What is the process and how competitive would it be to pick up 11A in the Texas National Guard?

2018-12-27T14:06:32-05:00

I’m curious about the pipeline to become an 11A in the National Guard (the Texas NG if I can get specific info on that). I’m prior service 11B, been out a couple years and just got my bachelors. I’m curious about the process and how competitive it would be to pick up 11A. I’ve read about the merit system and such, I just don’t know much about it and want to know if it’s different in the guard if you’re prior service, and can pick up a guaranteed spot as an infantry officer. Basically I don’t want to go through the process if it might be absurdly difficult to obtain that. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a matter of unwillingness to work, I just want to lower my risk of getting stuck in a career I don’t want to do it I commit to commissioning.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2018 2:13 PM

2018-12-27T14:13:50-05:00

Not sure, but I'd definitely just reach out to a TXARNG officer recruiter and see if they have slots. Good luck and congrats on your degree.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Dec 27 at 2018 2:42 PM

2018-12-27T14:42:13-05:00

Probably half the National Guard is prior service, so while the lifestyle is a change from Active, you won't be at a disadvantage. You do have more control over your Branch in the Guard than you do on Active Duty and you can go to State OCS with what would amount to a guaranteed Branch. However, that depends on the availability of slots within the state. There should be someone at the State Headquarters that deals with Officer Accessions that will be able to tell you what is available in the state and should be able to steer you do the proper recruiter. Good luck.
A big Infantry presence in Texas, 36th Infantry Division and most of an Airborne Regiment. Only Airborne unit in the National Guard that I am aware of existing.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2018 2:45 PM

2018-12-27T14:45:24-05:00

Most likely you'll have to enlist as an 09S. You'll drill with a unit until the next state OCS class starts. After you you complete that, the state you're in will most likely determine how you Branch although you'll more than likely get your wish for 11A because they always tend to grant combat mos's when desired. You'll just have to go through the BOLC for 11a whenever that class begins.

Response by MAJ Milan George made Dec 27 at 2018 3:51 PM

2018-12-27T15:51:21-05:00

The good thing about the National Guard, and Texas specifically, is that if you want a job as an 11A all you have to do is let the BN Commander of the BN you want to join know and he'll have his staff work with you. Texas has gotten more involved in filling fields that need officers, but a BN Commander has some pull, especially if he can get his BDE Commander to support him. The first step is going to be enlisting, once you do you submit your OCS packet. As long as you meet the requirements, you will get a slot. BUT, since you are prior service, you know that NOTHING is guaranteed when it comes to the Army. You can PM me where you live and i'll be able to point you to the nearest IN Bn.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2018 5:45 PM

2018-12-27T17:45:12-05:00

If you are in an Infantry unit in the Guard in Yexas just tell them you want to gonofficer and you can stay in the Infantry Branch I had many guardsman do that.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2019 3:26 PM

2019-01-03T15:26:59-05:00

About as easy as it gets.