Which is the best branch for reserve/guard duty?

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 15:15:45 -0400

A 37 year old Friend wants to step up to the plate. What are his options?

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2016 3:18 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 15:18:35 -0400

A 37 year old Friend wants to step up to the plate. What are his opinions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2016 3:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 15:22:33 -0400

At 37 I don't think he can join any branch unless, he has some degree in medical to become commissioned.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2016 5:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 17:05:20 -0400

Check into the Guard Gunny

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 9 at 2016 2:39 PM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 09 Jul 2016 14:39:53 -0400

It really depends on his background. If he has extensive experience in an in-demand career field, and advanced degree in a needed field, etc., a Reserve/Guard recruiter might be able to work with him.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 9 at 2016 3:36 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sat, 09 Jul 2016 15:36:44 -0400

http://www.militaryspot.com/enlist/what-is-the-maximum-age-limit-for-each-branch-of-the-military

I found that site hope it's useful. As mentioned here, obviously, knowing more about background, interests, ambitions, and education, would certainly help to answer, of course. Themusphs commissioned corps, for those with clinical or, e.g., engineering, I'dread can, I think, go to 44, however, as I'd said, you might need to describe more, to get more specific answers, that's all I'm saying, hope was of help, would be eager to hear more, many thanks.

What is the Maximum Age Limit for Each Branch of the Military? - MilitarySpot.com

It truly depends on whether or not you are a non-prior or prior service member, looking at enlisting into the active duty or reserve components...

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jul 10 at 2016 2:25 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 14:25:53 -0400

That's a loaded question. As a two service member (Active duty Army and Air Force Guard & Reserve), I can tell you that each service is vastly different. It really depends on what he wants to do and his personality. At 37 years old, your friend is probably set in his ways much more than an 18 year old. He may have a hard time adjusting to the Marines who tend to be pretty rigid in their ways. The Guard (both Army and Air Force) tend to be more relaxed than their Reserve cousins.

Depending on the MOS, the services have different opportunities. Both the Army and Air Force have Reserve/Guard Special Operations units if he wants to be real gung ho.

I suggest that he do his homework, understand that recruiters lie, and talk to as many Reserves from the different branches as he can before he decides.

Response by SrA Sheri Wooldridge made Jul 10 at 2016 3:06 PM

SrA Sheri Wooldridge — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 15:06:56 -0400

Air Force Reserve. I think the cutoff age is 35 or 36 tho. A waiver can be obtained

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Jul 10 at 2016 7:08 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 19:08:53 -0400

Get back on the bench.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2016 12:54 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 12:54:08 -0400

It entirely depends on what you want to get out of it. Guardsmen, depending on their state could have a vastly different experience even in the same branch. For example, the Washington, Oregon, and California guard are activated semi-frequently to combat wildfires in the summers.

For me, I knew the Air Force was my gig from an early age. My father and maternal step-grandfather were both Airmen, and I could not think of joining any other branch.

If your friend wants to prove he is though, and put more on the line, then Army and Marines are the better option. If he wants a slightly easier time, then the Navy and Air Force are where he should go.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 7:18 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 07:18:42 -0400

Depends on what his skills are and what he wants to do. I know the Navy reserves has programs which would allow hi. To come in at a higher due to background experience. For example, electricians, machinists, plumbers, etc., could possibly come in as an E-5, or E-6 depending on their years of experience and level he achieved in the civilian world. Best bet would be to talk to a reserve recruiter, as they would have more information for him then an active duty recruiter would.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 8:22 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 08:22:12 -0400

Unless I'm mistaken, you only have two choices the Navy or the Air Force. (Due to age. I joined the NAVY Reserve at 38. It can be done.

Response by SrA Rebecca Jaffee made Jul 12 at 2016 8:25 AM

SrA Rebecca Jaffee — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 08:25:09 -0400

Easily Air National Guard. Tons of money, lots of opportunity. the difference between guard and reserve is who runs it. Reserve is strictly federal while the guard is funded by both the state and federal government. A lot of time the reserve runs out of money very quickly and you will not be able to do much more than the minimum requirement of one weekend a month, two weekends a year. Guard generally doesn't have this problem. They get a lot more training in.

