When the CASMR website had more information on it, I remember it stating that AT was 9 Days long. Can anyone tell me if there are other options? There are times during the year for me that 9 days wouldn't be a problem and there are times when taking that much time off would be really inconvienent.
The whole AT thing is a real cluster. I don't know why the GEN doesn't give up on his AT dream and just go back to having the schools. No schools in 2 years because of this pipe dream.
Last drill there was some word that AT, IF it does happen, may be shortened to 7 days.
Thanks for the reply! 3 or 4 day weekends are not such a big deal, but 9 days can be problematic. 7 days is still quite a bit depending on the time of year. You mentioned that you used to just have schools rather than AT,in the past, how long were schools typically?
I wonder if the terrorists are thinking "Gee, 9 days to commit to killing infidels. That's a lot to ask. Forgot that deal. I'll only blow myself up if it doesn't take more than a couple of days to plan this thing."
Well, when you put it that way...heck..I didn't know CASMR commits 9 days to killing terrorists each year. Sign me up! I thought it was just 9 days of classroom work. But, if this is what you're doing...then I'm in!
sdfsgt, I just wanted to make sure I know who I'm talking to here before I begin to go off. Your screen name is sdfsgt which leads me to believe you are a SGT in the "volunteer" state defense force but your profile states Army, National Guard. Now you could be prior service National Guard or a "volunteer" pretending to be US Army. For those of us who are Prior Service, there is a difference especially when someone who has not earned the right to be called a member or veteran of the U.S. Military tries to claim they are. If you are prior service then you may want to update your profile. If you are not, then you had better change what you claim to be.
No need to go off, my friend. I am a fellow patriot and I thank you for your service, past and present. I have prior service experience, but for now I'd just like to stay anonymous since the political climate is quite volatile in CSMR. And yes, I am currently in the CSMR so I hope you understand.
As for 9 days of AT, no one is suggesting we're going out looking for terrorists. Hell, we can't even carry guns w/o someone freaking out. However, all I was trying to point out was that our enemies who are trying to kill us, SDF or not, doesn't think like that (what's in it for me?). So for me to give up 9 days is no burden at all. I just happen to believe that none of my fellow CSMR soldiers should either.
SSGTJarvis, forgot to answer your question. Prior schools were only a few days. When I went to Basic Orientation Course, it was 4 days. My buddies who went to BNCOC and ANCOC were also only a few days. Hope that helps.
sdfsgt, You're right. Terrorists probably could probably care less about their career or family when planning an attack.
CASMR looks like a solid organization but I do need to consider the impact on my career and family if I decided to commit to this type of volunteer work.
Homeland security is everyone's job. CSMR is in transition and definitely every applicant has the right to know what the expectation is. We've had recruiters in the past (and some are still around) who absolutely will not be up front about these things and flat out deceive people to get them to join. Of course, all we end up with are frustrated soldiers and they end up leaving anyway in a few months when they learn the truth. I can't tell you how many soldiers I've seen come and go within the last year because of this non-sense. It's just plain unethical and reflects badly on us all. Having said that, the CSMR does have a place for everyone, although it most certainly isn't for everyone. Please talk with one of our official recruiters so you can get the straight scoop on how you might contribute if you're interested, and what would be expected of you if you join. If you just want a name, then call SFC Joyce Stinett at HQ, (916) 854-4474. She'll give you the bottom line no BS truth.
Originally posted by sdfsgt: I can't tell you how many soldiers I've seen come and go within the last year because of this non-sense. It's just plain unethical and reflects badly on us all.
Just so that I'm aware before I contact a recruiter, what kind of "non-sense" are you talking about? What are people being told and why are they leaving so quickly?
o If one of our recruiters try to sell you on all the "benefits" of CSMR like jobs as one of the highlights, then this is a clue.
o Anyone making promises that you'll be "issued" anything, keep your skeptical sense.
o Promises of speedy promotions, your bs meter should be pegging the needle.
If you want to make a difference for young soldiers and airmen regardless if you're paid or not, whether you get a ribbon or not, or if you're promoted or not, then you will fair well. Some of these young warriors might return someday and thank you for your help. That's the pay off.
