As an 11B in the National Guard, will I be able to volunteer for Airborne when I get to Fort Benning?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 03:37:01 -0500

As an 11b in the National Guard will I be able to volunteer for Airborne when I get to Fort Benning ? I leave in 5 days.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2020 3:54 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 03:54:31 -0500

Depends if your active duty it’s very likely they offer you a chance to undergo the school if you National guard that’s up to your state you can talk to you National guard liaison at basic training and ask for if your state is willing to pay for it they’ll give it to you

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2020 5:28 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 05:28:07 -0500

Highly unlikely, the National Guard cuts your orders for the time period covering whatever training you're at Benning to complete (I'm guessing OSUT?). They can be extended, but it rarely happens with something spontaneous like walking on to airborne school, especially since you're likely on title 10 orders for OSUT. Your best bet would be to check the ATRRS course catalog and see if there is an airborne class starting immediately following your OSUT graduation and asking to be submitted for a slot. If you can get a reserved or waitlisted seat, your state can extend your current orders, or cut you a new order starting immediately after your OSUT graduation in order to attend airborne. This is also highly unlikely, but it is your best chance in my opinion.

I have tried to extend my orders to walk on to training probably 25-30 times in my career, and it was only approved once. There is only so much funding each state has for schools, and airborne isn't high on the priority list if you aren't in an airborne unit... especially this early in the fiscal year. You always have a better chance of going to a school at the end of the FY when they are trying to spend the remainder of their budget.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2020 6:03 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 06:03:56 -0500

No, you won't. Your unit/state has to pay to send you and unless you're in an Airborne unit, they aren't authorized to do so.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jan 2 at 2020 7:09 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 07:09:47 -0500

Unless your state is one of the few that has an Airborne unit, the chances are none. Where is your unit located?

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2020 9:14 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 09:14:27 -0500

Only Active duty was given the opportunity when slots were available while I was in training. When you return to your unit talk to your training NCO about going.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2020 9:31 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 09:31:59 -0500

Once you are at 11B OSUT, you can voluteer for the Ranger Team Leader Initiative.
This is a long and involved process that will set you up for some additional training (pre-pre-ranger, RTAC and Ranger School).
This is much more value-added training than a badge that says you got five jumps once.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jan 2 at 2020 9:54 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 09:54:58 -0500

Absolutely No!

Unless you NG unit explicitly write it in your orders. Is a money thing.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2020 11:04 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 11:04:35 -0500

Sorry, no.

Response by SFC Bennie Davis made Jan 2 at 2020 5:30 PM

SFC Bennie Davis — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 17:30:28 -0500

The answer is No, if you are not in an Airborne unit your State will not allow you to go into the school.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jan 2 at 2020 6:11 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 18:11:52 -0500

Just buy the wings ...it's cheaper.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 2 at 2020 6:53 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 18:53:58 -0500

Not likely, unless you unit is an airborne unit. There are a few in the Guard.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jan 2 at 2020 9:30 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 21:30:43 -0500

Only scenario is if your state approves and well........good luck with that because they budgeted for you to attend before you enlisted and it did not include Airborne training as an add on. I also attended as a NG back in 1982 (long time ago) and that rule was in place back then. Hasn't changed at all.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2020 3:03 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 03:03:47 -0500

When I went only the national guard guys had the airborne option extended to them during basic because big army wanted the state funding. Do well in PT, and speak up when the airborne recruiters show up. Ranger should be an option as well. Good luck. Sand hill is a blast.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Jan 3 at 2020 11:34 AM

SSG George Holtje — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 11:34:36 -0500

As far as I know, if it’s not in your contract then No. If you’re going to an airborne unit then your unit needs to get orders to you.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2020 12:50 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jan 2020 12:50:05 -0500

Yes you can. I did when I went through OSUT as a NG 11B. Have the highest PT score possible and talk to the national guard liaison.

I was also a Company Commander at Sand Hill. National Guard 11Bs also get the opportunity to go to Ranger School following OSUT. I sent a few to RTAC after they graduated.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2020 8:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 20:42:13 -0500

No not unless it’s in your contract from your state before you shipped out.