National Guard Gold Bar Recruiter?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 13:13:54 -0500

So I've been kind of up in the wind with regard to my BOLC dates since commissioning in May. I finally managed to talk to the BOLC scheduler at the NGB headquarters a few days ago, and this morning, I got an email saying that the closest available BOLC date is May. I was really hoping for December or January, but I guess that didn't happen.

As a cadet, I was interested in pursuing a GBR slot, but I didn't really pursue it all that hard when I couldn't get adequate information. Because it's still only six months till BOLC, it'll be hard for me to get a civilian job for now, but that's the timeframe one can be a GBR. Any advice on getting a National Guard GBR slot for the Spring 2016 semester? I live in Virginia just outside DC, and I'm open to going anywhere I might be needed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 1:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 13:17:21 -0500

I'm the Gold Bar Recruiter Manager for the Guard at Cadet Command, shoot me a message and I'll get you squared away.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 1:21 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 13:21:31 -0500

The first rule for Army schools in this time of tight budget constraints is to go at your first opportunity & don't delay short of endangering your family, etc. To do so is to risk your military career. I would reach out to CPT Private RallyPoint Member . If he doesn't have the answer, he will probably be able to point you in the right direction.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 6:28 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 18:28:24 -0500

Talk to the ROTC Professors of Military Science about GBR order availability. Also talk to the Virginia National Guard Officer Manager/Recruiter for GBR availability. I did GBR for 3 months before going to BOLC, there were orders available through Cadet Command for my ROTC Brigade. The PMS should be able to find out for you.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 8:28 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 20:28:53 -0500

Hey, not familiar with GBR but the State of VA was given cash to fund your 15 day Annual Training. Given that you'll likely be at BOLC during AT time, you could try to pursue an individual AT at your unit. Then generally be on standby as a Guard bum for ADVON, RMAs and other additional training as presents itself. --was a Guard bum for 8 months.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 10:31 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 22:31:00 -0500

As an ATRRS user since 2008, I'd advise you to be grateful for a slot within the next 6 months. A best practice is to lock in schools at the beginning of the calendar year for the following FY or up to 21 months out. Instant gratification and first choices are not the norm during a long military career; one of the greatest virtues I have been taught throughout my career is patience.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 11:55 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 23:55:35 -0500

I have been in recruiting as an NCO in the National Guard and then I commissioned. I will say that I have never seen anyone in the National Guard do this. There is just not enough funding to do that. The only time I have seen this happen was with the Regular Army do this for their officers until they could get them a slot for their BOLC. But int the Guard the funding is tight. In addition to that I don't think we are really have any issues with our numbers. I am sure it varies between the states but I don't see this happening. It is hard to find full time work as a LT. I took a title 10 job out of my state. I couldn't land anything. But best of luck.