Posted on Aug 14, 2017
Which option is better to commission as an Officer in the Medical Field: National Guard or Army Reserves?
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Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
AMEDD C&S
Prior Service
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
Suspended Profile
This -wildly- depends on the state.
Some have no funding; some have more than they know what to do with. The Guard is very well known for being stagnant in ranks and waiting for someone to die or retire, whichever comes first, in order for you to move in to their position- because it's smaller. Much smaller.
Reserve, it's a lot easier to be promoted, a lot easier to transfer with your civilian job if you move states for a promotion or whatnot.
It's not a "better" objectively; it's what better for -you-. What are -your- priorities?
Some have no funding; some have more than they know what to do with. The Guard is very well known for being stagnant in ranks and waiting for someone to die or retire, whichever comes first, in order for you to move in to their position- because it's smaller. Much smaller.
Reserve, it's a lot easier to be promoted, a lot easier to transfer with your civilian job if you move states for a promotion or whatnot.
It's not a "better" objectively; it's what better for -you-. What are -your- priorities?
TSgt (Join to see)
I've moved quite a lot and although I may be settled for now, I like the flexibility of moving if need to. Also, I've seen first hand how promotions work in the guard side of the house and I want to move up in the ranks at some point.
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Trust !e, look at USPJS Commissioned Corps and their Jr and Sr COSTEP, their analogue to ROTC, if I'd known it existed, I'd have gone that way, and saved myself endless aggravation, honest...youmwamt me to! Elaborate, just ask, OK?
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I would say Army Reserves since they are federally recognized, though you can be in the National Guard, but I believe there are time limits when going through OCS. Attached is an interesting read: http://www.customwritingtips.com/component/k2/item/16786-the-kansas-army-national-guard-marketing-versus-the-active-duty-and-reserve-components.html, though I know you're not in that state.
The Kansas Army National Guard Marketing versus the Active Duty and reserve components
The Kansas Army National Guard Marketing versus the Active Duty and reserve components Abstract The reserve components of the army are among the nation’s highly sensitive institutions which traces back to the colonial times in America. The military force during the 17th century was relatively simple but the organization has undergone tremendous changes which have made the institutions to be highly complex based on the membership conditions,...
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First what is in your area, how far are you willing to travel for that commission. As with any MOS in the Guard or Reserves what is available for you within a reasonable driving distance. I cannot say about the medical field but my old unit had 4 officers switch from guard to reserves because they could be promoted, since there were more openings.
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TSgt (Join to see)
I live in New Jersey, but currently in the Delaware National Guard. If it is worth it, I don't mind driving a bit more. Right now my commute to my unit is about an hour. I've heard the same things about the reserves, just nothing specific to medical.
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SSG (Join to see)
In my area, it is easier to get promoted in the Reserves if you are willing to move units, had lots of friends transfer from the guard just for rank.
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I imagine that would be depending on if there are any additional benefits that the NG of your state offers that you may not get with the Reserves. The Guard does fall under the state as the Governor can call upon your service. As you are probably already familiar with what the Guard has to offer, you may want to contact a Reserves retention person to see what options may be available to you if you were to shift over.
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