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

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.

By: Jeff Rose

Jeff Rose — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:08:46 +0000

I joined the National Guard in 1997 to help pay for my college. Reflecting back it was the best decision I ever made. The discipline and leadership skills I gained have proven to be invaluable. I did my initial 6 years and then reenlisted for another 3. Unfortunately, during my second term I was deployed and sent to Baghdad for a year (2005). I say “unfortunately” but it really did help for my wife and I to get ahead financially. I now retired having served 9 years in total.

While the overseas pay is nice, it does come with extreme risk as I was just recently reminded. A buddy of mine who I served with in Iraq volunteered to redeploy to Afghanistan. Last Friday, he and another soldier were killed when a IED struck their Humvee. He was 26 and married with a 16 month old daughter.

If you have a love for your country, then the military (national guard) might be the direction for you. Just realize first what you are getting yourself into.