MrMixnMatch

iTrader: (1)

I'm looking to get involved with the armed forces, but I'm really only free on the weekend. I was initially thinking Marine OCS, but they switched up the program (didn't offer the one-summer program anymore) and made me ineligible, unless I were to enlist full time.

Now I'm looking at Army and National Guard. I really want to do something productive with my time, and of course I'm still in those "I'm ******* invincible" years at only 20 years of age.

So does anyone have any advice, questions, comments, etc. on this?

DietCoke

iTrader: (18)

Not sure such a thing exists. The military isn't ever going to be second in your life or something you do in your off time.

geoffreymexico

iTrader: (5)

There is always the National Guard, thats 2 days a month and 2 weeks a year right???

Hahaha fair warning I have spent 2 of the last 3 years between Iraq and Afghanistan, with some time bouncing around Tennessee, Mississippi, Michigan, and California in between. Some times it's 2 days a month, but it has been as much as 3 weeks. I am slightly more proactive than most guard guys though

MrMixnMatch

iTrader: (1)

That's what I thought... And on top of that, it's paid too right? Pretty much exactly what I was looking for. Just an opportunity to get involved while I'm still in school and/or working full time.

geoffreymexico

iTrader: (5)

I feel as though you have missed the point I was getting at lol

dtsti

iTrader: (6)

I will tell you this. If you are thinking of joining do it sooner rather then later. You dont want to be 25 and getting told what to do by a 19yr old.

MrMixnMatch

iTrader: (1)

Well I feel like they won't exactly deploy me as a full time student. I'm probably wrong, since the world doesn't revolve around me and all. But yes, I took note of your warning. Like I said, I was considering the Marines, where it would have been 100% to be deployed. I don't mind switching up my lifestyle a bit, as going to school full time gets tedious and monotonous.

KevinR

The Military doesn't work around your schedule. Just focus on school right now and figure out what you're going to do later.

AlamoTA

iTrader: (10)

You're wrong if you think they won't deploy you because your in school. If your not willing to drop everything and get mobilized when Uncle Sam comes a calling, don't waste our time or yours. I've seen far too many weekend warriors cry foul when asked to mobilize. Dont get me wrong, I've worked with a great bunch of Guard and Reserve members. We actually couldn't function in times of conflict without mobilizing them. So, if your not ready to give your life(bit extreme but very true!) don't bother. Sorry for being rough, but had to be said. It''s not just a part-time job!!!!

Undertow74

iTrader: (45)

The Military is not a hobby, or something you do in your off time. Its a Life style. You have to be a 100% to serve your country and do whatever they ask of you. If you have second thoughts about any of it, its not for you.

robcas47

iTrader: (2)

I say go ahead and do it, just ask for something easy. The lower the number the easier the job when it caomes to the Army. 11B should suit you well, those guys got it good, I spent my first 3 years as one of those guys then wanted a more challenging job so I moved up to a 15U. Dont worry about deployments, most major FOBs and Airfields have ed centers where you can easily continue your education. So get in that fast *** car of yours and head to the closest recruiters office.






Is there such thing as sarcasm font???

geoffreymexico

iTrader: (5)

Don't count me among them. I tranfered from the Tennesse National Guard to Michigan because I found a unit 900 miles away because they were leaving for Afghanistan like a month after I found them, and because of the location they were deploying to and their mission. While taking a voluntary reduction in rank back down to specialist, because they didn't have room for me in a team leader spot.

Hindsight being what it is............

The mobilization was pushed back, so I spent 6 months driving 900 miles one way to drill. Our mission changed during our mobilization. And I ended up in what is quite possible the gayest place you could possibly find yourself in Afghanistan, with not nearly as much excitment as I had hoped.

AND as if I hadn't gotten the shaft enough............I ended up being a team leader anyways, so I get the same job without the pay. But they were nice enough to make me a corporal

But being the glass half full kind of guy that I am, it's not all that bad. I will be buying myself a nice lifted truck or some other equally awesome daily driver when I get home, paid for in cash. Probably pick up another gun or two. Have plenty of money in the bank. And start the new build on my TransAm

And finally to loop this back around to the OP. There are ways to get out of deployment, due to schooling, but............

1. I promise you, that you don't want to be THAT guy.
2. Never count on anything in the military as a fact, other than the fact they can and will bone you pretty hard and in more ways than you can imagine.

Sorry if this casts a negative light on your plans, but this is coming from someone who legitimately loves doing this stuff. So just imagine being contractually obligated, without enjoying it????

geoffreymexico

iTrader: (5)

Untrue. I can name 5 marines off the top of my head that I personally know, who have served during this particular period of war, who have never deployed to a combat zone. One of them being someone whose first deployment was in the army national guard after 7 years active duty marines.

Its ALL in your choice of MOS

Conversely, I know MANY more that have been there and done the deed. (Not trying to start a army vs marines debate, I've got love for all)

MrMixnMatch

iTrader: (1)

Good advice from everyone so far.

Guess my best bet is really just to contact the national guard and see what they say (go figure huh).

I do appreciate all the input.

Undertow74

iTrader: (45)

this thread is quite entertaining

MrMixnMatch

iTrader: (1)

I like how people on forums give people **** for trying to get more information before making a life-changing decision.

The best source of information is people with prior experience. If you don't like the fact that I was simply trying to research an important decision, then simply ignore it.

Fact is, I want to be involved with the military. I'm a natural leader who currently holds several leadership positions on campus, along with a very competitive GPA. I want to better myself and my country, but I also want to finish my degree. I know for a fact that quite a bit of enlisted members have zero ounce of respect for those who choose to jump right into OCS while in college.

I'll do what I have to in order to achieve my goals. And frankly, if you aren't either giving me advice or constructive criticism, your opinion is worthless to me.

ricks4genshianne

It has been constructive towards you. That's one of the greatest lessons to learn as early as you can, especially when dealing with service members: Grow thick skin. We have no time or patience to sugar-coat information or opinions. You ask, you will be answered.

At this time, I believe it to be of great value to you to know of the free Tuition Assistance you get while serving. Go check out GoArmyEd.com. It's the site that we use to apply for and manage our college monies. It also has requirements, qualifications, and rules posted up. Also remember that there's reduced benefit for reduced commitment. You don't want to serve full-time? You won't get full-time pay and benefits. Want to serve the state? Realize states have discontinued, often without notice, benefits because they ran out of money for their militias.

you'll be aiight, kiddo. keep doing your research.

DietCoke

iTrader: (18)

You're an idiot.

MrMixnMatch

iTrader: (1)

Yes, most of it has been constructive and informative, but there's always that one or two people.

Thank you for the information. I'll definitely go there and do some research.

Case in point. Had you read the rest of my post I clearly stated I was probably wrong about that, as has been stated by others during the span of this thread.

ricks4genshianne

lol, apologies.