz/Vol-34/

Wow, that’s good to know. I do frequently check and haven’t had an issue in my 3 years on the IMA side. Seems maybe I just got lucky though. 

Edited February 12 by kaputt
Typos

[TheNewGazmo]

On 2/12/2024 at 9:55 AM, SocialD said:

 

Is yours actually going through?  I submitted an updated application April of 2023 and mine still shows "work in progress."  I'm retired now, but call out FSS Chief today to see if she can check into for me.  I understand things can take a bit, but this is pretty excessive.   Thankfully, I have about 17ish years (depending on what they say) to figure it out lol.  

 

 

That sucks to hear.  I once knocked out 4 OPRs in about 2 days for a guy so he could have them for an airline interview.  Long story on how he was missing 4 OPRs.  But to your strat comment, are those sought after things within your old Guard squadron?  I bet I could have queried all the pilots (non former AD guys anyway) if they know what a strat is and I bet less than 50% would know what I'm talking about and the other 50% would say strategy?   Having only been at one Guard unit my whole career, it's always interesting to see how things are done differently out there. 

Funny story...

I'm out in PHX hiking up camelback and get a call from an old college friend.  I hadn't heard from her since college, but I knew she was in a high profile job at Delta, so I answered.  She said, hey are you behind on OPRs (she's mil as well)?  I'm thinking well that's a weird question to lead with after 20 years of never talking.  I'm like, do you mean am I personally (I was)?  She's says, no I mean is your wing behind on OPRs?  I just laugh and say if it's not a year overdue, we're not worried about it.  She laughs, and says that makes sense, thanks gotta go.  I hang up like, what a weird conversation.

Fast forward a few days, I'm back at the squadron and figure it all out.  Turns out she was interviewing a squadron mate who didn't have his last OPR.  She was just calling me to verify if his story checks out because the others on the board were asking and her base appears to be pretty strict on OPRs.  Dude owes me lots of beer. 

ARPC is a burning train wreck.  Apparently, the conversion to myFSS really backlogged them.  It's absolutely horrendous, so I wouldn't be surprised if your reduce retirement application is that delayed.

I was a full-timer for many years and was in the pipeline for SQ command at my Guard unit.  Of course, life changed and I didn't really feel like sticking around.  I had gotten strats on many, previous OPR's while I was there.  All of a sudden, it's like pulling teeth.  I guess you sometimes find out who the true "buds" are once you leave some place.  It'd probably been different had I retired, but some people take offence if they think you're leaving for a "better deal" than their establishment.

As far as the points thing goes, it was recommended to me by a previous IMA to make sure I submit my LES's or UTAP's calendar for PCARS credit.  I can't really tell you if things update by themselves perfectly every time.  I was find out as I go along, I guess.  The HQ RIO website is pretty good when it comes to guidance on IMA processes.  You just have to dig for it.

Edited February 13 by TheNewGazmo