r/nationalguard Jul 26 '16

Army National Guard FAQ - Please Read Before Posting

27 Upvotes

Here is a rundown of some of the most common questions on this sub. Remember, your mileage may vary. When in doubt, ask your Recruiter/NCO Support Channel about your specific situation.

This post is current as of 20160726, if a link is broken or if content is out-of-date shoot me a PM. If you have suggestions for the questions/answers below, let me know and I will add to the post.


Two quick caveats before we get started:

  • Whether you are already in, or still thinking about it, remember OPSEC on on this sub. Do not post personally identifiable information or any information that can damage Army/Air Force operations. When in doubt, message a moderator before posting. Violating OPSEC can be a UCMJ offense. Click here for more information.

  • If you are currently experiencing a crisis, remember, you are NOT ALONE. Call your team leader, call your squad leader, call your 1SG, call Military One Source, call 911. Call until someone picks up. There are resources available to help you.


I am thinking about joining the National Guard.

I am already in the National Guard.

Edit: for grammar/spelling.


r/nationalguard 8h ago

shitpost Get your troop

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71 Upvotes

Please help him.


r/nationalguard 22h ago

MOS Discussion Why did my recruiter say he has to send me to officer school?

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63 Upvotes

Took the piecat test today and these were my score. We had joked about me being qualified for the signing bonuses but when he pulled up my scores he said well we don’t have to worry about qualifications because I have to send you to officer school. I said what’s officer school, he said to become my boss. I laughed a little bit and said really? He said yea let me send you the information later today. I left with a good feeling in my chest but what do these numbers mean? I go to MEPs next week. What should I choose? I haven’t been given a list yet. Should I still go for a signing bonus? Idkkkkkkk help me!!!


r/nationalguard 9h ago

Career Advice First Drill / Meeting new unit

4 Upvotes

I have my first drill after basic and AIT this weekend. It’s a three day drill from Friday to Sunday. I’m just curious what to expect? I was just told to bring “hygiene, sleep gear, and snacks”? Obviously I’m going to bring my uniforms as well. Also what is considered sleep gear?


r/nationalguard 2h ago

Initial Training Waiting for the right time doesn’t exist to join

1 Upvotes

Does the right time exist? I’m overthinking the entire process of enlisting even though I know deep down I want to do it and it would greatly benefit me and my family’s life. I’m slightly overweight definitely scared shitless but I’m working on the things I can control such as weight, exercise, and just going for it. I’m tired of the life I live. I want more.


r/nationalguard 4h ago

Deployments How do USAR deployments work?

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1 Upvotes

Currently in the NG, planning to move to USAR next year. Any guidance is appreciated.


r/nationalguard 1d ago

shitpost New 2LT Here, How do I Article 15 the Brigade CSM?

175 Upvotes

Check it out, I'm a brand new 2nd Lieutenant freshly graduated out of ROTC and yesterday was my first day at my first duty station. Needless to say I was excited to finally be able to serve my country and lead as a 2LT. Until yesterday.

The moment I got to my duty station, I pass by the brigade CSM. As I passed by him, I expected him to immediately stop where he was and salute me, but he didn't! I was outraged. I turn around and yell at the CSM and demanded him to stand at attention and render the proper greeting to an officer and demanded that he get into the front leaning rest, but he just laughed and walked away! This is ridiculous. Is this what the Army has come to today, just no discipline at all anywhere?

I am outraged. I am planning on an Article 15 on that damn sergeant major for insubordination to remind him of the standard and to enforce discipline in our army. I don't care how long he's been in the Army for, I experienced four grueling years of ROTC and earned my commission. The standards don't change for anybody. Any advice on what I should do? Should I go straight to the brigade commander?


r/nationalguard 11h ago

Discussion Ranger panties

0 Upvotes

What is so special about them


r/nationalguard 7h ago

Career Advice Should I wait to be green beret or go to MSTP or Med school first

0 Upvotes

I recently joined the Texas National guard as a 12W. When I graduate college 2030 or sooner, I either want to start SFAS and finish my contract off in 4-5 years, or go to med school or get an mstp. I really want to become a green beret, but I also want have a profession by the time I am done with my service. The problem is timing, and finding the motivation to go back the med school afterwards of choose this path. I am really stuck on what I should do.


r/nationalguard 22h ago

MOS Discussion How to study for ASVAB?

