Thinking about enlisting...

I am thinking about enlisting in the National Guard Reserve as an officer. I am a full time firefighter, 27 y/o, married, and I have a bachelors degree in science. I have heard that you can start training as an officer if you have a bachelor's degree and that they will pay for your previous schooling. I am looking for any opinions that you guys may have. If anyone has been in my shoes or has any better ideas or experiences please let me know.

 

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Given what you have stated, I would go the NGR route as an officer. Being a firefighter, you can be sure your job will be there (when you get back) when you are deployed. Many lose their jobs when they come home (even though it's the law to reinstate their jobs). I have several friends that have retired from guard/reserves and enjoyed the experiences and the extra retirement check.

My military experience was a little difficult, but it did teach me structure, discipline & to tough it out. And with that mindset from the military, my civilian career did very well.

If I had a chance ... I would do it all over again.

Good luck in whatever you do ...

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I can't speak for the NG but I know quite a bit about the Army Reserve Direct Commission Program.

You can apply for a Direct Commission with the Army Reserve as a Civilian. Once you have been boarded and selected then you will be processed into the Army Reserve as a 2LT. At that time you will have to attend Officer Basic Course.

The only way you can get your previous classes paid for (that I know of) is if you get the Student Load Repayment Program (SLRP) and that's only if you have Student Loans that you are currently paying on. Oh and by the way, only by going Enlisted and not Officer can you qualify for the SLRP.

I don't know what the NG has told you but are they telling you to go Enlisted and then apply for OCS or a Direct Commission? I'm curious as to what they are offering you.

Feel free to PM me and I'll help you as much as I can.

 

I have just talked to a buddy of mine that is in the guard and he was telling me these things. I haven't talked to a recruiter yet. I just wanted some better advice before I went to a recruiter. I appreciate the help.

 

Here is the website that can give you the most updated and correct information:

http://www.usarc.army.mil/retn/oa.htm

Good luck to you.

 

Thanks Man!

 

Check into the Air National Guard as well. Most people don't know it exists. Don't enlist, make sure you get that commission!

 

I don't know about your age. But Im 21 when I was 18, I was gungho for the Navy. But I never went. I regret that.

 

Hell I had my 22nd birthday in boot, you can still sign on the line!

 

I have one more year before I graduate with my B.S in Emergency Medical Care then I am off to become an officer in the Air Force.

 

May sound crazy, don't talk to a recruiter, go to your nearest NG unit and talk to the AGR guys they may have better answers, and talk to the Officers there. We alwways have classes for those of us that have at least an Associates degree looking for us to become officers. Always good imformation there. They also know all about student loan repayment, at least ares know the ins and outs of it. Can't speak for other units or officers. Ours just seem to really care.

 

I agree. Soldiers that are NOT recruiters will be able to give you better, more straight forward answers than a recruiter.

 

its bullshit, our military people lose thier jobs after they come back from service.

 

Mine probably was'nt as difficult as yours but Ill agree with everything you said.

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