National Guard

[lentz]

Is anybody on here in the national guard/was in the national guard I am looking into it and wouldn't mind talking to someone who is not a recruiter on there thoughts

[DDSBYDAY]

  Lentz, I think UplandObsession was in the guard.  He has not checked in here since last summer but if you send him a pm there is a chance he will get it.  He is a great guy.  We met him on our winter Clearwater  ice fishing get together.  If he does respond tell him to get back in here!!

[MN RACK ATTACK]

My daughter, a senior in high school, signed up last summer. Leaves for Fort Jackson in June. Her biggest reason is for the money for college. Doesn't mind the weekend drills at Ripley. Everyone is very proud of her for the decision she has made. I'm sure she would answer any questions that she could for you.

[Bobby Bass]

Have a nephew and a niece both have been in the air guard for over twenty years. Nephew has had many deployments. They are both employed at the local air force base so they have made it a commitment. PM me your address and I will see about forwarding it to my nephew if you are interested in air guard. Have another nephew in the air force and my younger brother just retired from the Marines, of course he was a bird colonel and that is way different then the guard. Family has strong militarily ties.

[beeker]

I did ten years with the Minnesota national guard.  I signed up basically as a way to get out of some "court" related issues.. no no.. I'm not that old that the judge told me to sign up.. but it was some petty kid stuff. brought the recruiter to court with me. the recruiter said he couldn't stand when I got called , and  couldn't speak on my behalf.. just sit next to me.. when it was my turn to stand and be proven a dumbass.. the judge asked me who was with me.. I said.. "well, someone who can do more for me than you can too me"... the judge, smiled and said "doubt it".. "but if I ever see you back hear, I don't care who you bring with you"... well I shipped out a few weeks later.  best decision I ever made.. but it's not for everyone. I still have some buddies that are in, they used to do a "ride along" so to speak where you could just go and check out a drill or two. and we used to a  basic training "prep" course at ripley.. something to give new guys a few pointers so they don't stand out too much at intake when you ship out.

[ray634]

I did 21+ years in the Guard at Ripley and Brainerd. The drill weekends were not bad other than the times it conflicted with family affairs. I liked the 2 week annual training a lot since I got paid from my employer as well.
Decide early on if you want to stay for a career or just go for the education. I went for the training to try to get a job ay Ripley at first but by the time I got back that was not an option for me. I did not go for 20 till I had over 10 years in.
If you have the aptitude for officer training the pay is great and the retirement is  even better. It may see some adjustments in the future but that goes for every system out there.
Over all I would rate it a positive experience and recommend it.

[Stnmtz]

Lentz I have been in the guard for a little of 11 years now.   So if ya got any questions feel free to bounce them off me.

[redbull135]

Lentz I was in MN Guard for 8 years got any ? send them. I did 2 years in the RSP program getting new joes  ready to go down range feel free to pm me

[lentz]

Just doing some research did talk to a recruiter he is pretty convincing but going to think about it because signing up for 8 years is a long time considering I have only been on this planet for 18 years

[kenhuntin]

My Brother went to the guard in '84 right now he is up at Ripley full time trying to teach the young boys Obama sends into harms way how to stay in one piece. There are quality people in the army guard. If you enlisted you will meet lifelong buddies that would be as close to you as family. It can be an amazing experience and some experiences could permanently scar you for life emotionally and physically.

[Stnmtz]

Just doing some research did talk to a recruiter he is pretty convincing but going to think about it because signing up for 8 years is a long time considering I have only been on this planet for 18 years

8 years might sound like a long time at this point in your life but it will fly by..... trust me.  And really it's only 6 years with 2 year inactive.  I have alot of fun in my military experiences and wouldnt give it up for anything.  I've also met some of my best friends through the military.  Plus the financial help youget through college is huge. In tne end I would say if your interested in it all ... which it sounds like you are give it a try.  Yes you might find out that its not for you but atleast you can say you tryed it out.  Plus 6 years really isnt that long just ask any of the old timers on here.

[kenhuntin]

Like Ronald Reagan once stated;
"Some people go through their entire lives wondering if they have made a difference in the world, A Soldier does not have that problem"

[lentz]

Tuesday and Wednesday I have MEPS and will most likely sign for 91F which is gunsmithing here's some of the stuff I would most likely be doing
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMyT6vMhj_g[/youtube]

[kenhuntin]

I hope you get do something that makes you feel as if you contributed.

[lentz]

Tried to get medic but no job opportunities I n the state

[DDSBYDAY]

  Keep in mind the times are changing.  There may not be a job right now but look a couple of years down the road.   Unless there are big changes in the health care destruction soon any medical training could be invaluable in the not too distant future.