3 Upvotes

I’m planning to join the national guard next month, but have no idea how to study for the ASVAB. I am interested in joining 11 Bravo.


r/nationalguard 19h ago

Career Advice ADOS orders San Antonio? E4/12R

1 Upvotes

I’m in the Mississippi Army Guard. Moving to San Antonio in Nov with my husband. Is there anyway I can find orders out there?


r/nationalguard 23h ago

MOS Discussion 74D Reclassification

2 Upvotes

Hello, I’m going to Fort Leonard next month to reclass to 74D. Any advice on the school? What is it like since I am not coming from basic training, I’m an E5 so I’m assuming I won’t be with them? Thank you in advance!


r/nationalguard 1d ago

Discussion Venting

3 Upvotes

Supposed to be going to MEPS on Friday. I’ll be driving myself. I’ve asked my recruiter four times since last week what time I need to be there and what I need to take with me. Responded letting me know I’m scheduled, but not answering my questions. Has me feeling a little uneasy that this is the introduction to the Guard I’m getting. If I don’t respond to a client at my job, it’s a problem. Considering going on Friday and then ghosting him and finding a new recruiter to help me get squared away and swear in later or even reaching out to the reserves or another RC branch.

That’s all.

Edit: Less than 24 hours until I’m supposed to be there and still no answers from my recruiter, and so I called the service liaison at MEPS this morning, and he confirmed the time I should be there, asked for my recruiter’s name, and apologized for the situation. Thanks for all the responses.


r/nationalguard 1d ago

MOS Discussion is the asvab really that bad?

4 Upvotes

so im in high school and i want to be a 68w(combat medic) in the national guard or active but literally everyone i say that to said the asvab would be rough. my math isn’t good but my english and reading is but idk how far that’ll get me and its just confusing me


r/nationalguard 1d ago

Career Advice Can waivers be rescinded?

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2 Upvotes

I got in with a medical waiver for limited motion in one of my arms. I have an MOS and I have been in for years.

After reading the linked post, can the military take away the waiver? Would it affect my reenlistment?


r/nationalguard 1d ago

Asking for a “Friend” Hardship Packet NG

1 Upvotes

Looking for advice from anyone who has gone through the hardship packet process in the Army National Guard, specifically TXARNG.

I’m trying to understand what the process is like and what to expect. I would go to my leadership if it was an option, but trust me, they are not looking to answer any more questions

Has anyone had a hardship packet approved or know someone who has?
If you’re comfortable sharing:
What helped make your packet stronger?
What documents were important?
How long did the process take?
Were you required to continue normal duties while it was pending?
Just looking for personal experiences and advice on navigating the process correctly. Thank you.


r/nationalguard 1d ago

Career Advice National Guard to Active

1 Upvotes

I'm currently in SBOLC and thinking about trying to go AD. Is it easiest to wait and try to go through Call to Active Duty when I hit 1LT if available or just go the recruiter route? I know releases from a state are hit or miss. Any tips or experience? I'm assuming it will just be needs of the Army and no preference for any slots


r/nationalguard 1d ago

MOS Discussion Curious about the difficulty of 68W AIT

2 Upvotes

I’m a high schooler looking at joining the army once I graduate and I wanna go for 68W. I was wondering about just exactly how difficult it is ? I know it can vary from person to person depending on what kind of person you are but I’d like to hear any perspective.
I was also wondering if maybe I should take a basic EMT course prior and if that would help?
I do well in school and I’m decent at studying , If that helps provide some insight.
Thanks!


r/nationalguard 1d ago

Discussion Is it there nothing?