Do SMR soldiers get jobs? Yes, some do, because requirement for state employment is that you must be a member of Army Guard, Air Guard, or SMR. However, quite a few of these SMR soldiers do not have a heart of service. If they're not paid, then they will not lift a finger to help. That's not what the SMR is about.
Do SMR soldiers get ribbons? Yes, they do. Which would you prefer, a piece of cloth that is meaningless to most who see it (even other SMR soldiers), or someone coming back to you saying "Hey, thanks for your time way back when. It really helped me stay alive, do better in the field, etc."?
I forgot to mention one more important "non-sense":
o "It's strictly a volunteer thing. Come as you want, go as you please." The truth is, you volunteer your time until the moment you receive actual, no-kidding orders. Ask anyone who worked the fires last year. Then you become a resource for the state and on the state's payroll, just like every other guard soldier. The people we serve, Army Guard and Air Guard, they're training to go in harms way. The least we can do is take our service as deadly serious as their obligated duty - whether they realize it or not.
I can tell you that the crop of recruiters the CSMR has now, are top notch. We all attended a recruiting school at the JFTB recently and squared away many of the issues there may have been before.
With that said, if you have any questions, message me and I will help you if you have not spoken with a recruiter yet.
I've heard many great things about the recruiter school so please don't get me wrong. I'm just having a hard time digesting your message. Please tell me if anyone else read this the same way I do. Notes in [] are mine:
"I can tell you that the crop of recruiters the CSMR has now, are top notch [because I say so]. We all attended a recruiting school at the JFTB [Los Alamitos] recently and [therefore I am "squared away".....well, because I say so.]
If you're a true blue bonafide recruiter, then why not post your contact information so candidates can reach you, and CSMR HQ can vouch for your status as a recruiter? You may well be a great recruiter, but I just hope you see the mixed message here.
In any case, anyone interested has the option to contact one anonymous CA_Recruiter, OR visit the official CSMR website and call one of the many listed recruiters for more information. Darn near every unit is represented there. Your choice.
Whats the problem, he just offered to help people if they haven't already made contact with a recruiter. What are you afraid he is an imposter who would provide false info on CSMR?
The name is (SPC) Matt Morelli, you can reach me on my dedicated recruiting line at 818-462-5061 or email me at matthew(dot)morelli(at)us(dot)army(dot)mil. Until Saturday I was with the ISG-South, and got word today from the OIC of the RTF-South that my Form 10 was sent to HQ for processing this afternoon...so if you feel the need to verify, at least wait for HQ to receive my transfer paperwork.
OR...come meet me in person on Saturday at the National Guard armory in Long Beach at 2200 Redondo at 0900.
Regarding the school and the unit(s)/process being squared away now, I am sure you share the same frustrations as many soldiers do, and many recruits do that the process takes far too long, and there are a lot of questions. Well, the school served to remedy a lot of this so I can say, and anyone who was at the school should be able to reiterate that the entire thing is much better now, and if a recruiter is selling a prospect based on inaccurate information...well, I am sure they will be talked to.
For now, SSGTJarvis, I would be happy to help you, and depending on your location, I would be happy to connect you with another REAL CSMR recruiter in your area.
Hey, Thanks for the help. I'll make the call when I'm ready to go. Just out of curiousity, about how much did you put down for uniforms to get started? Did you just need to buy a set of ACUs and a Service Uniform? Does CASMR have any plans of changing over to the Service Blue uniform shortly after the Army changes over? What have you had to purchase beyond the uniforms?
No problem. Personally I think I spent WAY more than most people would, or would need to. Last year alone I spent over $2,000 on uniform and gear. I have multiple sets of ACU's, all different kinds of gear, etc. The average soldier who drills once per month and doesn't do much else can get away with one set of ACU's, boots, field cap, and beret. I haven't even gotten around to buying Class A or B uniforms yet but I will (have to) soon.
It also depends on what unit you are with. Some units drill multiple consecutive days while others drill one Saturday a month. Of course, if you are going to be in the field for several days, well you probably want enough uniforms to go with it.
I would say a safe and realistic figure would be looking at a $500 investment for all necessary drill gear, and for the most part, you would not need A's or B's until you've been in for a little while.
Also, I am fairly certain that yes, we will adopt Blues, I've already seen them in use in the CSMR.
