what is the difference between the army reserve and the national guard?

Question

i am considering joing one of the branches but cant seem to find a clear understanding of the differences between them. it seems to me as though they both offer the same thing. help me understand the difference.thanks.

Answer 1

The Army Reserves is the Federal organization where as the National Guard is the State militia.

The National Guard is the only dual missioned organization where as we have a federal warfight mission as well as a state responder mission. I can fight in Iraq, go to the Southern Border and work hurricanes, tornadoes, snow storms, floods, etc.

The Reserves can go to war and that's about it.

National Guard typically go to war as a unit and the Army Reserves can be pulled out as individuals on an as needed basis.

Most Army Reserve units are training units and most National Guard units are combat units. The one advantage that the Reserves has over the NG is the fact that they own all the Civil Affairs assets.

Over all, the National Guard is a better organization.

Of course, I do have a little bias...

;-)

EDIT:

OH, I almost forgot!

Depending on what state National Guard you join, there is full tuition assistance for any state college in that state. In KY, you can go to U of L or UK for free tuition and with the money you make in the Guard you can pay for everything else.

It's a good deal.

Answer 2

The Reserves are basically the Federal back-up to the Full-time army. They can be deployed individually overseas and receive all the typical benefits of the military (GI Bill, Commissary and PX priveledges, retirement and etc.).
The Guard is both a back-up to the full-time army and also an emergency response tool for the governor of the state. The Guards main job is to handle stateside emergencies (Katrina, 9/11, tornadoes, hurricane, etc.) as the Guard is the only military branch authorized to do operations within the United States unless a state of emergency is called. The Guard can still be deployed overseas, but only as whole units rather than by individuals.
The federal benefits of the Guard are exactly the same as the reserves receive (GI Bill, Commissary and PX priveledges, retirement and etc.) except that the Guard receives a whole heck of alot more benfits from their states as well. Many states guardsmen and women can attend state colleges and universities 100% tuition-free (they still receive the GI Bill money from the feds but they can use it for whatever they want since the college is already paid for!). Some states also give tax-breaks to their Guardsmen and some also give free hunting/ fishing permits. All states have different benefits they give only to their National Guardsmen, because they take on the job of helping out that state when its in need.
When you compare the two, it's basically the same commitment (1 weekend per month and 2 weeks in the summer), but the Guard gets way more benefits and gets some different satisfaction knowing that it works for its community and state as well as for the country.

Answer 3

okay some answer are part right and part wrong then others are close
1) If you go active reserves you have to do 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks iduring the year and you get 15 membership points
Heres the key for retirement purpose you must have 60 points for a good year towards retirement, you get points by attending weekend drills and 2 weeks training and they just give you 15.
So if you do all requirements you will always have a good year
why because each weekend is worth 4 points 2 points each day and which =48 & 15 I call them just because points and then if you go to summer camp which is ususally 14-17 days (mandatory by contract) 48&15$14=77 points and you have a good year and you can keep going until you spend 20 years in and then you have "Xamount" of points and thats what your retirement would be based on plus. Every fay you did of active you wouild get one point, In my case I spent just over 4 years active so I got 365x4=1400. The Army Reserve is Federal you wont be called out for huricanes,torando,
If you join the guard the same principle applies except you can be call out by the Governor who has total control of you. You can also be called out by the President., The NG played a big role in Katrina, I don't know about you but I'm not to fond of hunting for rottting bodies.
Two the both offer some type of college benefits.
Right now both are being called up for IRAQ
If you join please keep in mind that you will more than like being going to IRAQ unless it ends shortly.,
Someone said that you wouldnt go as a group in the reserve that is not true especially if you are in an active troop unit,

Answer 4

The Commander in Chief of the Army (president of the United States) is over the Army Reserve. The National Guard comes under the Governor of a State. If there was a very bad destructive storm in your state, your Governor could send the National Guard to assist. If more were needed the Governor would have to ask the President to send his Reserve. In either case you could still end up going to Iraq. Your chances of travel are greater in the reserve. They often train out side of the state that they are home based in. The Guard much less

Answer 5

The biggest difference is in that Reserves can be called up individually whereas Guard is called up as a unit. The Guard is the one weekend a month thing. Reserve isn't. Talk to different people who are in either part. Check out www.1800goguard.com and www.goarmy.com Those are excellent resources. If it comes down to it, talk to a recruiter. Keep an open mind and weigh your options to decide which is best for you. Good luck.

Answer 6

the reserves are solely federal. the guard can be used for state or federal. reserves seem to have better funding. i have also noticed that the guard has alot of senior citizens. honestly i would go active duty army. be a real soldier.

Answer 7

im x NG. the NG also ahs a state mission: eg you can eb called up for state emergencies like floods, tornadoes snow storms etc, AR cant they are only federal, also to be activated for foreign service your state governor has to approve it but this is only prefunctionary. a lso i believe the the NG has more combat MOS' while teh AR has more support MOS'

Answer 8

the national guard is run by the state, they can be activated by a state governer(but also responds to the US government). reserve is mandated by federal government.

Answer 9

im not exactly sure, but in the national guard you dont actually leave the country. so i know that much

Answer 10

They are both excellent, and I am proud of you for joining.