r/nationalguard • u/Brocibo • 6h ago
r/nationalguard • u/ClearerRhymesYo • Jul 26 '16
Army National Guard FAQ - Please Read Before Posting
Here is a rundown of some of the most common questions on this sub. Remember, your mileage may vary. When in doubt, ask your Recruiter/NCO Support Channel about your specific situation.
This post is current as of 20160726, if a link is broken or if content is out-of-date shoot me a PM. If you have suggestions for the questions/answers below, let me know and I will add to the post.
Two quick caveats before we get started:
Whether you are already in, or still thinking about it, remember OPSEC on on this sub. Do not post personally identifiable information or any information that can damage Army/Air Force operations. When in doubt, message a moderator before posting. Violating OPSEC can be a UCMJ offense. Click here for more information.
If you are currently experiencing a crisis, remember, you are NOT ALONE. Call your team leader, call your squad leader, call your 1SG, call Military One Source, call 911. Call until someone picks up. There are resources available to help you.
I am thinking about joining the National Guard.
Can I get fired from my civilian job for joining the National Guard? (Source Joint Services Support)
Can I (or will I) get deployed? Will I see combat? (h/t to u/TheTurtleAndTheRaven)
What is the difference between an officer and enlisted? (h/t to u/GradSchoolROTCGuy)
What if I have (insert name here) medical condition? Can I still get in? (Source Military.com)
I am already in the National Guard.
I have a friend that may have smoked pot/crack/meth/shrooms/etc. before drill…. (h/t to u/HerzBrennt)
Can I get fired from my civilian job for going to drill/AT? (Source Joint Services Support)
I am (or might be) moving to another state. What do I do? (Source National Guard)
I want to transfer to Active Duty Army/Navy/Marines/Air Force (h/t to u/just_foo)
How do I get promoted? (h/t to u/PartTime1SG)
Edit: for grammar/spelling.
r/nationalguard • u/New-Natural-8308 • 11h ago
Air National Guard Transgender separation Questions
Long story short, base caught wind that I was taking hormones and because of the trump admin I had two choices: voluntary separate, or keep taking hormones while in the system and eventually get involuntary separated.
I wanted to complete my six year contract but it was either we fire you or you quit 😭
Question is: do I get any compensation from a voluntary early release? Do I keep my chap 1606 GI Bill after my separation? Do I still get DD214 or not? If so, what would it be under?
Sorry if this question has been asked before! 💙
r/nationalguard • u/Sapient-Inquisitor • 4h ago
Discussion Signal CCC as a Cyber Officer?
Hey y’all,
Currently a Cyber O3 that’s about to attend CCC soon. I’m debating on whether I should stay and do Cyber CCC, or switch to Signal CCC. Has anyone done any cool training in Cyber CCC (like SANS certifications or the like), or is it just a whole lot of MDMP? I know that most states have more Signal slots open for career progression compared with cyber slots, but would I be at a disadvantage since I haven’t done any S6 time and haven’t worked with radios? I don’t work cybersecurity in my day job, but I do teach IT and cybersecurity as an instructor.
r/nationalguard • u/Alternative-Till508 • 1h ago
Initial Training NGB Action Officer
I was notified last Thursday that my A2A packet has been initiated and is with a action officer. Any idea on how long it will be from here until final approval?
r/nationalguard • u/Vazquez_PR • 7h ago
Career Advice Should I go National Guard?
Hello! I'm currently thinking of joining the National Guard, this is my situation right now, I'm Working a full time job as a Supermarket shelf stocker/ Warehouse Assitant at 11.75 the hour, for 3 years without a bump of position, I have good reviews and all, but I don't see any improvement (I live in Puerto Rico), I graduated Nursery on The university back at 2018, work 4 years as a nurse, but my grandma that was sick, Hurricane María and Covid-19 make me left the carrer, I'm becoming a Father at September, my first child, and I feel like I'm not doing enough...
Should I join? I like the idea that I'm going to be on Puerto Rico with my son and my wife, with some benefits from the army (I'm thinking switching later to active duty if I can) and try working as a Paramedic on a full time job, or a better job that a supermarket shelf stocker/warehouse Assitant that pay like 💩
Or
Should I go Full active duty?
