There's nothing wrong with being a "weekend warrior." Many of the combat troops in theater are members of the National Guard. There are no combat arms branches in the Army Reserve.
If the NG is offering you a commission now, take it. I am sure that there are ways to lateral to the Army once you get your foot in the door. Good luck.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not downing the Guard in any way. I just don't feel that serving two days a month will serve my needs. I have researched this whole thing obsessively and discovered that there are Guard soldiers all over the country wanting to go active but not given the opportunity. Apparently it is even more difficult for an Officer to do this.
Going out and having fun as a college kid is different than being an AA candidate. That was four years ago. I graduated last year, realized that I am in the real world now. I only have a cocktail or a glass of wine occasionally at social events like a normal person. HARDLY DEPENDANT!
Originally posted by 15624832: Going out and having fun as a college kid is different than being an AA candidate. That was four years ago. I graduated last year, realized that I am in the real world now. I only have a cocktail or a glass of wine occasionally at social events like a normal person. HARDLY DEPENDANT!
Understood. So, you have a criminal history and INDICATORS of POTENTIAL ETOH dependancy or abuse. Obtaining a commision from the US Gov't is a pretty honorable thing. It is not a WALMART job. Probably above your stature. A service in dire need may consider granting waivers, but don't count on it.
All you people are so narrow minded. I am in the National Honor Society. I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and teach art in a retirement community. I am active in my church. I have worked hard to get my degree. According to some of you all that goes out the window because one single event in my life. I just want the same opportunity to serve as an Officer that my grandfather had who was on the beach of Normandy in WWII.
In today's society that one incident can have long term consequences. It is not being narrow minded, it is what it is.
The National Guard is willing to give you the chance to serve.
Like I said earlier perhaps you should ask your question at the Army board, maybe they will give you that chance too.
Thank you for your willingness to serve.
And thank you for responding with a reasonable tone. I am appreciative that the Guard is giving me the opportunity where the Active Army wouldn't and I will not let them down. Based on the responses on this forum and others over the past few days I will be signing my contract in three days with gratitude and no hesitation.
Originally posted by 15624832: All you people are so narrow minded. I am in the National Honor Society. I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and teach art in a retirement community. I am active in my church. I have worked hard to get my degree. According to some of you all that goes out the window because one single event in my life. I just want the same opportunity to serve as an Officer that my grandfather had who was on the beach of Normandy in WWII.
I'll wish you the best of luck. Read your commisioning certificate very, very carefully and consider what those words mean. That certificate and what it brings with it should be reserved for only the absoloute best of characters and it require the exercise of the best character. You will find yourself one day if you stay for long punishing and most probably discharging one your soldiers for a DUI. You will have no choice. You will see fellow officers forced to resign for a single DUI.
You will also seek advice from very senior enlisted members. I hope you take it well.
156: Have you figured out yet that the United States COAST GUARD is COMPLETELY different from the Army National Guard? The USCG is one of the five branches of the Armed forces COMPLETELY SEPERATE from the Army. The Army National Guard is a component of the Army and the Air National Guard is a component of the Air Force. BEFORE you committ to ANYTHING I would HIGHLY recommend that you do some research about what you are obligating yourself for. If you are looking for ARMY advice then you need to go to an ARMY board. If you are looking for CG advice then you are in the right place but I will tell you that it will be EXTREMELY difficult for you to be selected as an officer in the COAST GUARD as we have hundreds of highly qualified applicants with not a blemish on their record. If the ARMY NATIONAL GUARD is going to give you a commission without a waiver you better count your lucky stars and be greatful for your opportunity. I would also recommend you take the Master Chief's advice and listen to your senior enlisted members as they will make or break your career no matter what service. They are the resident experts in their specialty and with their rank comes much knowledge and wisdom. No matter what your rank you should ALWAYS be willing to learn from those you are leading as well as those around you.
....he couldn't help himself....opened the can of worms ("the President had a DUI")in the Army forum....some just don't learn....just hope he doesn't get someone killed.
