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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Thinking about joining the Guard
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Question
I wanted to join the Guard out of high school but too many people talked me out of it. I am now 31 years old and will finish my Master's in Education degree this December. I am seriously considering joining the Guard.
I have heard that those with advanced degrees can join as an officer. Is this true? Can you tell me what my rank would be? Would I start out as an E-4 at least?
Also, what are the benefits? Obviously I can't use the GI Bill. But will the military pay back my student loans?
You would start off as an e-4, you could get $50k for past student loans.
Other than that, it is up to what you want out of the guard and what it could do for you.
Check out www.nationalguard.com for more and sit and talk to a recruiter to find out what your state has availabale
I could not possibly talk to you about joining the gaurd without knowing and meeting you, All I could do is answer specific questions. Guard recruiters are usually not pushy as we don't need to be, our program is either right or not for you. We are more of facilitators to those that want to join. What we do is match the program that is right for you based upon you as a person to meet your goals. As long as we have what you need, we will take care fo you. But otherwise, all i can do is spout the benefits, which is why we have our website.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 7 | Clarity of Response = 6 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Didn't answer all of my question. I dont' want to talk to a recruiter because they are too pushy and in my experience dont' know what they are talking about. That's why I asked here. Thanks anyways. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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