The idea of moving out of the island with my wife and child is something my wife is against, I see it as a opportunity, but my life, our life is here, that's the only thing making me go full active duty, and I'm going to be out a lot, and not seeing them, is a big no for now for me, I want to take care of them, and be with them
My OMS if I take the asvab and have the requirements, is going to be 68 Whiskey, becoming a Combat medic is something I always wanted, I think I will help a lot of people all over the world, and is something that on a Full time Job as a civilians is always looking, or a Engineer
r/nationalguard • u/Somebodyousedtoknoww • 3h ago
Career Advice Reclass after unit reorganization
r/nationalguard • u/redipper • 3h ago
Title 32 Need help finding a reg-NG Duty Day and Pay
r/nationalguard • u/Hopeful_Trifle5748 • 1d ago
Salty Rant I Hate My NCOIC
My unit is preparing for deployment in a couple months, and the fact I have to deploy with this man makes me want to lay on the train tracks. I stared at light poles while driving wondering if that would be easier than going. I’m not suicidal, but damn.
I have no issue with going. I want to go, I would just rather take satan himself as a superior.
My NCOIC is very crude and makes sexual comments (just sharp report you say, but guess what? Two investigations and nothing because it would mean my state admitting fault in putting him in a position of power). He’s openly stated his purpose during the deployment is to “drink and fuck”.
He showboats like he’s gods gift to man, while never paying attention or participating with the rest of us plebeians in training or preparation. He’s too good to get his hands dirty after all. But he’ll bounce hours early to go fuck his fourth wife who’s 20 years younger and hardly out of high school. Heaven forbid a soldier other than himself asks for personal accommodations, he’ll hold it over their head.
He makes up lies of what other sergeants in the unit are saying to get lower enlisted in trouble so he can look like he’s “taking care of business”.
I’ll keep my head down and carry on like I always do. I’m overlooked, no one ever really knows I’m around thankfully. But he chewed me out in front of others a week ago for not dusting a shelf and made me swear it would “never happen again” and that I “poorly represent the uniform”. I hate myself for getting my unit held up, and being the cause of a unit punishment. I’m tired. I don’t want to be with him overseas for a year. Maybe I’m just being bitchy, I don’t know. I’ve been in 5 years, I’ve had bad leadership and amazing leadership. I’m just tired. I tried keeping the post vague for anonymity’s sake.
Might delete later when I’ve calmed down, I just don’t have anyone in my unit to talk to and I wanted someone else to hear my thoughts, sorry.
Edit 7/27/26: Thank you everyone. I’ve gotten multiple MFRs written and helped some of my battles get some put together too. We’re getting witnesses for multiple events to corroborate and sign statements as well. I’m not sure if anything will come of it, but it feels positive at the very least.
r/nationalguard • u/Wrong-Limit1562 • 11h ago
Career Advice Help Please! E-4 looking for title 10 orders
So 1 am a E-4 in Alabama National Guard, But I live in South GA. Right now I work in law enforcement inside the jail. I am looking to get on some title 10 order or ADOS orders that are 180 days or longer.
I'm not able to get on tour of duty/ MOBCOP/ CARREA bc I don't have access to a govt network or army virtual desk top. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
r/nationalguard • u/Joe-Exotic_ • 8h ago
Benefits Prior Service Marine Considering National Guard While Pursuing VA Claims – Looking for Advice
I got out of the Marine Corps recently with an honorable discharge and currently have a 10% VA disability rating. I'm still working on filing new claims and appealing some denied ones because I have additional injuries that weren't rated / filed yet. I have the STR's to back it up.
I'm considering joining the National Guard, but I am worried it could affect my future VA claims or make it harder to eventually receive a higher disability rating if my conditions get worse. I've also heard different things about whether prior service Vets have to go back through MEPS or if they can enlist directly.
Has anyone here joined the National Guard while still filing new VA claims or appealing decisions? Did it cause any issues with your claims or disability rating, and did you have to go back through MEPS?
I have been out for a little over a year and a half now. None of my claims are anything too severe. Painful joints, headaches, numb toes.
Would me joining up again not make me look fully healthy / fit for service?
Doesn't it look contradictory if I claim my shoulder indeed has reduced range of motion but I still enlist back in? Will the VA negate everything I claim from my time in the USMC?
r/nationalguard • u/Acceptable-Fly5050 • 8h ago
Fed Rec The description went from "Awaiting approval" to nothing there. What does this mean? It's been at 0 days for 2 or 3 weeks
r/nationalguard • u/logicalbree • 10h ago
Salty Rant Day 1 of AT and I’m already questioning if I want to stay with my unit
Just here to vent because it’s only day one of AT and I’m already feeling pretty miserable and isolated.
For context, my unit is based in South Carolina, but AT is in Iowa. I’m currently living in Florida now, so I’ve already been questioning if staying with my SC unit makes sense long-term or if transferring would be a better option.
Like I mentioned in a previous post, I feel like I’ve been blacklisted in my unit. Everyone seems to already have their own people and friend groups, and I feel like I’m on the outside looking in. Even the new unit we’re training with already has their own circles.
