Expert: John L - 7/19/2010

Question
I am a single mother of a six year old boy.  I am unemployed and reaching the end of my rope.  I want to see about joining the Armed Forces.  The Army National Guard to be precise.  I have done a lot of research over the past few months.  Before I made my decision I looked into the Texas Guard and decided I would find a job before I signed up so I could pay for the uniform and the expenses since they don't provide them.  But I can't find a job. So I have shifted gears.  I am looking into joining the Army Guard.  I understand that I need to have an extensive plan to have someone take care of my child.  So I am working on that.  I have yet to speak with an official recruiter because I want to be as well informed as I can be before doing so because I want to sign the papers the first or second time I speak with them.  I have looked on the Internet and am somewhat confused on the policies of he National guard and single parents.  I have pretty much decided on doing the active duty (if it is possible).  Can I sign up for it?  UsMilitary.com has a few articles on single parents and the military but they are some what more vague then I would like them to be.  I provided the links below for your convenience. Also I have heard from some of the question and answer forums (not official military) that if I sign up I have to give up custody or sign a waiver.  Am I allowed to keep custody of my son?  That is the deal breaker for me. I am willing to sign over temporary guardian ship.  I understand the comitment I make when I sign up and am willing to most anything to do what is expected of me.
My job situation has made it very hard to keep up on my bills. My credit cards actually.  I am not willing to file bankruptcy and am going to pay them off I just have not had the financial ability to pay them. Is this a disqualifier?
This is not just a job situation fix.  This is something I have seriously thought about. I have been interested in joining the military for longer than I have been a parent but have not gotten my shit together.  I understand there is sacrifice involved as well as benefit. All in all this decision would, in the long run, be better for me and provide my son with a good role model and maybe a better sense of patriotic duty and pride.  
Thank you for you time:)
  Sarah

http://www.usmilitary.com/971/having-a-plan-crucial-for-single-parenting/

http://www.usmilitary.com/5413/military-support-benefits-for-single-parents/

Answer
Sarah,

The Army Guard is part time amd not full time, so what you are looking for is active duty, however, active duty makes you give up custody of your child.

The Guard does not, you just have to have someone care for your child while you are in paid trainign status and who could care forthem if you get activated for a mission.

A Guard recruiter could better explain the requirements.  The hardest part is finding a family member or the father to care for the child whhen you need to.

Good luck