Are there any good opportunities of deployment for either 15T or 68K? What does a drill weekend typically look like?

2019-01-22T13:38:36-05:00

Hi, i am joining the Tennessee National Guard and have narrowed down my job search to 15T or 68K.
Little background. I am a 28 year old female, with a bachelor in biology and master in environmental science. But i also LOVE working with my hands. I was limited on the job search because i am not a citizen yet.

Now, i know the 68K is long training etc. But it seems to be within my ballpark. It also looks like you get out with a certification and you can find a job in the civillian world, which is awesome.

The 15T I know less about and any input would be welcome. The internet says aviation is great. Would i be able to transfer this to civilian life right away (before i get A&T certified?). How is this field for females? What ate my chances of flying?

Are there any good opportunities of deployment for either MOS? and what does a drill weekend typically look like?

Any input would be welcome, because i really dont know what to pick :(.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Jan 22 at 2019 4:06 PM

2019-01-22T16:06:21-05:00

More opportunities for 15T most likely. Once you are MOS qualified you can look for deployment assignments. National Guard units are always looking for " fillers" when they are deploying. There is a web site to assist with this but get your training first.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 4:14 PM

2019-01-22T16:14:22-05:00

with a background in sciences I would do a 68K, more applicable and more civilian job opportunities.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 8:56 PM

2019-01-22T20:56:21-05:00

As an active duty 68K, been in for about 7 years, you would be hard pressed for a deployment as a lab tech. Unless another war kicks off, the deployment to actual combat zones are few and far between. You’re closest thing to a deployment would be to Kuwait which is not a deployment, just a rotation.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 11:51 PM

2019-01-22T23:51:19-05:00

Congrats on deciding to join! With your education, once you get your citizenship, you should really consider applying to be an officer.

A typical drill weekend would depend on the unit and, even more so, how much you're willing to put into it. Depending on your state's defence budget you may not have much but with some initiative and good leadership you can make drill a training packed, enjoyable experience.
Without the effort, you'll probably sit around, telling BCT stories, and then go home complaining about your life choices.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 3:05 PM

2019-01-23T15:05:01-05:00

As a 68K in the guard you will spend a lot of time doing administrative training and less so on your MOS but depending on your command you can get some really awesome training opportunities and overseas medical missions. It’s not all bad haha!

As mentioned 68K may not yield many opportunities because it’s not an MOS that is in high yield for deployments. I was in a Combat support hospital previously and know from our lab techs their services weren’t required much for backfilling rosters overseas unfortunately.

I don’t know much about 15T, but I would encourage you to look at 68P (radiology tech). It’s a long school but you do get certifications from it and it does have a higher deployment tempo (FSTs, role 1/2/3, ASMC, etc). Just a thought. I always push for 68W, but given your bsckground you hopefully will find it enjoyable as well.

Response by SSG Andy Dietrich made Jan 24 at 2019 8:39 AM

2019-01-24T08:39:58-05:00

First off welcome to the Guard. I reclassed from 12B to 15T and have enjoyed every minute of it. As a maintenance company Tango you will work on the aircraft in a bit of a limited capacity on drill weekends. If you love the maintenance you can always apply for a technician job and do it every day of the week and really learn how to wrench and troubleshoot. If you make it up to a flight company be prepared to put in a lot of extra hours progressing and flying missions. We also have a small Medevac det with 68Ws so if your interest is in flying you can have both in a way. As far as A&P work goes it’s a lot easier for the fixed wing mechanics to get work but it is definitely out there. Best of luck!

Response by SSG William Edwards made Mar 17 at 2019 3:43 PM

2019-03-17T15:43:24-04:00

Get your A&P while your in 25- 40 is reasonable with experience as you work up