Comments on: The National Guard: Jobs, Pay and Financial Benefits

By: bea

bea — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 08:26:29 +0000

Jeff Rose, if you read this…

What position did you have in the Guard?

I have a MA Degree and am having trouble finding a job (laid off 1 1/2 year ago now able to get stable full-time work since then) and am thinking about joining…Education benefits are great for pursuing my PhD…

It’s a big decision…Trying to gather as much information as possible from all angles…

Anyone have any comments/suggestions?

Thanks.

By: The Smarter Wallet

The Smarter Wallet — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 08:44:30 +0000

@Sgt. Howard Wilson,
Sorry sir, we don’t have that info here. This is just a personal blog. Perhaps some other kind commenter can offer some info for you. But best of luck tracking down the information you need.

By: sgt.Howard Douglas Wilson Jr,

sgt.Howard Douglas Wilson Jr, — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 11:36:38 +0000

In July 1972 i took basic training at Ft.Knox,Ky.After cmpletion i was a armor crewman,Gaffney S.C for five years.I was given honorable discharge and transferred to the Medical U.S.A.R unit in Greenville,S.C that is my home town.After my six year commitment i re-enlisted for another year.When completed i was issued a honorable discharge.In my possion i have the two honorable discharge document’s and form DD-214.My I.D that was issued was lost in a house fire 17 years ago.What step do i take for a re-issue of my I.D?I would also like to knoe if i earned any benifits for my service of 7 years of non-combat servise.Both the Gaffney Armour and Medical unit in Greenville have either closed or moved locations.Would thank-you for any info, you could provide. Sgt.Howard D. Wilson Jr. 250-98-0758

By: Marion Miller

Marion Miller — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 06:16:32 +0000

It’s nice so much is offered when joining the national guard just hope they folllow through. When the promises and the pay don’t come through don’t let a parent voice their opinion because they’ve had to start handing out money to keep their sons household running, you’ll get grief for that. As long as parents keep their mouths shut and not try to make people accountable for their mistakes everything runs smooth. If too many emails reach a Major then there is retaliation, you’ll be told that’s not allowed but believe me there is proof. When it gets to much the parent are told to quit sending emails to the higher ups, what are they trying to cover up.

By: Papaboss

Papaboss — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 01:49:55 +0000

Your college education and past student loan debts are covered.

Also, within 30 days of a soldier’s return or the one year anniversary of his or her enlistment date, whichever is sooner, the National Guard will begin paying for their college education (for up to four years of full-time college, up to about $5,000 a semester) and/or paying off previous student loan debts.

*”and/or paying off previous student loan debts”…shouldn’t that be stated as OR only? Other sites I have visited for info states OR only.

By: Marion Miller

Marion Miller — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 19:48:36 +0000

Well all I have to say is hopefully anyone that joins the Army National Guard is in a unit that makes sure the schooling required to receive their enlistment bonus is completed in the required time, and that they receive pay for their work. I know of some that were told they didn’t offer the schooling during the time limit so they never received their bonus, someone lied. Then they worked at the Armory for a week and a half and then sent home because orders were never signed to approve them working so they weren’t paid. Oh yes, they take care of their own.

I emailed Arlington, VA to inform them of what was going on and they forwarded it to Montgomery, AL but obviously it doesn’t matter how these soldiers are being treated. Someone in the office that is suppose to have orders signed is not doing their job but excuses are told to cover for themselves. We are Americans counting on our military to defend this country and protect us but who wants anyone going to war when we know how their being treated. This might be an isolated case but someone should have to be accountable for their actions, their mistakes, instead of making excuses and blaming others for these men being wronged. All the lies their told to get them to join needs to be stopped, how can God Bless this country when our soldiers are being lied to and not being taken care of. Every site I find that credits the Army National Guard for being so great providing for the one that enlist I will send an email. It’s gone on for to long allowing Americans to be deceived into thinking they should be proud of how military people are taken care of. We are to be honest, treat others right, obey the law and follow rules so what makes the government think their above all this.

Marion Miller

By: Brian R.

Brian R. — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:05:45 +0000

I just got back from OSUT training in Sept. 17th 2009. I graduated a scout and am very proud. I joined because it would break the door down so that I could get into the military before I finish college. Military is my dream and college is just the back up plan I have in case something goes wrong. I hope to active duty and serve in Hawaii or Germany someday. My unit isn’t deploying now, and I am really desperate to go. As soon as I get my cac set up again, i’m volunteering for combat unit that goes to afghan. Hopefully after college, i’ll be in active duty. God Bless this country. I’m a Puerto Rican American, and am very proud to been born within this country’s states. Go U.S.A. Army. Thanks for letting me get the foot in the door National Guard.

By: edric gowdy

edric gowdy — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:28:09 +0000

national-guard (reserve) chaplin. how to become one? prior service (7 years) u.s. navy…

Ed: I don’t allow phone numbers given out here. Sorry!

By: Chris Radich

Chris Radich — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:48:10 +0000

Enlisting in the military no matter what branch or job can determine your future. I have currently served 3.5 yrs, been to Iraq and decided to come to Afghanistan for a back to back tour. I have seen many people die, many accidents happen, and many families torn apart due to being in a combat environment. But in all reality what is the point of working a 9-5 job that does nothing for Our Great Nation? Granted I am not into politics and never will be, but after being in both wars I noticed how many freedoms we all have taken for granted. If you join the military expect it to be life changing in almost every way. Honestly it does not matter if you held a CEO job where leadership was your strong point, this job will be able to teach you more about who you are, what your life’s really worth, and foremost who the important people are in your life. Trust me if you want to become a better person in general join the military….
Scouts Out

By: SVB

SVB — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:13:40 +0000

Jeff,
That’s an amazing sacrifice you’ve made — pay is great, but it is a highly hazardous job, and can have difficult moments . I commend you for joining the National Guard and taking the risks you took. I am truly sorry to hear about your friend…. so young… .:( You are right — people should weigh these risks carefully, as they are very real. And am grateful to all those who have stepped up to the plate to represent and defend our country in other parts of the world.