Well I know there are alot of service men on here so I thought I would ask some opinions about this.
I need to do something different in my life. I own a construction company that does okay, but this year had the bottom fall out. This is when I realized that I have nothing to fall back on and had put all of my eggs in one basket.

I went in today to talk to a recruiter about joining. I figured a few years or somethin, but they want a 6+2 commitment of 1 wknd a month and 2 wks a summer. My wife feels I am being stupid.

I just want to feel that I am not just wasting my life away. Plus I feel that this will force me to stay in shape which I always have been, but gettin older now. (34)
Dunno what to do. Looking for input especially from the experienced.
Thanks, Dan

 

The Guard is a great way to serve part-time. Pick a good MOS (job) something that will make you money if the construction job doesn't pay the bills.

 

Unfortunately I didn't ask the right questions today cause I THOUGHT the SALESMAN would put out a good pitch. So I'm kinda in the dark bout what to expect. I'm gonna take the ASVAB next week and go from there I guess.

 

Just realize you may think you are working 2 weeks a year, but just remember we still are fighting a war in Iraq and Afganistan. Not tellling you to not join but it's not your typical work schedule if you get activated.

I would say do it. It would be a great experiance, and you will meet some of your best friends. At least I have.

 

I think that's the main reason my wife doesn't want me to do it. I myself would like to have the experience. Just wish there was a 3 yr sign up in case me no likey.

 

Another thing you could look at is the Air National Guard. I'm not sure about enlistments and how long they are but, that would be another option. Your Wife might like that one better.

 

I relly don't know what to say i have been in active army for 8 years now and like any other job it has it's up's and down's i'm at a point where i wan't to get out but the job market sucks so i'm thinking about staying in i don't know. I can garintee you are gona spend some time in iraq or afganstan know matter what they tell you i have spent almost 4 years over there since it started in 2003 and i have seen alot of reserve and national gaurd there to. and when you deploy with them it takes almost 2 years from start to finish with pre and post deployment. something else to think of is your family i have seen dosens of guys i work with get divorces because of deployments. it's really hard on your family being away for so long so thats somthing else you got to think about as far as a job in the national gaurd a 63b is a diesel mechanic and they will put you through for school for it then if the job market still sucks they have federal tech jobs where you work on gov equipment for a normal job and it pays prety deasent. still if i were you i would look at the Air National Guard like diesel burner said i think they are a little better as far as jobs go and live a little better than us when deployed if i could do it over again i would go with the air force. but it is an experince i will never forget and i have met some great guys. just my 2 cents

 

I have been in the guard for 7 years now and really like it...

Even if you did a 3 year enlistment, which I thought was possible, based on MOS, you still would have 5 years of IRR (inactive ready reserve) where your chances of getting deployed are much better...

If you do choose to join plan on being deployed 1 to 2 times in the 6 years, depending on the unit you join. Also be aware that deployments are VERY hard on small business owners.

Otherwise the guard is a lot of fun, good training, great toys, and a good supplemental income.

 

Checkmate I don't know if the Guard offers it but when I was a Navy Recruiter I know the Navy Reserve had a program where you got rank for experience in a field. We had a contractor go in as an E-6

I think it was called the RATE program.

Worth checking out you could be a Sea Bee.

 

Also, once you get activated...and you probably will, and get Vet status (180 days active), you can have the Postal Service open up their hiring register for you and take the test. Plus you will recieve 5 extra points for being a Vet. Might be the same with most other gov't/civil service jobs too. I say go for it but keep in the back of your mind that you might be taking a trip somewhere.

 

my two cents: yes the ASVAB test places a lot on your bargaining! if you score high (over 100) you can bargain with your 3 year request if you provide them with a skill. they are in desperate need of diesel mechanics BUT you are not limited to that work and can be in the road patrol stuff. Some recruiters tell you 'that you scored high and are special for blank job... when it it the job they need filled. if you score a 125 you can pick you job and time active (3 and 3). air guard is the good money, laid back attitude and out of harm ...

it all starts with your score though- if you score less than 100 you lose that ability to negotitate. you have a long road to be someplace if you do not like the job assignment. then you may get in trouble for not showing up....

really, really think after you get th etest scores. do not listen to BS like "cross train" and so forth. if you want a job , make sure that is the school you go to! hey, all good thoughts to you and Yours this Christmas season!!

heidi

 

Just thought of something else to add to Heidi's post- GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING.

 

Thanks guys for all the responses. I have learned more from these than reading the booklet they gave me. I think I'm gonna take the test just to see, but I might not pursue any further. I should have done this when I was 18.

 

Yup, take the asvab and get your score before you sign. They may try to get you to sign before showing it to you. If you then don't like what they say, threaten to talk to another branch. Your score is universal. Last I knew though, a 110 will get you anything you want. They should at least be able to get you a 4x4? But they may have their hands tied for the technical stuff like mechanic, so they get their money back for training you. Ask one of the other branches what they require to sign on for mechanic.