Was wondering if anyone on here is with the michigan guard? Specifically 1-125?
I am thinking about enlisting and was wondering how it is with training and rotations/deployments? Or any other info you could give someone on the outside thinking about coming in. Thanks in advance!
Alright, so after seeing a handful of comments about how the National Guard should step in and help, I wanted to share some education. Unfortunately, as helpful as the National Guard or Reserve components can be, actually mobilizing them can take significant time and some seriously concerted efforts. They don't have magical powers, they can't just snap their fingers and remedy a situation, they can't just snap their fingers and put a helicopter or airplane in the air to assist with a situation.
This will be brief. In no way does it encompass everything that goes into a mobilization. This information comes based off my own personal experience being married to a servicemember who has done time both on active duty and is still a part-timer in the Army Reserve.
So, let's take the current I-95 situation as a use-case.
Disaster happens. In this case, weather-related traffic shitshow. Civilians stuck for 24+ hours with no food, water, bathroom, etc. Let's say the Gov. decides to mobilize the National Guard to assist with remedy/response efforts.
Yes, there are plenty of active duty units and installation in Virginia. But, that does not mean active duty counterparts are authorized to just jump in and help. If it's the National Guard being tasked to help, a series of steps must occur, which typically include ones such as these:
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Gov. decides to mobilize the National Guard. This decision starts to trickle down the chain of command of the Virginia National Guard. Some dude in Virginia with stars on his chest starts making calls to units within the Greater Northern Virginia area.
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Leadership amongst those notified units start making calls to their soldiers. Mind you: the National Guard is comprised of mostly part-timers. This typically means they serve one weekend per month, with a few weeks of training scattered through the year. Yes, there are sub-groups within the Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard that are known as "QRF" (Quick Response Force) or "RRF" (Rapid Response Force). But, those are only small pockets throughout each component of those components. The vast majority of the Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers are traditional part-timers. They are not wearing the uniform Monday-Friday, or 24/7. That is the Active Duty component.
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Traditional National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers, for the most part, live normal lives with 9-5 jobs just like you and I do. They are married or single, kids or no kids, they work regul
I received your lovely e-mail wishing me a safe and happy new year and authorizing early release for the long weekend.
I'm stationed 1,568 miles away from Battle Creek ANGB and received the e-mail entirely by mistake, but it's the thought that counts, right?
Merry Christmas!
Our hospital has just two soldiers posted. They're great, bright, industrious good guys. They're lookin like they won't complain about anything no matter what.
I keep meaning to find a minute at work to ask but it doesn't happen. Should I be referring to them by rank? By the work they're doing? Just ignore the uniform and treat them with the softly loving way I don't often explicitly interact with non army local hire non clinical staff (smiles and nods but few to no conversations).
Are they very likely being kept apart from their families for this deployment? How long is a normal deployment? How are they being treated between hospital shifts, are they ungrounded living in a hotel and bored?
How does one care for an army national guard soldier stationed in my hospital? What might they appreciate that they might not speak up about?
I'm thinking about joining the Utah army national guard. I've taken the ASVAB and the first few steps to join. I'm 17 so this makes me worried I'll be super young compared to everyone else. Will I be with people my age in basic training or is it mostly mixed? I've been told that they'll pay for all of my college fees but that feels too good to be true. I've also been told I can't be deployed if I'm attending college. Is this true? I'm wanting to serve a religious mission. They're telling me I can get 18 months off for this with no problem. Any experience here? Should I try to get this in my contract? I'm looking to be a unit supply specialist. Does anyone have experience with this? I'm also interested in doing the ROTC program once I start college. What is this like and will it change my role in the national guard? They said I'll get a bonus stipend if I do it as well. I'm mostly looking to fact check and get further insight on whether this is a good fit for me. Any insight is appreciated!
Hello, I am an Officer Candidate (09S) in the New Jersey Army National Guard (NJARNG). I am currently in Traditional (State) Officer Candidate School (OCS), and am in Phase 2. I've been hearing from different sources about our commissioning contract. I am currently on an enlisted contract as an 09S and about 2 years into my enlisted contract. By the time I finish OCS I will be on year 3. Is it true that when I am discharged from my initial enlisted contract (6 Years Drilling, 2 Years IRR) that my officer contract will start that 8-year Mandatory Service Obligation (MSO) all over again or do they start my obligation considering the 3 years I just served, not adding any additional years? ? What I am basically asking is, when I commission do the years I just served go away (in terms of obligations) and my new contract require another 8 year MSO? I hear different answers from cadre, State OSM and online resources, so I hope someone here can help me get a better understanding. Thanks for your help in advance.
