Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/army guard?

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Expert: - 4/24/2009


Question
I have 4 years exp on B-2 bombers as a mechanic.  6 months civilian experience on slurry tankers.  I am a student at an A & P school (aircraft mechanics trade school).  Provided my job after school isn't making an obscene amount of cash (I'm looking @ Dynastar @ 125K a year in Germany) I may still want to join the Army Guard as a Blackhawk crew chief or something fun.  Here's the catch; I got a DUI that the military picked up (lost a stripe) at the end of my enlistment.  Still got a honorable discharge and my military and civilian record is spotless besides.  I even kept my Secret/SAR clearence through it all.  Can I join army guard, and maybe even forgo the tech school for aircraft maintenance.  My thought is that the Army takes pretty much anybody. Also, it seems like a waste of $ to train someone who knows more than most tech school instructors would.

Answer
you can, the only issue now is that you must be a qualified crew chief to join the guard right now.  If you are not MOS qualified in an army job, you cannot join.  You will have to wait until they lift this restriction, which will probably be in the next FY.

Good luck.

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

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John L

Expertise

I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.

Experience

13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.

Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting

Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.

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