Response by TSgt Derrol Turner made Jul 12 at 2016 8:58 AM

TSgt Derrol Turner — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 08:58:53 -0400

Air Force Reserves

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 9:12 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 09:12:24 -0400

I would tell anyone in that situation to get in great shape and enlist in the army or marines active duty for infantry for three years. Get the full experience including gi bills- go all in. To generalize- about a year training, about a year deployed and about a year realizing that you've done your part, you're turning forty and it's time to move on. The military will be a good adventure for a 37 year old but by 40, you've seen behind the curtain and should be satisfied and ready to get out of the next generation's way.

Response by CW4 Don Conlan made Jul 12 at 2016 9:34 AM

CW4 Don Conlan — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 09:34:19 -0400

I can only speak for my Army experience.
I chose the reserves over the guard because I never wanted to put myself into a position where I might have to suppress my neighbors during disturbances. I joined the reserves as a prior-service electronic technician at the age of 33.

I note that your friend is age 37. (S)he may not be eligible for retirement, if (s)he has insufficient prior-service. Check with the recruiter.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 9:38 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 09:38:39 -0400

GySgt, as many of the other responders on here will tell you this and that, it really depends on your friend. As a career Army National Guardsman, I found the Army Guard worked best for me, as I had transitioned from Regular Army to Guard. Many of my brothers and sisters transferred from Air Force Guard, Navy & Marine Reserves, to finish their careers to retire from Army Guard. Each branch has something to offer, and whichever offer works best he should follow. Also be sure that your friend chooses the branch that will work with him, his family and his employer/school.
Good Luck to him, and hopefully welcome to the Family.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 9:53 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 09:53:12 -0400

If he / she is non prior service that limits the options. Have him/her go air guard.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 10:05 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 10:05:39 -0400

I came into the Air Guard as a late comer so I can provide a little insight but, in the end, it depends on what he wants.

My Air Guard experience has been great. I landed full-time AGR position 6 months after tech school which meant I got to keep half of my $20k bonus. 80% of my base is full-time between dual status techs and AGRs so there is still a chance to go full-time and be in the reserve force. Like others have said the Guard, both Army and Air, is state and federally funded. That means you can get all the federal benefits plus whatever extra state benefits are available. Many states will waive tuition for guardsmen. I believe you have to ship to basic by your 39th birthday for any branch of the Air Force. The enlistment process is slow so I wouldn't wait. The pay and trainings good and most will transfer to the outside world. If he's looking for that traditional military experience he might have to looks elsewhere though.

Most Army Guards will only have 1 or 2 full-time positions but I could be off on this. I just remember talking to my dad who retired trough the Army Guard.

Coast guard had a 2+ year wait to get in when I was shopping around.

Is he willing to relocate or is there a base nearby? I used to drive 4 hours to My UTAs and that gets old after awhile.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 11:02 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 11:02:30 -0400

The Army Guard will likely offer the most variety of opportunity across the country. You also get the chance to learn and execute domestic support operations. Its important to decide whether you want your follow on military job to reflect your civilian career or if you want it to offer a clean break from your routine.

Response by CPL Zach Spurloch made Jul 12 at 2016 11:33 AM

CPL Zach Spurloch — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 11:33:24 -0400

Army guard has the most opportunities for advancement/experience. If your friend ever does hit a snag with rank advancement, all would be necessary, is a move to a new unit. Or so has been my experience. Plus there are many more "Volunteer" opportunities. I would suggest your friend sign up for a combat group though. 11B is a good place to start.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 11:34 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 11:34:26 -0400

Left out a good option: Coast Guard Reserves. Has been an outstanding career for me with 21 years of service and counting.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 2:17 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:17:28 -0400

