Transferring to North Dakota
If possible, prior to moving to North Dakota the following will be done:
• Notify your current Army National Guard unit that you're relocating to another state. The Soldier must write a letter through his/her current unit commander to the area he/she is requesting transfer.
• After approval from the unit commander, the unit will complete an Interstate Transfer (IST) worksheet on the Soldier and forward it through the losing state IST Manager. The Soldier must provide the unit with their new address or at least the area where the soldier will be moving to for the worksheet.
• The Soldier MUST clear supply before the gaining state can pick the Soldier up. See NGR 600-200 Section VII, paragraph 5-35 for restrictions and guide lines.
• The losing IST Manager will forward the worksheet to the NDNG IST Manager.
• The NDNG IST Manager will try and find a position compatible to grade and MOS for the soldier. If no position exists for the soldier, options for positions will be offered to the Soldier for them to select. Line scores must meet AR 611-21 in order to change MOS.
• The NDNG IST Manager will forward the completed worksheet to the losing IST Manager.
• The losing IST Manager will complete required paperwork and ensure the gaining IST Manager receives such required paperwork.
• A coordinated transfer between states can be accomplished prior to relocation, but if a Soldier moves prior to coordination through his current unit, they are to contact the NDARNG IST Manager to help get the process.
Uncoordinated Transfer
So, what happens if a National Guard member moves to another state without prior coordination of a transfer?
Sometimes an Army National Guard member relocates quickly without the transfer process being completed.
In this case, you should request excused absence from training for 90 days in order to find a new Army National Guard unit and execute a transfer.
Your current unit should notify the Interstate Transfer (IST) Coordinator in your state of your new address and telephone number.
Remember that you are required to attend all scheduled training with your current unit unless properly excused. The IST Coordinator in your new state will assist with your reassignment once you have moved to your new location. One of states local National Guard recruiters may also assist you in locating a new unit.
Other Matters
In many cases, one can change to a different MOS/AFSC if there is a vacancy in the gaining unit and if you meet the prerequisites (color vision, test scores, security clearance, etc.) for that MOS/AFSC.
You can retain your current rank if you're E6 or below. E7's must be placed in a vacant E7 position. If you're currently contracted for (and eligible) for a bonus, then you should be able to retain that eligibility when you move to the new state, as long as you ensure the following:
• If your bonus contract is for a specific MOS/AFSC, then you must remain in that MOS/AFSC
• If your bonus contract is for specific type unit (bonus unit), then you must transfer to a bonus eligible unit within the new state
• Failure to remain in a bonus eligible MOS/AFSC or bonus unit can result in temporary suspension of payments or perhaps termination from the bonus program
Suggestions
Don't close your current bank account you've established for direct deposit. Wait until you've received at least one paycheck deposited into a new account before closing the old.
Instead of electing 90 days excused absence (without pay) during the relocation process, you may request to attend drills with an Army National Guard unit in your new state until a transfer is completed. It takes prior coordination between units, but it's not a difficult process. You'll be paid through your current unit, even though you're split-training with a unit in your new state. The Interstate Transfer (IST) Coordinator can be helpful in this process. Bring a copy of your Direct Deposit (Form 1199A) with you.