Can anyone give advice regarding National Guard Technicians?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 01:55:03 -0400

My Sergeant is submitting my resume for a GS-8 position in my MOS. What is different about being a Tech compared to M-Day besides it being 5 days a week? A bump in the hill is that I live 100 miles from my unit and so I am trying to organize living arrangements.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 2:10 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 02:10:37 -0400

A technician is officially a federal employee. This comes with its own set of rules. You would be performing your duties in uniform, but would be held to a different standard with regard to how you’re coded ( I.e. benefits and retirement). There should be regulations that outline the specifics. Check with your leadership for details.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 2:12 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 02:12:46 -0400

The way it works is that Monday thru Friday you will be a government civilian that wears a uniform, and on drill weekends an M-Day Soldier. The catch is that the “civilian” job is tied to the National Guard job, meaning if you get out of the guard for whatever reason, you lose the technician job. For the most part, you’ll feel like you’re on active duty, but draw two paychecks, and retirements if you stick it out.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 2:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 02:14:58 -0400

Just so you know, you lose any bonuses, the option for tricare reserve, but you can “double dip” for pay when you drill.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 28 at 2018 5:31 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 05:31:43 -0400

Good luck on getting the position.

Response by SSG Joshua Tanton made Apr 12 at 2018 12:54 AM

SSG Joshua Tanton — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 00:54:59 -0400

It’s nice to get the full time experience and networking done face to face to fully submerge yourself into your MOS. I learned a lot while I was full time. Full time National Guard is the best job I’ve ever had and do not want to do anything else. There’s nothing like getting the knowledge to assist other soldiers when they need.