My father is considering to join the national guard reserves. He was wondering if the company he is currently employed at will have to hold his job for him as he attends basic training. He was also wondering if benefits were available that will allow him to take care of his family while he is away.

Thankyou

visit www.esgr.org the answer is yes the company has to retain his job for him. He will also receive full benifits while in training.

thankyou so much! i'll let him know.

My husband will be going to take the ASVAB and go through MEPS, and swear in on May 16th and 17th. He told his employer that he is joining the NG and his employer told him that they don't know if they will be able to hold his job for him when he gets ready to head to BCT. Any advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

His emplolyer is required to hold his job. This can be provided to the employer if there are any questions:

20 CFR Sec 1002.18 What status or activity is protected from employer discrimination by USERRA?
An employer must not deny initial employment, reemployment, retention in employment, promotion, or any benefit of employment to an individual on the basis of his or her membership, application for membership, performance of service, application for service, or obligation for service in the uniformed services.

This matches Title 38 U.S.C Sec 4311.

If discrimation does occur or there are other questions, please have your father contact Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 1-800-336-4590 (option 1) or USERRA@osd.mil. Vist the website www.esgr.mil.
Good luck!

Also you can get his recruiter or someone to write up a letter. My husband's company has a form letter they issue him for every drill, training etc. He gives a copy to his employer and keeps a copy that way his employer has evidence that he's actually in the guard. Since he's just joining he probably hasn't talked to his company yet but his recruiter should be able to help.