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Military.com Forums Guard, Reserve & State Defense Forces General Discussions on the National Guard MAJOR ADVICE NEEDED|
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New Member |
I'm a 35 yo male married w/ 2 young children. Have talked to a recruiter already and I am strongly thinking about joining the Army National Guard. (PA)
Wife is not all for it though. I can't proceed with out my family being behind me 100%. |
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New Member |
So what is it that you need advice on?
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New Member |
Am I nuts for thinking about joining? Or am I being selfish? I'm 35 and have a family. I should have already made up my mind about what to do in life. right????
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Spearhead of Logistics |
No way man! Its never too late! I think if you feel driven to it. You should do it! Good pay, and benefits, plus just the general pride in it, never know you could love it.
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New Member |
thanks soccerartist15. Needed to hear some possitive motivation.
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Spearhead of Logistics |
Hey no problemo! I understand ur delima, had a similar issue. But glad I joined now too.
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New Member |
Well I met with the recruiter and took the pre-test. Did all the paperwork, and figured out what jobs I could do. Now I have to take the plunge and go to MEPS. Still very undecided though.. Any thoughts, or words of encouragement out there????? Wife really dont want me to go through with it. But there is not much out there to do and feel secure right now.
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New Member |
I was kind of in the same situation as you are in now. So let me give you a little advise if I may. Just do it. You will not be happy until you do, because it will always be on your mind. I have a wife and 3 kids and my wife is now supporting me 100% becasue she knows how bad I want this to happen.I will be 38 in March of 09,so I figured if I am going to do this I better do it now.I actually goto MEPS for my physical on December 5th,if all goes well I should be sworn in that same day, I am looking very forward to that day and am very excited and nervous at the same time,Its all good thou. So once again Just do it,you will be more relaxed and be asking different questions for the next step. Good luck with your decision and keep us posted.
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Member |
You need to sit down and map out the pro's and con's of joining the guard. You need to ask yourself why you want to and what you expact to gain from it. Think about how this will affect you career. What do you do as a civilian? You also need to research and decide on an MOS in the guard. Don't just go into the first thing the recruiter sells you, because that is the type of unit that you live near. You can choose whatever you want. And drive as far as you are willing to go to drill. If you have any real heavy questions you can ask me, I have been in the guard for over 10 years, and had 8 years active time before that, so I can give you an answer or two. |
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New Member |
Ok, Brandon Knight
The recruiter is trying to get me into 92Y and I would like something more interesting like 31B or 21B. I'm an Electrician in civilian life, and hate the thoughts of doing it all week then have to go to training and do the same thing. So I'm lookin outside the box for my MOS. Plus he says if I go 31B I would be deployed faster than being a Unit Supply Specialist. Its just the economy is I have no future for retirement or anything like it. And her I would be working towards a retirement and even possably new career. |
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Member |
31B and 21B would definitely be a more interesting career path. I am sure you have researched both those MOSs. Deploying all depends on what uint you get put in. You can deploy just as quick as a supply specialist assigned to an Infantry unit as you would as an MP, or Combat Engineer. That where I was saying you have to map out what each MOS can actually do for you. As for MP, or Engineer, you will be in a larger team environment, so you will develop a lot of close associations with the guys you work with. Everyone will be the same MOS. Those in my opinion would be better and far more rewarding career paths in the short and long run. As for retirement. Yeah, after 20 years in the guard, and all of them good years, you will qualify for Non-Regular Service Retirement. So if you do plan to join, do it soon, as the guard does have a mandatory retirement age….which is 60. So if you join in the next year or so, you can retire out of the guard with 20 plus years. Another question, Do you wan to deploy? Chances are you will anyway. And if your state is anything like that of mine, they can, and might put you into a slot of a short manned unit, and make you change your MOS. I have know a lot of guys that were put into our Brigade Combat Team, and have had to be retrained into a shortage MOS. So that is something to keep in the back of your mind. |
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Member |
You should also tell your wife to check out the spouse area of this forum. There several guard spouses including myself that can tell her what it might be like.
Also talk to her about it, tell her how much you want to join and why. Then also discuss her fears. She can also email me through my profile here if she doesn't want to post a message. My husband has been in the Guard for 3 years now he's an MP 31B. |
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New Member |
The recruiter contacted me again today. Really pushin for me to go to MEPS the 4th and 5th of this week. It's crunch time I guess? Or should I go when I decide everything is in order. He makes it sound like I have to go right now??
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Member |
They'll do that, because a recruiter has a monthly quota of people they have to put in. So it might be crunch time for him/her. Go when you feel you are ready. But don't string the guy/gal along if you are hesitant. Just make sure you are ready to sign your name to the paper, and you get the MOS you want. It really is all your decision.
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New Member |
I have to agree with BrandonKnight. Go when everything is in order. Don't be afraid to tell your recruiter point blank that you are thinking and will sign in your own good time.
I am a 21B, and have also spent some time in support units, and a bit in aviation. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. |
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New Member |
Hello XJay,
My recruiter contacted me today and said if I don't sign by the end of the month, that my bonuses would go down. Is this true????? |
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Member |
Sounds like BS if you ask me.
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New Member |
Absolute BS. Just trying to tip you in his/her direction. DA publishes bonuses for each MOS and I believe it's only done twice a year and Dec ain't one of the months it's published. Your recruiter has no way to know which way the bonuses will go. Heck, they might even go up. |
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New Member |
Yes there is a chance that they are going down nothing specific but we got some info from NGB about it changing after the new year so your recruiter isn't filling you full of crap.
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New Member |
I am 29, married, and will be leaving again in a few days to finish AIT (PA Guard too). There's a 39 year old in my class. He rocks. I understand your concern about leaving your family, but if this is truly what you want to do , do it.
Mostly, the bonuses were for jobs needed on the front lines now- like Combat Engineer, Light and Heavy Vehicle Mechanic, Bridge Crewmember, Signal jobs (35 series). If you choose Active First you can get $60k; however, if your wife is worried, that may be a bad idea. |
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