If my main goal is to go into federal law enforcement after service, should I first go active duty or join the NG as a college student?

Jason Duey II — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 00:23:32 -0500

As a current college freshman (19 years old) I am having a hard time deciding whether to active duty as 11B, serve my time, and either go straight to work or back to college after my service. My other option is joining the national guard as an 11b and completing college, then at the end of my contract and after college, going active duty also as an 11b.

My main goal is to go into federal law enforcement after service, and since a bachelors degree is required for almost any field position, I’m not sure which route to take.

Any tips or pointers to possibly help with this decision?

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Jan 7 at 2021 4:02 AM

SGT Eric Davis — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 04:02:59 -0500

If active duty if hit goal then goal active but you have to decide what’s best the you.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2021 4:38 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 04:38:09 -0500

Active Duty is by far the better path for someone wanting to earn a way to pay for a college education.

One can earn their GI bill with their first enlistment on Active Duty. If they managed to have a year of school completed via knocking out on-line courses targeted toward general education over the 3+ years during the enlistment, then at time of service completion they have the remaining 36 months free and clear of GI Bill funding to focus on school without any other financial concerns if they are realistic with their finances.

The NG/USAR is a 6-8 year commitment that continues to interfere with academic schedules all while trying to get a degree. During that time, the GI Bill doesn't vest unless one gets on title 10 orders (basically deployed) and is prorated until 36 months of title 10 orders are reached. There is a very good chance you don't vest any GI Bill benefits over those 8 years. So when you finally come out of the NG you have nothing in regard toward education benefits.

Oh yes, the NG/USAR provide annual tuition assistance to the amount of $4,000, but you can only use it while you are in the NG. However, you can also get such an education benefit working at Starbucks or Amazon, and those employers with education support will not have military exercises with changing schedules that jack up your academic schedule.

In the NG, you might have to ask yourself, "do I miss a military exercise, technically go AWOL in order to finish your finals exams, or go to the exercise and throw away an entire semester of school, costs, and time". You'll have to do that for 6-8 years.

Every single year I had a handful of Reservists put in that situation.

Plus, while in the NG you still have to find a way to fund your education outside the $4,000 tuition assistance.

I have nearly 10 years in and I'm still not 100% vested with the GI Bill.

Finally......... with your professional goal of Federal Law Enforcement, I don't think it is important what MOS you choose. I think it is important you get your education, present yourself professionally, and succeed in your service obligation and reach the NCO ranks (I've seen young soldiers make it to E6 in their first enlistment). As an NCO you will have documented annual performance reviews in the form of NCOER's that can be used to show potential employers your value.

If you join the NG/USAR you'll probably bog down your education goal over a period of time more than twice that of an AD commitment and at the end of it have almost nothing to show for it.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jan 7 at 2021 5:04 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 05:04:29 -0500

Active Duty first, potentially a National Guard tour after if you feel like it. It's hard to do college when your in the Guard at the same time. National Guard always seems to schedule guard drills at the most inconvienent times of your college (exams or major tests) or personal live (family reunions or weddings). So clear the decks of your military obligation first, then go to college.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 7 at 2021 8:54 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 08:54:26 -0500

If your ultimate goal is to be a FED in one of the Alphabet agencies you should choose the option that directly supports you in that pursuit. Focus on getting your degree. NG or Reserves will help scratch your itch while allowing you the time and resources to complete your degree. You can also remain a part time soldier while serving as an Agent. You can have a rewarding career in both jobs without having to uproot yourself or make super difficult decisions.

If you want to serve AD then go that route but it sounds like you want something else entirely.

Response by CSM Eric Biggs made Jan 7 at 2021 9:01 AM

CSM Eric Biggs — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 09:01:40 -0500

Not trying to discourage you from service. However if your goal is federal law enforcement why worry about serving in the military, it is not a requirement.
Given you still feel the calling to serve, good. Go active duty, learn the job with great focus. Complete your contract, then go to college let the GI Bill pay for college and focus on your studies.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2021 11:09 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 11:09:24 -0500

Do whichever will be easiest for you to successfully achieve a bachelor degree without any student loans. If you're only 19 with no dependents you can afford to be a poor broke college student for a few years in the NG as a full-time student. If quality of life and a steady paycheck is more important then have a full time job in the Army and be a part-time student

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2021 12:02 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 12:02:50 -0500

From what I know Feds don't really care much for generic military service. I am sure thousands have thought about the going to be a Fed and thought the military would help. I have been in local law enforcement but nothing higher. If you are going to try to be a Special Agent then it's not so much meeting the requirements but it's about standing out. They have more applicants then you could ever imagine. Just doing a couple years in the Guard is not going to help. But if you were to get a degree from a good school and have some experience in the military that shows your capacity to function well above your peers then you might have a chance. You would have a much better chance with a few years of military service as an officer. Or, you could do the route that a lot of us take. Just go 11B and see how it plays out. I was enlisted and also had ambitions of going to be a FED. I honestly enjoy being an officer. I would rather do this than being a FED. It is something that you won't know you enjoy until you try it.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2021 2:54 PM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 14:54:02 -0500

Jason Duey II First, thanks for wanting to serve either via NG or active duty. The active duty military will give you a combination of experience and military education, plus whatever classes you are able to take. Several options exist to pursue formal education, so do your due diligence to select the one best suited to your situation and go for it. Your career goals may (probably will) change with time, so keep an open mind while you are gaining life experience. Good luck.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2021 3:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 15:22:04 -0500

I am in the guard and used the scholarship from my state to fully fund my degree. I will complete my BS in 3.5 years and have zero debt. I am also able to work full time in a professional career that requires certifications. Most of the FED programs will require experience at a professional level and a BS. I will say this; either active, reserve or guard... you won't regret a single minute of your decision to serve.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2021 2:01 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 14:01:42 -0500

Jason Duey II My goal was to work for the Space Program. After serving my four years, I found a god job at a chemical plant while I worked on my degree. When I obtained my degree, I started a 33 year career on the Space Shuttle Program and retired one month after the last Space Shuttle flight. If you want to serve, go active duty and afterwards, utilize the GI Bill. Good luck.