For the record, I could have gone straight across to O-4 in the Army National Guard, but chose to revert to CW2. However, there can be an issue with finding a slot/billet at your current rank. For me, I had a very successful career outside and chose, at the time, to just fly after work and weekends while I did my other job. After eight months of training back to back (AQC, MTP, M transition, M MTP, maintenance courses, etc..), I changed my mind and decided I would pursue a full time position in the guard. Timing and luck resulted in a job offer as I finished my last course.