What's life like as an 11b in the New York National Guard?

2020-05-24T20:50:39-04:00

I'm 30 years old, currently living in Brooklyn and have no prior service. I regret not serving when I was younger and don't want to go through life holding onto that regret. I'm looking to join the NG and was wondering specifically about infantry units in New York. I'm thinking about transitioning to Law Enforcement and would use my time in the guard to finish my degree and gain valuable experience. I was also considering joining the Rhode Island guard as they have more opportunities for high speed training (airborne and 19th SF). I also realize that RI is smaller and may not have as many available positions. So really I'm just looking for details for drills and schooling differences between the two. Chances of airborne or ranger school in NY and the like. The benefits as far as college seem to be equivalent. Thanks for the help.

Response by SFC(P) Jonathan P. made May 24 at 2020 8:54 PM

2020-05-24T20:54:12-04:00

I was in the infantry in New York for a few years, and while I did learn a lot and trained, I never got to deploy with the unit as is doesn’t have a high rotation rate. Transferred out and got deployed within months. I am also an SFRE trainee that made it through the even and waiting to get the back stateside to transfer to the RI 19thSFg. I would say go with the RI unit and do the REP63 program. It’s a Straight shoot and gets the high-speed schools and better chances of goin SF.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2020 9:25 PM

2020-05-24T21:25:58-04:00

I was never infantry, but I was with the NY ARNG for 5 years, and served with the 27th IBCT. I can tell you that I loved being a part of that family. If you have a chance to serve anywhere, the NY national guard is the place to be.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2020 11:37 PM

2020-05-24T23:37:18-04:00

Why not go active duty?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2020 2:11 AM

2020-05-25T02:11:19-04:00

The 27th IBCT is great & the 3 infantry regiment in it, however rotation rate for deployment has been extermly low lately they do many oversea training in substitute of lack deployments but would say go RI national guard for airborne even tho they too been a while since deployment but could better prepare you for SF if anything

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2020 5:09 AM

2020-05-25T05:09:22-04:00

Go straight to the nearest airborne unit. It took me many years of trying to rage against the machine in line infantry units to try and get the training and schools I wanted. I heard "No!" more than you can possibly imagine. I transferred over to an airborne unit, and because those schools/training are necessary to conduct airborne operations and to be a successful paratrooper, they threw as many opportunities at me as I would accept. I'm not saying it's always going to work that way, but if you want to accelerate your military career because you are starting late, go airborne.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2020 10:21 AM

2020-05-25T10:21:21-04:00

I was in the NY guard for a period of time. Worst experience of my life. Job(not career), girlfriend, apartment( lease can be broken with orders), and, are things that are stopping you from doing great things because you let them. If you really want to get out there and crush it, go active. If you want the low down on things PM me

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2020 10:27 PM

2020-05-26T22:27:03-04:00

C Co. 1st Bn ( ABN) 143rd Infantry is part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. It’s good unit, solid NCOs and gets more training opportunities than most other NG units (ABN, Ranger, Pathfinder, etc). Plus they go to Europe allot.