Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/join the air guard after army?

Advertisement

Expert: Howard Lorenz - 1/25/2008


Question
i am a soldier in the active duty army.  as soon as my deployment ends, im separating, after a little over 6 years of honorable service.  i would really like to join the air national guard after i leave active duty.  my problem is this:  about 7 years ago, i was going to join the air force reserve.  i was a really stupid kid, and i came up hot on the UA at MEPS.  they told me i can never serve in the air force.  the army had me wait 6 months, and i could join, so i did.  i have been to combat twice, i am married, i am a father now, and i have never turned to drugs since before i enlisted.  is there any way i can get into air force service?  any waiver?  i am not that same kid i was, and i would love to continue serving the country, and i always wanted to be air force.  the army was just the next option.  i have a lot riding on this with my future plans.  anything?


Answer
you will have to talk to a guard or reserve recruiter before you can out process your base, just tell them you want to talk to the Air guard recruiter. Since you are on Active duty, dont worry about what you did at the MEPS 6 years ago, that means nothing, they will only look at your record coming from the ARMY. When you get back I would go and get set up with the recruiter so that you have no break in service.

HW

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Howard Lorenz

Expertise

I have spent the past 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, 3 years was assigned as an Enlisted Accessions Recruiter. I have been deployed various times to several locations. If it is a career in the military you are looking for or thinking about I most likely have the answer. I still have contacts with in the recruiting field and if I don't know the answer then I have folks who do where I can find the answer. I am very blunt and straight forward and will make no attempts to BS you. I will give you the best information that I possible can can. If you think that you cant handle the answer that I give you, then don't ask the question...... If you are planning on joining the military, your number 1 decision factor in making this kind of move is that you need to be more concerned about serving your country than your country serving you!! All the benefits are the best that you can find. Education is at a premium right now and its the most rewarding thing that you can do. If I dont answer right away probably means that I am busy, but have patience, I will get to you.

Experience

Air Force Recruiter for 3 years, Air Force Career 21 Years

Organizations
Veterans of Foreign Wars

Education/Credentials
Community College of the Air Force, International Air Academy, Allied Business Schools, Embry Riddle Aeronautical College, Defense Acquisition University

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.