Enlisting in the National Guard?

Question

Ok, so im pretty sure i want to join the Army National Guard.
but im undecided if i want to list when i turn 17 or if i should wait, and go to college first then join. Many people say that i should go to school first because i will have more opportunities and such. Which i also agree. But then again i want to join so badly and as soon as i can so idk. i know i should go to school first because i have a lot of potential and i will be able to occomplish more.

Anyway i need some input from those of you in the service. which is the best way to go?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I'm in the Air Force and teach mostly Army students. I would say that those who have been to school sometimes have a bigger advantage because they tend to know more about the subject they are enlisting for. Sometimes there is a little more maturity and discipline among those who have been to college already. There are always exceptions. I would go to college first. College can be expensive and you do get 100% tuition assistance in the military, but like you said, you will be open to so many more ideas and opportunities. In the Army, you will have the chance to experience ideas and opportunities also, but they will be different ones.
The Army will always be there, and college will always be there. If you are a driven individual, then it won't really matter what you decide to do first.

Answer 2

I assume that if you are making plans to join at 17 that you already have yoru parents support. They have to sign papers to allow you to join before you turn 18.

I didn't enlist until after I'd finished college. It worked out great for me--I needed a little more life experience and maturity to handle miltiary life. I don't think I'd have made it at 18 but that's obviously not true of everyone.

As far as college goes, all states, except California, offer some kind of tuition assistance to Guard members and commands are very supportive of education. (Oklahoma, for example, gives 100% tuition at state schools--you only pay fees and for books and for housing if you need it).

I don't know if I've made your decision any easier, but I hope you'll look into how enlisting sooner can help you with college--its a very viable option. There is certainly nothing wrong with waiting, though--depends on what's right for you.

Frankie B.: there are plenty of Coasties and Air Force Reserve personnel overseas.

Answer 3

first of all..make sure that you graduate high school before deciding anything. you have to graduate or get your GED before you can enlist anyways...

but i recommend joining the active duty army if you are looking to move forward in a career type fashion. either way..you are going to get training for a job that you are interested in..and you will get your college payed for if you are already in the army. if you do national guard or reserves (also a great choice) then you can go to basic and AIT and then go back home and get a job and go to school but it will all be payed for. i am one of those people that is all about joining THEN going to school so that you already have the discipline of the military and you get it payed for. my husband is starting his college classes now while hes in Iraq and hes done a ton better now than he would have before he joined the army because he didn't have the discipline that he has now.

good luck!

Answer 4

In the Air Guard you are less likely to deploy that is about it Keep in mind they do deploy as well but it will probably take a lot longer waiting for a spot to open up in the Air Guard Go talk to a recruiter if you need anymore information

Answer 5

If you're set on enlisting, and our parents are willing to sign your paperwork (which they must do if you're under 18), then enlisting in the guard as a Split Option soldier isn't a bad idea. You'd go to basic one summer and AIT (your specialty school) the next.

Understand that once you're done with AIT, however, you may be deployed overseas if your unit is called up, regardless of what you're doing on the civilian side (certain exceptions apply to active members of ROTC, but they only apply if you're actively involved in the program at the time).

Before you enlist, find out as much as you can--your choice of specialties available to you may be limited by what unit(s) are available in your area. Get a practice book for the ASVAB (the aptitude test you'll take as part of the enlistment process) to ensure you get the best score possible.

Remember that no matter what your recruiter tells you is available to you in terms of money for school, student loan repayment, enlistment bonuses, etc, if it's not written in your enlistment contract when you sign it, then you will not receive it later. (So many people have complained to their congresscritter about "my recruiter told me I was getting that and I never did" over the years; if they had actually paid closer attention when the paperwork was being done they'd have never been disappointed...) Old saying among recruiting ops personnel, lawyers and businessmen: If it ain't on paper, it never happened.

Good luck to you in your endeavors!

Answer 6

Not a service man here, but if I had it to do over I would have went through NROTC in college. I believe you agree to go into the Navy as an officer for 6 years after you are out of college.

I think it is rather safe to assume the same agreement is possible for the Armies ROTC program. Good luck :)

Answer 7

Most all states offer free college tuition to national guard soldiers. Check with your recruiter- you could get free (or at least reduced) tuition, a check for going to college (G.I. Bill) and another check for your weekend drill!! On top of that, some military jobs (MOS) offer signing bonuses in the thousands......

Answer 8

I'd say enlist and then when you go to college enroll in he simultaneous membership program (SMP) in ROTC. It's pretty much like getting paid for going to college full time, being in ROTC and actively drilling with your unit. Not to mention you should be able to qualify for full tuition including your books threw the guard.

Answer 9

go to school first definatly a 4 yr degree= pay grade e4 or rank specialist. which is a big headstart ud become a sgt in under 1 1/2yrs. i wish i would have went to school before i joined thats for sure.

Answer 10

you should go to school,it's not like it use to be joining the Guard,wait see who's put in office,they will take anyone now,you should sit down and really think about it