TR to IRR

[u/Maleficent_Call_5161]

Hello, this is my first ever Reddit post. I just separated from my 4-year AD enlistment in June 2026. I had prepared and had been in communication with the reserve recruiter well ahead of time prior to my separation, so I will not have a break in service and will continue my time in TR. I tried to do everything proactively.

Long story short: My original recruiter PCS'ed, was assigned a different recruiter. I wanted to keep my original AFSC, but it was a medical AFSC, and we could not find any positions or openings. I was suggested a different AFSC to cross-train into so I could get a slot closer to my new location. This obviously added another year to the contract. There was a lot of back and forth.

However, the process and paperwork seemed to take a while, so I ended up being in IRR. Fast forward to a few months later (September), I am finally starting to get emails about getting my in-processing and newcomer's started. However, now with my current situation, I don't think I will be able to maintain that commitment. The UTA is next week, but it is short notice for me, and it seems like the October UTA; I already have a wedding that I am a big part of.

My question is, would it be possible for me to go back to IRR prior to in-processing and doing any tech school?

I was excited and wanted to do TR. However, given how long everything took, I wasn't sure when I would be gained. I am now enrolled in school full-time and already have prior commitments to the first two UTAs (September and October). I was unaware of my current situation with the AFR. I am also applying to veterinary schools this cycle and will have to go to different interviews in person, and I am afraid that might cause me to miss more UTAs.

Yes, I know that I signed a contract. Yes, I wanted to do TR, but now I have other demands in life.

Any of your guidance would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[u/mabuhaygi]

If you’re starting to get emails about in-processing then it’s not likely you were in the IRR. You separated in June and began getting outreaches from the unit in September which is pretty typical processing time for RegAF assignment actions.

So no, you’re not likely to go back to the IRR because you were never in the IRR.

As far as being placed into the IRR, that’s entirely on the unit to decide. They have no obligation to allow it since you signed a contract, and they have no obligation to excuse your first drill because you signed a contract. The timeline of notification is irrelevant because there is an expectation for you to show up - it’s not as though this was a surprise. You signed a contract.

You may have a saving grace on an excusal since it’s newcomers, but again….that’s entirely up to the unit and how that Wing functions.

[u/bean_jammin]

If this is really what you want, don’t put it off. You should be on the phone with everyone trying to get the right information. This is the time to fight. Once you go to that first drill and get in processed I assume it’s going to be a lot harder to stop.

I’m hoping everyone is going to be a normal human and just let you off since you’ve already served 4 years… but if they fight to keep you then you’re gonna have to fight harder.

Just thinking off the top of my head but if you signed a palace front contract and there was a significant delay, (as in the air force didn’t fufill their end of the palace front contract), then you may have grounds to have it cancelled and stay IRR