anyone ever enlist in national guards?

jemcam

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2001
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Yes, I did it, and was in for 14 years. What state are you in? Some are great, some are crappy, depends on your state. I was in FL.

Some of the training money comes from the State, and some from the Feds.

I never regretted it, I wish I could've retired. How much you enjoy it depends on the unit and your MOS. Get in a good unit that goes to the field often. Otherwise, it sucks sitting around the armory all weekend.

If you're not in college yet, DO IT! You'll get the money for school, and you'll learn more about yourself than you will anywhere, anyway while you're in Basic and AIT, again depending on your MOS.

Give me more info.
 

b0mbrman

Lifer
Jun 1, 2001
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<< if so could you give me some pros and cons of enlisting? thx >>



Yup. ex-Army Reserve right here, now in ROTC (which I also had to sign a reserve contract for)

Pros: Money for college, you'll have an awesome time, you'll get in good shape, you'll be putting it down for the USA

Cons: Time commitment, can get shipped away with as little as 1 to 2 weeks notice
 

jemcam

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2001
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After originally enlisting and serving 4 years, I went to Officer Candidate School. Very difficult, but well worth all the crap. I got tired of putting up and taking down camo nets while watching the dumbass lieutenants sit there and try to figure out how to keep their uniforms clean and avoid work. I knew I could do their job, and much better. Besides, by going to OCS, I knew what the enlisted man's job was and what he needed in a leader.

So... I did it, and had to leave when I realized there was no way in hell I was ever going to make it to Major. I had three commands, which tells me that I did a good job. Although I enjoyed being a Commander, I never got any staff officer time, but those guys didn't work hard enough to keep me awake anyway.

 

jemcam

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2001
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<< Cons: Time commitment, can get shipped away with as little as 1 to 2 weeks notice >>



Try a couple HOURS notice, especially in the Guard. Remember, the Guard has a dual mission; Federal and State. I went on several State Active Duty missions with no notice.

The fires in Florida in 1998 (I think, it may have been 99)
Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
Other state missions we had considerable notice. For instance the Pope and President Reagan came to Miami in 1986 or 87. That was cool.


Some were total surprises, although I did know the Guard was being called up, I was surprised when the call came in. I was ready and glad to go though. The people we were assisting were very grateful.