Thinking about joining the National Guard

[JerzyIroc]

Sooo I've been seriously considering joining the National Guard for a few months now. I was going to join the Army out of HS but for personal reasons I couldn't. I'm 25 now and the urge to serve has been creeping back. Going full time Army however, isn't really an option. Two of my uncles recently switched from the Reserves to the Guard and both have suggested the NG as an alternative. I've researched all the benefits and all that other good stuff. Are there any negatives to the National Guard that I may not be aware of? I've heard some people in the past talk smack about it, but they were also Marines lol. Anyone in the Guard or have an insight as to what negatives there may be to joining the Guard? I'm gonna be having knee surgery in a few weeks so even if I do enlist it wont be until late this year possibly even early early next year, depending on how fast i can get myself ready for basic...

[JerzLT1]

Im a full time technician in the Air National Guard. The only negative would probably be the lack of experience that you get as a traditional guardsman. Doing your job 1 weekend a month doesnt make you very proficient. A lot of people get the idea that all memebers of the National guard are traditionals though so all of us (including full time guardsmen) get the reputation of not knowing our job.

[_87TA_]

I say you go for it. and although you wont work much, the benefits are a positive and all the different experiences you'll get will be worth it. Go for it.

[Untamed]

Remember that NG units have been rotating in and out of Iraq, so you aren't immune from overseas deployment. Secondly, in any natural disaster, you are called to fill sandbags, rescue stupidity from rising rivers, rebuild washed out roads, and patrol streets for looters - regardless of your MOS. So you may learn a little something in AIT, but all NG units are expected to serve in the same capacity as laborers and community patrol whenever called.

Depending on what you want to get out of the military, I would suggest either 3 years active duty or go Reserves where you will get deployed anyway, but still be allowed to do your job instead of fill sandbags.

[LS1 4Good]

I say join the air guard. They have a lot of full time positions available on base too. You would essentially work as a civilian on base, then do your one weekend a month deal also. That's what I opted for.