Joining the reserves or national guard?

Question

I am the wife of an active duty soldier and we have 2 children together. I am also currently enrolled in school. I am interested in finding out information on someone like me joining the reserves or National Guard-part time in order to get some job experience under my belt before graduation. (I am working towards my degree in criminal justice, and considering homeland security in the future.) I have been told that because my husband ia active duty, considering the children, I cannot join. Is this true??

Answer 1

I don't know who told you that you can't join, but they were wrong.

You will have to have a Family Care Plan. That plan is done to ensure that your children will have someone to watch them (normally the grandparents, but could be anyone), in the event that both service members are deployed.

You MAY have to have an "Exception to Policy" for the dependent rule, but that will be an answer that the recruiter can answer in accordance to the Army Regulations.

Remember that the NG and USAR deal with units in their area. For your degree program and future plans, I would recommend becoming an MP (Military Police). You may have to travel to get to your unit for the weekend drills and 2 weeks a year, but it should help.

Thanks for thinking of us. Good luck to you and your husband.

Answer 2

I am sure you can join if you are otherwise qualified. Reserves or guard does not matter, but look carefully at the enlistment packages and benefits for schools, training, travel, tuition programs, sign on bonus' as compared to the years obligated. the shorter obligation has less perks but often they offer good extensions that more than make up for it. Read carefully before you sign. You must have some plan in the event that both you and your husband are separated for duties. Don't dis-pare as there are many bases where you can both be stationed at the same time (there might be a few months apart for reporting dates and you can fidure this out with your time of entry and ask for a specific location at enlistment) and some were overseas. As a reserve you might even be able to visit you spouse for a two week training period if he were stationed away and have the gov pay you to do it.(Just watch for the opportunities)

Answer 3

It is not true that you cannot join, but you have to have what is called a Family Care Plan. The FCP is a document that explains what you and your spouse will do if both of you have to be gone on active duty during the same time, who will care for your children, etc...