Looking for career advice. Continue Guard or go Active?

2021-03-06T18:14:31-05:00

I'm at 13 yrs in the guard come May. I have some active time from T32 orders and the rest reserve. I havent built up a solid civilian career and outside of government jobs it's hard to devote more time to the Army. At this point Is active duty worth pursuing? Or Push for more out of the Guard?

With my ETS looming I dont want to break off to "come back later" as I'd be the one to kick that bucket down the road till it's too late

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2021 6:36 PM

2021-03-06T18:36:24-05:00

Active duty will be a-holes and take a stripe. Consider AGR in the ARNG or USAR. Get on MOBCOP at the unit ( use their VPN to log in and register for tours).

https://www.usar.army.mil/AGR/#:~:text=Active%20Guard%20Reserve%20(AGR)%20Soldiers,20%20years%20of%20active%20service.

404 - File or directory not found.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2021 7:18 PM

2021-03-06T19:18:32-05:00

That's a highly personal question. Most people who join AD later in life realize that it's an actual career with amazing benefits and do very well. Can you see yourself doing almost 20 more years to get a retirement? There's no guarantee you'll keep your MOS, 15P's aren't in great need right now. In your current MOS you might get more out of the AGR because "I think" the NG may have more aviation units than the regular Army. But maybe you'd like to work in a different field instead. There's just too many variables really.

In the end, I suggest you pick whichever gives you the quality of life you're looking for. If you have 13 years in now, you're bare minimum 31 which means you could retire as early as 51, that's a long time to be in the regular Army if you're in an MOS like 15P that's hard to promote in.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2021 9:27 PM

2021-03-06T21:27:12-05:00

Have you considered looking into a federal job that requires membership in the ANG or USAR as a condition of employment? Many technicians do exactly that and go to work every day at their units as civilians. Maybe your unit doesn’t have any of those positions but if you are willing to relocate you might be able to get a position somewhere else. Those aren’t bad gigs, either. They are usually at least GS-11.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Mar 6 at 2021 9:50 PM

2021-03-06T21:50:40-05:00

As SFC Private RallyPoint Member pointed out this is a very personal question. It was not long ago, I was in a fairly similar situation. I was Active getting out after 7 years, decided to go reserves and test the waters. I extended my first and second year. Because I still was unsure if I wanted to continue. If it was not for my GS position I probably would have gotten out. Now, going on 11 years in June I am only 9 more years away from retirement. I will be 51 by that time. But it will be worth it in the end. It all comes down you to what do you want to do and where do you see yourself? SGT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Mar 7 at 2021 9:20 AM

2021-03-07T09:20:44-05:00

There are other factors for consideration. Your MOS, desired location to live, family and finances should also play a role. Staying Guard or going active will affect factors of your life along with your service

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 7 at 2021 9:27 AM

2021-03-07T09:27:07-05:00

You need to set some realistic goals for your life. If you truly want to do military full time advancing to SNCO and completing 20 to 30 years, then applying for active duty is the way to go.

Your profile is incomplete so we can’t provide a lot of specific help. In general, you should talk with active duty recruiters from all the Services that have specialities you want to serve in. The Army may be the easiest match, but you may need to cross train either way. If you have a bachelors degree, consider applying for OCS.

Consider using VA benefits to get an associate degree or certification in a trade you enjoy. Computer stuff is good, but so is aircraft mechanic. Depends on what you want. In this case stay with the Guard.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 8 at 2021 11:47 AM

2021-03-08T11:47:54-05:00

AGR TOURs?