What are some worthwhile pursuits for a young soldier?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 14:42:53 -0500

I'm hoping to find some friendly career advice on here and to see what other military opportunities are out there. I'm a 94A with the Pennsylvania National Guard, still on my first enlistment. I like my unit and the people I work with but I do very little (hardly any) of my MOS work. I will be promotable at the end of this June and I'm planning on re-enlisting in April of 2016. I had the good fortune of going to WLC last year and graduated on the Commandant's list. WLC whet my appetite for other training and schools but opportunities are slim in the Guard (at least that's what I've been led to understand.) I want to be proactive with my career but I'm not sure which direction to go or even where to look. What else is out there for someone of my rank? And what is reasonable for me to expect or anticipate regarding the future? (I have no intentions of hiding behind the sham shield.) Thank you for reading.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 2:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 14:49:56 -0500

My biggest recommendation is to sign up for civilian schooling. Even if you only take one course a semester at least you are taking something to further improve yourself. Honestly, I'm not sure what you can expect from the Guard since I am Active but going active would be another avenue since military schools may be more available.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 2:52 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 14:52:23 -0500

SPC Miller, I don't have any advice but I just wanted to say that I admire your proactive attitude. Keep up the great work!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 2:52 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 14:52:26 -0500

SPC Miller, I don't have any advice but I just wanted to say that I admire your proactive attitude. Keep up the great work!

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Jan 31 at 2014 2:53 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 14:53:14 -0500

Go to college. The training there is as good as any for career advancement and most colleges will have good incentive packages for the guard. Check with the Veteran's assistance program. <div>The Guard also likes their people to be cross trained, so don't worry about whether or not your College classes really correspond to your MOS. You may even look into an OCS program.</div>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 2:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 14:54:50 -0500

Regardless of what field you choose, do something on your second or re-enlistment that will translate to the civilian world regardless if you are planning on making the military a career. Do the "Hooah" stuff while you are young then get sensible about your future. This comes from spending 20 plus years in the Cavalry (and Infantry and Armor) The choices of the combat arms vet in the civilian world (outside of law enforecment....which in actuality is quite different) are slim. Something with computers man!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2014 5:30 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 17:30:17 -0500

Thanks for your input, everyone.