NationStates Jolt Archive

So what do you all think? Is it a good idea to join the Guard while in college? I'm really interested in this, since they offer tuition assistance. Anyone have any experience with the Guard?

I hear it's a good way to get a free trip to the Middle East.

I've heard that the way to go is with the Reserves rather than the Guard.

But hey, in the Army National Guard, you can!

I've heard that the way to go is with the Reserves rather than the Guard.

But hey, in the Army National Guard, you can!
Really? I thought the benefits were similar.

I hear it's a good way to get a free trip to the Middle East.

Now what are the chances of a Guard Unit being called to Iraq?

yes you can end up in iraq.

so research it thoroughly. some of the most inoccuous sounding units ended up being called to iraq.

So what do you all think? Is it a good idea to join the Guard while in college? I'm really interested in this, since they offer tuition assistance. Anyone have any experience with the Guard?
Depends, are you a patriot?
Do you have any tuition money?
Do you want to fight in a war?
Do you like guns, bombs etc.?
Are you willing to kill people for your nation?
If so then yes it's a good idea. You get your education and serve you homeland.

If you have tuition money then no it's not a good idea.
You lose some working years in the military.
You never know if your going to be sent for.
Soon you will have a family and are you willing to leave them to fight in a war?
Do you object to war?

They try to blackmail you into joining up. Look we got money for you... It's like signing your sole over to the devil.

yes you can end up in iraq.

so research it thoroughly. some of the most inoccuous sounding units ended up being called to iraq.
Well out of the 2000+ units, only an extremely small number have been called up. So the chances of the local unit here getting called up are pretty slim.

Depends, are you a patriot? Yes I would call myself that
Do you have any tuition money? Yes, but I could still use the help
Do you want to fight in a war? No, not really
Do you like guns, bombs etc.? I always wondered what I would like holding an M-16.
Are you willing to kill people for your nation? I have no problem taking out people who are bent on hurting this country
Plus, correct me if I'm wrong, but after basic training, don't guardsmen only meet twice a month?

So what do you all think? Is it a good idea to join the Guard while in college? I'm really interested in this, since they offer tuition assistance. Anyone have any experience with the Guard?
I was a full-time advisor to the National Guard for a few years quite awhile back. The Guard is regularly activated these days. Unless you want an all expenses paid tour of Iraq, I wouldn't recommend joining. And if you do, serving with the active force would be a better option, IMHO.

We'll be bringing boys home from Iraq before you finish boot camp.

Don't do it just for the money, do it because you also want to. That goes for this or for any other endeavor you decide to pursue in life.

Either reserves or NG are a good choice if you want Army specifically. The benefits are the same for both. AR are primarily support (admin, ligistics, etc) while the NG are primarily Combat Support (Artillery, Air Defense, etc.) Both have about an equal chance of deployment depending on your field.

For reserves, you could also look at Marines, Navy, or Air Force but the bonus's aren't as high right now.

Another military option for tuition assistance is ROTC. They'll assist for two years w/o obligation but after that you sign the contract.

I've done four options , Active Navy (6 yrs), then NG (3 yrs) with 2 yrs ROTC ( the only reason I didn't continue is that it would have extended my college period by over a year), and am presently in the Army Reserves.

Good luck.

Well out of the 2000+ units, only an extremely small number have been called up. So the chances of the local unit here getting called up are pretty slim.

Depends, are you a patriot? Yes I would call myself that
Do you have any tuition money? Yes, but I could still use the help
Do you want to fight in a war? No, not really
Do you like guns, bombs etc.? I always wondered what I would like holding an M-16.
Are you willing to kill people for your nation? I have no problem taking out people who are bent on hurting this country
Plus, correct me if I'm wrong, but after basic training, don't guardsmen only meet twice a month?

Well, I would like to know what statistics you are using? Based on what we here in Indiana are experiencing, nearly every Guard unit is or has been activated to go to either Iraq, or dare I say it? Afganistan. You do remember Afganistan? We're still sending troops there also. Indiana is flying it's flags at half mast for the bombing deaths of four of its Guardsmen...

...Think hard and long Imperial Guard about what you want to do. My son joined the Regular Air Force and is stationed at Canon AFB, New Mexico, a long way from the Middle East...

We'll be bringing boys home from Iraq before you finish boot camp.


You mean the war will be over by Christmas? Ooh! I love your quoting "The golden moments of WW1" provides us with an interesting look at the ironies of overconfident military powers.

Give us some more gems, please.

They try to blackmail you into joining up. Look we got money for you... It's like signing your sole over to the devil.

well, isn't that what pretty much every paying job does?

You mean the war will be over by Christmas? Ooh! I love your quoting "The golden moments of WW1" provides us with an interesting look at the ironies of overconfident military powers.

Give us some more gems, please.

Yeah, please do. In fact I think the same was being said just before the Battle for Bastogne in WWII.

They try to blackmail you into joining up. Look we got money for you... It's like signing your sole over to the devil.

Would that be Filet of Sole, or a leather sole? Because either I would be happy to give to the Devil.

well, isn't that what pretty much every paying job does?
I guess.

P.S. I was going to say " You wont die in an office", thats when I rememberd 9-11, so go ahead and join up, at least youll have a weapon with you when you go to work. The military just got a hole new meaning to me.

I guess.

P.S. I was going to say " You wont die in an office", thats when I rememberd 9-11, so go ahead and join up, at least youll have a weapon with you when you go to work. The military just got a hole new meaning to me.

stick with us kid and you just see