Posted on Dec 15, 2015
National Guard or the Army Reserves? I've been out for about 6 months after serving ten years. Any advice?
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I've been contemplating joining the National Guard or the Army Reserves. I want to get to retirement. And I know I could save money on insurance.
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 24
I would consider promotion opportunities as a big part of the decision. Thought about a switch to the reserves when I was approaching 7 years as a SPC as it was a high density MOS in the NG. Made it through and it thins out greatly because NCOES requirements after SSG.
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Just remember that you won't be able to collect your retirement until you are 62 or 65. The part time side of the army is a lot more different than active duty. Sometime not for the best.
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I have served both and it really comes down to your MOS and where you want to be in 5 years. The biggest challenge one faces in the National Guard is funding and how each state manages funds for Soldiers to attend schools and NCOES. The Reserves are federally funded and having the ability to attend schools and develop is much easier. This in no way is picking one over the other, but instead giving my personal experience between the Arizona Army National Guard and Army Reserves. The Reserves had many more open doors and opportunities for myself than the Guard would have.
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