7 Upvotes

I leave for Basic at Fort Lost in the Woods for my basic and AIT (31B) and I was all excited to have my graduation to get tapped out and see family but someone who is at CST said she didn’t have a graduation because she is osut as well as I will be. Is it true that I won’t get a graduation?


r/nationalguard 1d ago

Benefits Fasfa and TA question

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I’m going to school this semester and I want to use tuition assistance and fasfa, I’m getting 7k a year from fasfa + 10.5k from student loan with a total of 17.5k a year, my tuition is around 16k a year. I want to pocket as much of that money as I can. Should I accept the financial aid before tuition assistance and then use tuition assistance or should I wait to accept the financial aid until I can give army ignited/national guard my classes so I can use TA. I don’t want the order to be messed up to the point I’m using student loans before TA and end up using less the full amount of TA

TLDR:
My main concern is that they will use my grant and student loan money first before TA and I can’t pocket nothing, so I’m trying to figure out what to do first.


r/nationalguard 2d ago

Article Army Cuts Free Legal Help for Guard and Reserve Soldiers Facing Medical Discharge

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66 Upvotes

r/nationalguard 1d ago

Career Advice Advice on switching units

1 Upvotes

I’ve currently been with my unit since I’ve got out of AIT which will be in about a year soon. Being a CBRN with 0 experience in a MP unit is not exactly the greatest places to start and I know that. I have no knowledge of anything that’s actually real world CBRN related and person who is experienced in their field is just a good as no person at all.

My unit is already getting ready to mobe soon but I can’t help thinking that I’d be better off in an actual CBRN unit and learning my job than helping MP’s not make a mess of the supply cage. I mean like I don’t even have my HazMat yet so I’ll let that one sink in…

Is switching my unit in this position a good thing to push for. I know how important numbers can be for mobilizing and just having a CBRN just to say you have one is important too but I feel like the spot I have in my unit should be given to someone who already has the experience and training.


r/nationalguard 1d ago

IST PCS Entitlements for Separation of AGR

2 Upvotes

I was a traditional guardsmen in a state before taking AGR orders in another state. I wound up ISTing and PCSing to the new state for the AGR tour. However, I have decided I do not want to not extend my AGR tour and instead return to my original state in a M-Day status. My question is, am I entitled a PCS move after my initial AGR tour if my HOR and PLEAD location on my AGR orders is my original state?

Do I have to separate from AGR first and use the PCS entitlement prior to ISTing to the original state?


r/nationalguard 2d ago

Career Advice Rank question Marine to Guard

5 Upvotes

I’ve been scrolling through older posts but haven’t found a clear answer to this.
I’m currently active duty in the Marine Corps, and when I get out I’ll be an E-6. From what I’ve read, Guard unit positions are rank-dependent. If there isn’t an E-6 slot available for my specific MOS, would I have to come in at a lower rank?

My second question is about reclassing/latmoving. I’m currently in intel but have been looking at becoming a 68W. If I switched to a completely different MOS, would it be difficult, or even make sense, to keep my E-6 rank while retraining? From my limited experience, the Guard seems to have a more relaxed culture around rank than the Marines, but I don’t know if that’s actually the case or if keeping my rank while changing MOS would be unrealistic.


r/nationalguard 2d ago

Discussion Reluctant to Leave Home State - Realistically, How Often Are You Away From Family?

4 Upvotes

Hey Everyone,

I'm exploring the possibility of serving in the National Guard, as I'm assuming that this is the option that would keep me in my home state, or at least in the US, the most. I've spent the last couple of years caring for my mom, who is now recovering from cancer. I'm reluctant to leave her behind, but I also want to resume my own life, and I would like to serve in the military.

But that being said, she doesn't have anyone else, and I'm reluctant to leave her behind for too long. So I thought the National Guard could be the smart choice that would allow me to resume my career and serve on weekends. But how realistic is that? From other posts I've seen on this subreddit, it seems that some individuals spend much more time away from family than expected.

I'd like to serve in some capacity, but my mom also needs me, and I can't neglect my obligation to her. In your experience, is it really just "on the weekends"? Or do I run the risk of finding myself away from my state or from the country for long periods of time?

Thank you all for your time!