After my terminal leave, should I go National Guard or stay a civilian?

2017-04-29T20:27:52-04:00

So, I find myself at a crossroad. I recently got my DD-214, and I am on terminal leave. I have been kicking around the idea of going NG when I get back to Washington State. I know each person is different and no experience is the same. But looking to hear from fellow SM's who have also gone this route. Thoughts, concerns, pointers?

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Apr 29 at 2017 8:55 PM

2017-04-29T20:55:56-04:00

The WA ARNG is pretty robust, with units near to everywhere. I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that the same is true of USAR units in the state. It really depends on what your career goals are and where you'd like to live.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2017 10:03 PM

2017-04-29T22:03:23-04:00

If you're going to join the WANG do it before your terminal leave ends. There are additional benefits for transferring prior to ETS.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Apr 29 at 2017 11:04 PM

2017-04-29T23:04:39-04:00

SSG Steven Borders Did you enjoy the military? Some do/some detest it. My USAR / Guard time allowed me the best of both worlds. I never deployed, RCs are commonly called in today's world. Could you cope -your - spouse - your employer?

My Drill checks were invaluable - TRICARE is important - retirement checks are more $ income.

Do you care to pay the price? 20 years is a long time!

Response by MSG Joseph Dutton made Apr 29 at 2017 11:16 PM

2017-04-29T23:16:44-04:00

Just depends on what you want to achieve and what your civilian situation is. I would say if you have close to 10 years already to go for it. You need to earn 50 points a year for that years to be a good year for retirement. You have an reserve obligation in the IRR now you get 15 reserve membership points for each year (have to have 50 for it to count towards retirement. So lets break this down. When you initially Joined you signed up for eight however its broke down it is still 8. Lets do it easy 4 years Active (RA) and 4 years reserve IRR (Individual Ready Reserve); you met your obligation. If you join the U.S. Army National Guard (Washington) after your IRR you will have a break of service how long depends on the time it takes for you to get in. The will count the 4 years towards retirement but you will show 8 years of service for pay purpose. You would have to make that 4 years up to have a total of 20 for retirement and 24 for pay. So if you are thinking about it i would do it before its to late........... remember you wont be able to receive retired pay till age 60 but its locked in. Just for doing one weekend a month and two weeks a year............ give or take if you are an NCO you will be doing some military work on your free time wihout pay there is only so much you can do in a weekend.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2017 11:33 PM

2017-04-29T23:33:54-04:00

Renter the Guard, Reserves, but stay in to get your Twenty-Year Letter. Above all else, GET THAT LETTER!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2017 11:39 PM

2017-04-29T23:39:59-04:00

SSG Steven Borders Talk to MSG Private RallyPoint Member on here. He is an Army Reserve Career Counselor out in Washington State. I used to work out there with him, I know he would be able to let you know all the positions that the Reserves has available in Washington.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2017 12:04 AM

2017-04-30T00:04:29-04:00

Shoot me a direct message and I will give you my contact info. I will help you figure out which option will be best for you. Keep in mind that I do have a BCT (Drill Sergeant) unit in need of high speed soldiers. Thanks!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 30 at 2017 12:47 PM

2017-04-30T12:47:50-04:00

If you are motivated to continue to serve your Country, but don't want to do it full time, joining the Reserve Component is a great option. I have a daughter who was in the ANG and is now in the Navy Reserve. Also have a grandson who was in the ArNG.

Recommend: contact recruiter for Army and Air National Guard as well as those for Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard Reserve. There are a lot of programs to transition former Active Component service members into the Reserves. See which reserve component offers you the best deal in terms of rank, MOS, date of accession, potential deployment status, and location (How far do you have to travel to do weekend drill?). Pick the one that most closely supports your goals and objectives.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 30 at 2017 5:03 PM

2017-04-30T17:03:55-04:00

Well it depends on whether or not you wanted to get out first of all. I didn't want to get out, but my reenlistment package was denied because of lack of boat spaces. I was told if I wanted to stay in, I'd have to change my MOS or get out. I was also in the process of bringing my 2nd child into the world, so I needed a more definitive answer than a maybe.

So I got out and joined the civilian world as a contractor. I found a job where I get to still do my MOS. I still work with Marines. But I'm no longer bound by the stupid part of the military like "death by powerpoint" or height/weight standards or endless formations.

So personally, I'm enjoying my civilian life. Do I miss the uniform sometimes, of course. But then I deal with a group of Marines who piss me off and think to myself... "if I was still wearing my rank, I'd probably be losing my rank right about now".

So it's probably not very helpful, but that's my perspective after getting out 2 years ago.

Which makes you more happy, the job, or the military or both? You could be like me and love the job and find yourself a job working with the military. Or you might miss the uniform or range days, or deployments and choose the National Guard route no matter what job they have you do. Or maybe you can get the best of both. Maybe you get a job in the National Guard doing what you did in the Army to begin with.

Whichever path you choose, the best of luck to you!!!

