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Question
I had a guy in my intro to computer classes in college and was telling me about the National Guard. After much consideration and reading stories of the National Guard helping out locally and being deployed to different parts of the world,I'm thinking of joining. I'm working on my associates (Computer Science) now and would like to earn my Bachelors Degree later. I was wondering if I should happen to transfer over to AD in the Army after my eight years are up, would I have to go to the Army's boot camp? The National Guard recruits go to the same boot camp and receive the same basic training as Army recruits right? Isn't everything(rank, pay, mos,etc.)the same?
The reason for transfer is that I would like to go active full-time eventually. There is no active duty for the NG right? One more question: Would it be difficult to transfer to AD in the Army after 2-3 years serving in the NG, but before the 8 year contract is up? Trying to make up my mind, thanks alot for your help in advance!
No extra boot camp, the Guard is the Army, just a reserve component, all training is the same. There are lots of active duty in the Guard, I have been active duty in the guard since 2003.
It is hard to go to AD while in the Guard, you would have to wait until your guard time is up, usually 6 years. But it is not impossible to go Active while in the guard. It is easier to do active in the guard.
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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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