Would the Army Reserves or Florida National Guard better suit a 26 year old with a family?

2019-02-07T08:43:03-05:00

I am a recent green card recipient looking to serve and better myself. I have a wife and a 1 year old daughter. I’d like to know which would better suit my family. I am studying for the asvab to have as many opportunities as possible.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 8:47 AM

2019-02-07T08:47:31-05:00

I would say it depends on what MOS you are looking at and what is available in your area by either the reserves or the guard. There are no combat MOS's in the reserves, only in the guard, with the exception of pilot. Talk to a recruiter for each side and see what they have to offer. I know most guard units will pay for in state schooling, the reserves off tuition assistance for school.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Feb 7 at 2019 8:51 AM

2019-02-07T08:51:53-05:00

It's all a personal choice/preference. As a NG/Reservists you will have the opportunity to continue a civilian career. The only limitations are the availability of MOSs since those are dependent on where you live; besides your ASVAB scores. Regarding benefits, you will be short changed. Is there any reason not to consider active duty? There are many more opportunities. Just a thought!

Response by Bryant Sanchez Fonseca made Feb 7 at 2019 9:15 AM

2019-02-07T09:15:35-05:00

The MOSs that have my interest or 68a (BMET) 68w (Medic) or maybe a trade like 91e (welding/machinist) my top one would be 68a for the sole reason of being career ready right after AIT which would be outstanding for us as a family because my wife is going to school and I know for the medic mos I would also have to continue school for a civilian career and I think it would be difficult for us to both be in school and to handle bills but not impossible. Thanks for the replies so far.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Feb 7 at 2019 9:16 AM

2019-02-07T09:16:41-05:00

Congratulations, and I commend you for looking at a way to serve. It all depends on you when it comes to National Guard or Active. As a young family man you might look at the comparison of benefits of both. Also, based a the job or MOS (Military Occupational Speciality) you choose? I would also recommend you talk with a Recruiter face to face just to get some on the spot answers.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 9:57 AM

2019-02-07T09:57:16-05:00

It's a personal decision, but if you are looking for Pros and Cons, I know the one major difference in the two is that National guard is state based so you will always be in FL, where as the Reserves is Federal so you could be put in a unit out of state. I know people in the Reserves that lived in GA or even OK that were put in units in AL. It's just a matter of where your needed when it comes to that. I agree with everyone else you might want to check Active as well due to the benefits. NG and AR you get a drill check once a month and for your two week AT. Active is better pay and benefits. As NG and AR you can get Tricare Reserve Select which for a family will run about $200 and some change, so basically your drill check, however it is wonderful insurance. Active you don't have to pay for the Tricare Prime and it's also wonderful insurance.

To be blunt you need to sit down with your wife and discuss the options of all 3. This is a major decision for not only your life but your family as well and while your daughter is too young to have a say so, your wife should be included in the decision making process.

Hope this helps.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 11:22 AM

2019-02-07T11:22:44-05:00

The first question is why do you want to serve? You already have a green card so you've gotten over the worst of the citizenship process. What are your expectations from serving?

Next, how are you currently providing for your family?

Lastly, does your family support you? Just because it's part time doesn't mean that you won't face the same or similar sacrifices
hardships, and obstacles that active duty soldiers deal with every day.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 7 at 2019 11:40 AM

2019-02-07T11:40:02-05:00

Your choice should be based on you life goals. For example, if one of your life goals is to work as a diesel mechanic, then the Reserve or Guard unit with an opening that can provide that type of training and duty is best. Also, talk with the Reserve and Guard recruiters and decide if any of the MOS they are recruiting for are in a career field that interests you. Keep an open mind about the opportunities. Something that seems a mundane now, such as supply clerk or warehouse person, can lead to bigger things down the road, such as supply chain management. I'm a little prejudice, but transportation and engineering MOS offer readily transferable skills to the civilian work force, so that's worth a look.

Both Guard and Reserve require one weekend a month and two weeks a year of duty. The pay is the same for the same grade and MOS in either Reserve Component. The State Governor can activate (call up) the National Guard to help with a State emergency (flood, hurricane, fire, riots and demonstrations). The Reserves are not subject to activation by the Governor, but can be activated for similar emergencies through the Department of Defense. Units from the Guard or Reserve can be activated to fill DoD requirements overseas. The Governor has to agree to activation of Guard units.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 4:31 PM

2019-02-07T16:31:27-05:00

Bryant Sanchez Fonseca Excellent question, and the only real answer is it depends. The National Guard has some benefits and cons over the reserves. One of the biggest differences is state boundaries. If you are likely to move out of the state for personal or professional reasons the reserve is a much better deal as you don't need the State's permission to move. If that isn't an issue for you then I'd suggest finding a unit close by that is a career field that you are interested in and will enjoy or would significantly help your civilian career. So I'd talk to both and see what jobs they can offer you and decide on that.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2019 4:16 AM

2019-02-22T04:16:12-05:00

USCG Reserve. I was active duty Navy. I transitioned to the Reserves in 2008. Best choice I ever made. The coast guard treats there members good, and there families...