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Apr 30 at 2017 6:00 PM

2017-04-30T18:00:41-04:00

After I did five active and three reserve, I got out, thinking I would never go back. Five years after that, I was without a job and going into the guard was a great option for me and my family. The one issue I faced with my particular unit was the fact that there were always places to go. It was great when I didn't have a job, but now that I have a full-time job as a teacher and I coach two sports, the guard just isn't that viable anymore. Sure, I'll be at 12 years when the contract runs out this time next year, but I can't be gone like I used to be able to. I get the responses of that it's only eight more years, but at the end of the day, you have to boil it down to what is best for you and your family. If you plan for retirement early, there's no stress. I did that, and that's what is making my decision easier.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 1 at 2017 9:34 AM

2017-05-01T09:34:06-04:00

I'm sure you know that you have to decide what is your best option for you. There's nothing wrong seeking advice or even encouragement, but in the end, you have to look at what your needs are, the options you have, and the various trade-offs.

As for myself, I left the Active Duty Army and went into the Reserves--reclassed--and this weekend will be my last. My contact expires this month. For me, I knew it was time; such may not be the case for you. The mere fact you are having this debate shows your path is not yet made clear.

But whatever you decide, good luck and I hope it works out for you.

Response by SSG Paul Carrier made May 1 at 2017 11:03 AM

2017-05-01T11:03:56-04:00

In 1980 I faced the same choice after my first three year enlistment.
When I got back to Oregon I did join the Guard and spent another 18 years as an M-day soldier.
Then another 17 years as an AGR, sometimes in units I had served in.
It was a great ride and I loved most every minute.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 2 at 2017 12:03 AM

2017-05-02T00:03:50-04:00

What do you want to do?

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made May 4 at 2017 8:04 PM

2017-05-04T20:04:27-04:00

SGT Steven Borders just don't throw that time away. After the Navy I thought I was done with the military as a whole. My wife asked me what about our future and go into the reserves. I thought about it and went to the National Guard Armory and was enlisted. 16 years later I had my 20 year letter and I retired under they Gray Era Retiree Program. Had to wait another 20 years to become fully retired from the Army and got the best birthday present I ever wanted and that is the Blue ID Card. Something I learned while I was in the Guard is that your not bound to the Army Reserves or the Army National Guard. There is the Air Nation Guard, Air Force Reserves, Coast Guard reserves and the Marine Corps Reserves as long as you have completed your 8 year commitment. I would check them all out then way your Pros & Cons. Also if your looking for full time civilian employment the Guard and reserves is a good choice. However if your employed through the Nation Guard and retire from the uniform part you must leave your job but with the reserves when you retire you still maintain that employment. Also the AGR Program is something else to look at. Same benefits as active duty and start collecting retirement up on retiring.

Response by SGT Eric Hamilton made May 8 at 2017 3:45 PM

2017-05-08T15:45:08-04:00

I went this route--your situation and mine (a dozen years ago) are very similar. Some of this will depend on how much time you've done active duty--and what your options are. I went into the National Guard in Alaska, and it was a good choice--for me. I also went "civilian" while in the Guard, as a technician (after spending more than a year on orders--it didn't happen right away.) Each state's rules for education benefits are slightly different, and Alaska had a phenomenal education package. YMMV in Washington. Also: I lived in Washington (Tri-Cities area) for awhile before and after.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2017 3:43 PM

2017-05-12T15:43:08-04:00

I know this is late but might as well tell my side of it. I got out in December of last year and decided that I wanted to be a civilian after nearly 9 years in active duty. I found myself joining the KYNG 3 weeks later after my ETS because I realized how much I missed the Army and also how I might as well finish for my retirement. Now I am going back into active duty again after being out of it for 5 months. Just miss leading soldiers, everyone's experience is different and do what you feel is the smarter choice for you and your loved ones.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made May 12 at 2017 6:13 PM

2017-05-12T18:13:52-04:00

@Sgt wondering should he go Guard: it's up to you, a lot of people want to guide you into the Guard .. Do what you think will benefit you best, Sgt. Much good fortune to you whichever route you decide
Upon.

Response by TSgt Robert Allen made May 14 at 2017 12:42 PM

2017-05-14T12:42:25-04:00

It is a good way to go. I myself was in the guard and served with many prior service members. I served with former marines, navy, army, and air force at my unit. Another thing you might think about is which branch you want to join. You aren't locked into only Army you know. I know a some guys over in Washington that really like their unit (Air National Guard). Besides, for the most part you get to stay in Washington; unless your unit gets deployed.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2017 2:16 PM

2017-05-21T14:16:58-04:00

Like others have said, the final decision is your you make. ETSed in '86 as a SGT with a sour taste for the Army. I cane back by way of the NG in '09 (Yes, 23 years later. The reason was financial reasons (mainly health benefits for family). Deployed to Afghanistan in '11. Decided to finish career (20 years) and went to WOCCs last year. I will retire as a Warrant when I turn 61(that's with age waiver). During the break in service, I missed the friends, experiences, and mainly the camaraderie. The Army as a whole is in need of Warrant Officer's if that is a thought. The Reserves have similar opportunities. I myself live in Washington (Bremerton) and drill with an Engineer company. For myself, it's been a great 8 years so far. Good luck and if you need assistance, let me know. Maybe I can be of assistance.

Response by SGT Mark Collins made May 24 at 2017 1:09 PM

2017-05-24T13:09:03-04:00

Stay in the Military as long as you can. The bennifits are better than civialian life.

Response by SGT Ej P. made May 25 at 2017 1:02 AM

2017-05-25T01:02:36-04:00

Remember NG is under state, you answer to the Governor and you don't have to worry about possibly moving. Reserves are under Federal which is the same as Regular Army and there is possibility of relocating... which do you prefer