Posted on Dec 1, 2015
SPC Rifleman
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I'm currently Active duty and my ETS is around 6-7 months, I was planning on re-enlisting for FT Bragg but my request got shot down by the Army.

So I've been exploring other options and came across the National Guard and was given an option to reclass into the 15 series with an open training slot, which I am interested in Because it would set me up with training for a civilian job in aviation.

Now the only thing that's holding me back from signing is the fact that I lose all my benefits and could be stuck without a job after training which is a no-go with three kids.

Does the Guard offer help or do they work with civilian employers to help secure a job after training?

Do they offer any kind of housing allowance if I'm going to School?

How do I switch from the Montgomery GI Bill to the Post 9/11?

Does the Guard offer help and guidance with the transition process or am I on my own in the civilian sector and have to find a job immediately?

I am going to talk to the RCCC in the next couple of weeks but just trying to get info if anyone has been through this situation. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
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Responses: 13
SGT Stephen Gober
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The benefits of staying on active duty far outweigh anything you will get with the National Guard. Especially because you have 3 kids to take care of, my advice would be to stay active and try to lateral move into the MOS that you want. I left active duty once and I regretted that decision every day after that.
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CW3 Property Book Officer (Pbo)
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First off in the national guard U can still get life insurance and tricare reserve which will cost U around 200 a month. If you're relying on a potential MOS in the guard guaranteeing you a civilian job I suggest a few more years on active duty and maybe use some of that TI for civilian training. That being said depending on your state there are plenty of jobs available as a technician for the guard or as an AGR. I recommend a supply MOS or Admin if U are interested in working full time for the guard. Go to your states National Guard website and see what positions are available. supply is always in demand. I transitioned two years ago as an E5 supply sergeant from active duty. I'm now a full time National Guard employee and a W1. The guard won't get U off your feet right away but if U put in a little time and do the research there are a lot of opportunities available.
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SPC Rifleman
SPC (Join to see)
9 y
Thank you for the advice Sir, I have a lot to think about.
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CW3 Property Book Officer (Pbo)
CW3 (Join to see)
9 y
Oh and seriously ACAP sucks. I walked out of there thinking I would get hired by a Fortune 500 company right away, my first job after active duty paid 9.50 an hour. Whatever resume they have U write throw it away immediately. You'll get better civilian career advice from your friends back home
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MSG Calibration Technician
MSG (Join to see)
>1 y
CW3 (Join to see) - Nevada National Guard has some amazing services for resume writing and job fairs, waaaay better than anything I ever saw coming out of Active. And it is for all Soldiers, spouses and Veterans.
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SSG(P) Casualty Operations Ncoic
SSG(P) (Join to see)
>1 y
Register with HireHeroes.Org. They specialize in writing transitioning Servicemembers' resumes. I had an entire IT career prior to the Army, and figured I knew all there was about resumes. When HireHeroes translated my Army experience into civilian-speak, I was entirely blown away. Give it a shot. It's free. However, they only take a certain number of new people each week, so register as early as possible on a Monday, otherwise, you may have to wait a few days to a few weeks before they get back to you.
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SFC J Fullerton
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Edited >1 y ago
See an in-service recruiter at the transition center on your installation. USAR generally has more openings for AGR than the ARNG, only because they have more recruiting slots to fill. From what I know, its tough if not impossible to go straight from AD to AGR because of the limited slots and in many cases a waiting list of those already in a drilling Reserve/ARNG unit that have already applied. You will likely need to enlist in the ARNG first, then apply for AGR.
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SGT Soldier
SGT (Join to see)
6 y
A quick on the spot here. We just had a 68W E-4 come straight from Active into Guard Recruiting a few months ago, so it is very possible.
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LTC Charles T Dalbec
LTC Charles T Dalbec
5 y
Hooah SFC Fullerton
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