Don't forget the Air National Guard as well. Your friend has until 39 to enlist.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jul 12 at 2016 5:28 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 17:28:56 -0400

The biggest difference between Reserve and National Guard is that the Reserve is Federal and the NG is state. It is easier for a reservist to transfer to a unit in another state if the civilian job moves them. But with the NG, it is much more difficult if not impossible because the contract is with the state.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jul 12 at 2016 8:40 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 20:40:34 -0400

I've been both Reserve and Guard. I think it depends on your friends skill sets. Consider Army Reserve is more CS/CSS, if your friend has skills which will easily cross over, Reserve might be the way to go. Reserve being federal, transferring from unit to unit is easier especially if the person lives in a border area. I also found promotion is easier in the Reserve.
Guard is more a home town unit, with lots of members from the community which has it's advantages. If the Guard in the area is more combat units, remember combat isn't an old man's game. But there must be some support around somewhere.

Have your friend contact both and weigh the advantages. There are advantages to both, it greatly depends on your friend.

Response by SPC Joel Quey made Jul 13 at 2016 3:14 AM

SPC Joel Quey — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 03:14:39 -0400

It depends on a lot of factors. Where he lives, what he wants to do, etc. I know that in WA state, we gave our strikers to our Army Guard unit, so they deploy any time we need strikers somewhere. For me, I joined the Army because it offered a bigger signing bonus than the others. There are also considerations as far as MOS, etc

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2016 1:29 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 13:29:25 -0400

Marine Reserve for sure GySgt. Semper Fi

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2016 4:02 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 16:02:50 -0400

I chose the ARNG because you can literally make your own decisions and catch orders to where YOU want to go and not where THEY want you to go.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2016 12:10 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 00:10:26 -0400

That depends on the person and his or her background I did 26 years in the Marine Reserves and am currently In the AF reserves huge differences some good and some not.

Response by SMSgt James R. made Jul 27 at 2016 8:56 PM

SMSgt James R. — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 20:56:13 -0400

It all depends on what he is looking for. The Guard can be a very good option but if the state has budgetary....concerns...that often causes issues. If he wants options, he better get moving because MEPS isn't knd to the elderly and once he turns 39, his only option will be the Army (they take up to 42-however the ANG does sometimes play by Army rules which is how they managed to send the oldest person to attend AF Basic in history-a 42 YO woman-but I wouldn't count one that).

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 1:49 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 13:49:05 -0400

At his age I would recommend the Navy or Airforce. For one it had less of the tedious politics of the direct combat branches and they are more inviting for special skill sets.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2016 9:20 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 21:20:50 -0400

Gunny, I've had the pleasure of Active and Reserve time in the Marine Corp as well as Army National Guard. For a 37 year old man, it is going to come to what he wants to get out of the experience and what level of dedication he holds. He will have to attend Boot Camp reguardless, and both the Army and Marine Corp are difficult however attending USMC Boot Camp at 37 is harsh! In my opinion Army or Air Guard is the way to go for your friend. Good Luck!

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2016 10:47 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 10:47:28 -0500

Guard bro trust me I was in the guard first now I am in the reserve don't do reserves I am trying to get kicked out of the reserves right now then I will go back into the guard

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2017 11:14 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 11:14:31 -0500

Yeah your options are kind of narrow. I know the Marine Corps Reserve stops taking people after their 29th birthday unless you have a special waiver. The Air Force doesnt stoo until your 39th birthday; So, air force would probably be the only option. I'm not really familiar with the rest.

Response by Cpl Sebastian Dixon made May 16 at 2017 10:36 PM

Cpl Sebastian Dixon — Tue, 16 May 2017 22:36:30 -0400

I would suggest the Air Guard

Response by SSG Mike Jackson made Jul 30 at 2017 1:27 AM

SSG Mike Jackson — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 01:27:19 -0400

According to the national guard and reserve almanac the highest end strength of service members are in the Army National Guard which means more slots or promotions more opportunities for you