Should I do Honor Guard?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 19:21:18 -0500

I'm a Split Training Op currently doing my senior year in high school. Somebody reached out to me and offered a position to do Honor Guard in the AL ARNG. Should I take up the offer? Is it difficult? How good does it look on the ERB of somebody who hasn't been to AIT yet?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2020 7:33 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 19:33:04 -0500

If you have the chance to do it, do it. It’s a once in a lifetime thing. If you have the opportunity to make a family’s day by being there for them. Be there. Plus you get paid. You should be honored to be able to participate.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2020 8:45 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 20:45:28 -0500

PFC Private RallyPoint Member I would jump at the chance to be part of a Honor Guard. Good luck PFC Moler. Pleae keep us posted.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 18 at 2020 9:45 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 21:45:34 -0500

You might make some good contacts if you want to go AGR.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2020 11:46 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 23:46:01 -0500

Soldier, I highly recommend you take this offer. It is only as difficult as you make it. That is probably the only CON I can think of. The PROs are that your uniform will never look as good since you will want to/need to look your best. You will make POCs that can probably assist you down the line. And.....you will be a part of a team that makes an ever lasting impression on others. It may not make it onto your ERB....but it will be noticed by those that pay attention.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2020 1:04 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 01:04:56 -0500

As a former state Honor Guard NCOIC I will tell you it's good to get involved, BUT just remember that if you are Split-Opt, you are not a full soldier yet. DO NOT do anything that could jeopardize your ability to successfully ship and complete AIT. Keep your recruiter or your RSP NCO informed!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2020 4:16 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 04:16:44 -0500

Every position of trust builds credibility. Go for it.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Feb 19 at 2020 5:45 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 05:45:59 -0500

You will learn to look and be professional and that never hurts.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2020 10:56 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 10:56:36 -0500

The attention-to-detail, discipline, pride, et. al. has lasting rewards. Do it.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Feb 19 at 2020 1:41 PM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 13:41:22 -0500

Absolutely do it. Don't worry about messing up, it happens even in the best trained groups. This should be a good opportunity to keep you focused during your last year of school. It also puts some cabbage in your pocket so Mom & Dad don't have to pay for all of your Senior year expenses.

Response by SGT Brian Black made Feb 19 at 2020 4:33 PM

SGT Brian Black — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 16:33:17 -0500

In the last month or so before I left AD (as a young E-5), I was given every “crap” detail for which my unit needed an NCO (e.g. Pee Test Observer). That included traveling all over Oklahoma and Arkansas on a Funeral Detail. Tried not to weep for the service member I never met. Didn’t always succeed. It was the most personally rewarding thing I ever did in uniform. Do this. You will not regret it.

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made Feb 21 at 2020 10:41 AM

1SG Charles Hunter — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 10:41:58 -0500

The only downside I see is the possible conflict with school obligations.

Response by SPC Curtis Kennedy made Mar 1 at 2020 2:03 AM

SPC Curtis Kennedy — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 02:03:33 -0500

Do it...not to make you look good on a promotion board but to honor those who came before you...that is what I did and I never regretted it

Response by SPC Curtis Kennedy made Jul 23 at 2020 2:11 PM

SPC Curtis Kennedy — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 14:11:19 -0400

Yes you should...even after all your training and unit placement, continue to serve on the Honor Guard...The skills you learn while on Honor Guard will help in both you military career and civilian career

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 22 at 2021 10:21 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 10:21:04 -0500

I was an honor guard OIC for 2 years. It can be time consuming. Ceremonies, parades, funerals. Lots of funerals. Not to mention practice. Learning how to properly carry and fold flag, fire salute, do a little marching aren’t a big deal. Just requires some focus. Good part is honoring our Country and veterans.

Talk to the honor guard NCOIC about his or her participation expectations.