Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/29/2009

Question
QUESTION: I will be 42 in November 2009, 6.0ft tall, 185 lbs. I am in very good physical shape. I have served in the Georgia State Defense Force as the bass drummer for the 105th band for 3 years. I have been president of my corporation for about 7 years. Now, i am running into money problems because business is so bad.

I am thinking of joining a regular National Guard or Reserve unit preferably in CA. I am interested in the bonus and hope to also go back to school for an IT program, please advise.

Thanks

Joe

ANSWER: Joe,
You've got a good idea.  42 is the age limit for the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves, the highest age limits of any of the Services.
Talk to your recruiter right away, before you age out.
He can tell you the bonus you can expect, depending upon your selected career field.  And of course, your schoolwork will always be paid for, whenever you choose to go.
Run, don't walk, to your local Army recruiter.
Good luck,
Colonel H




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much Colonel H.

I have two more quick follow up questions.

1). I was told I could transfer my experience as the President & CEO of my corporation as a leverage for a good rank when I do sign up. How do I best utilize this provision?
2). For some reason, I have a feeling that the units in CA offer more incentives (cash wise) than the units in GA where I am currently resident. Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer
Joe,
You heard wrong.  Your job experience doesn't figure into the equation at all.  It's your education that counts.  Otherwise every independent mechanic would call themselves a CEO of their business and enter the service as a general.

The military categorizes education as follows:  High School grad, HS + 30 hours of college, Associates Degree, AD to 30 hours, Bachelor's degree, Bachelor's + 30, Bachelor's + 45, Master's degree, Master's + 30, Ph.D.

Enlistment bonuses are paid by the Federal government.  Other things like percentage of funding for education is an "incentive" paid for by the state.  CA is broke so they're currently offering 30% toward education costs whereas VT, for example, is still funding 100%.

Your local recruiter can tell you how much you can expect.

Colonel H