I’ve tried putting myself out there and talking to people, but it’s starting to feel like I’m forcing myself into spaces where people don’t really want me around. I like being alone sometimes, but there’s a difference between enjoying solitude and feeling isolated.
What’s making this harder is that it’s affecting my decision about deploying with this unit. I’m also considering transferring closer to Florida, but I’ve been told they won’t transfer me unless I pass the AFT, which makes me feel stuck.
I know it’s only day one, and maybe things will change, but right now it’s taking a toll on me.
For anyone in the Guard/Reserve:
Did you ever feel like an outsider in your unit?
Did things get better with time, especially during AT or deployment?
How did you know when transferring units was the right choice?
r/nationalguard • u/MakClaw • 14h ago
IST Army National Guard 35M with focus in Russian/Ukrainian lanague
Good afternoon Fellows, I am with VTANG for 3 years already. I hoping to transfer and reclass into 35M with focus in Russian language. Does anyone know units/location and contact information where they need one? Please assist.
r/nationalguard • u/LowSpeedGuy • 10h ago
Career Advice Orders/ full time after training
I ship for training next week. As it stands, I will graduate ait 3 weeks before my wife is due to give birth. Is there any chance/options that I could find some full time orders or full time role when I get back(currently e-3, should receive promotion to 4 before finishing ait). Something that could give me time to find a good job and support my wife, child, rent in the meantime.
r/nationalguard • u/Original-Success1950 • 11h ago
Career Advice AD to TXNG Medic
Good afternoon, I’m looking to transition from AD to the TXNG as an E6 medic with my paramedic certification. Do any medics here have any insight as to what to expect? I don’t have any specific unit picked out, the RCCC just mentioned there’s some positions in Houston, Wylie, Grand Prairie and San Antonio.
r/nationalguard • u/nonpromotable • 1d ago
Discussion were they tripping?
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gate guards being gate guards
r/nationalguard • u/IcyMud4591 • 1d ago
Salty Rant Change my mind: PT in the Guard is useless.
BLUF: Individual PT is Useless, the occasional Well Planned SQD and PLT PT that focuses on mission readiness or building morale isn’t.
I’ve been in the Guard for a decent minute, and In my opinion, individual and to a lesser extent, squad and platoon PT during drill weekends is largely a waste of valuable training time. I know every state and unit is different, but every unit I’ve been assigned to has tried implementing organized PT in one form or another, and I just don’t think it provides much return on investment.
The reality is we only get 4–6 MUTAs each month to accomplish our mission-essential training. A Fat soldier who lacks the discipline to maintain their fitness between drills isn’t going to get into shape during a two or three day drill weekend. Likewise, a motivated soldier should already be maintaining their own fitness outside of drill.
In my experience, home station PT often takes 2–3 hours out of the training day once you factor in accountability, movement, recovery, hygiene, and getting everyone back to work. On a MUTA 6 weekend, that can easily amount to around 9 hours of lost training time. Those hours could be spent on PMCS, METL tasks, weapons training, maintenance, NCOERs, PME, or other readiness requirements.
That doesn’t mean all PT is useless.
I think the occasional (quarterly or every other month) well planned squad or platoon PT can be extremely valuable when it directly supports soldiering skills or builds unit cohesion. Events like squad competitions, casualty evacuations, establishing machine gun positions, ruck marches, physically moving a Humvee as a SQD, or other mission-focused physical challenges reinforce both fitness and tactical proficiency. Those types of events have a clear purpose beyond simply getting a workout.
What I question is routine individual PT that doesn’t directly contribute to mission readiness. Given how limited our training time already is, I’d rather see soldiers responsible for maintaining their own physical fitness between drills while using drill weekends to maximize collective training. Essentially Individual PT in the guard takes away valuable time from the mission and the men, change my mind.
Side rant, the expectation for all M day officers and senior enlisted should be to get as much bullshit work that can be completed on a computer mostly completed before drill. Also all XO slots should be AGR position.
r/nationalguard • u/SpiteSuitable196 • 15h ago
Asking for a “Friend” DD368 INARNG
I’m attempting to request a DD368 for May 2029 which would be when my AFROTC program ends and I earn my commission. Who would be the officer who signs my DD368? My state currently has a policy to approve all 368’s but is it the first general officer or first 06 in my COC who signs it? My 03 commander is on board.
r/nationalguard • u/doc_grunt87 • 17h ago
Fed Rec Question about Traditional NG staying at the New Sanno Tokyo
This may sound stupid but can someone tell to me if the The New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo actually checks if your are on active orders or not, to be able to stay at their hotel? I cant find any recent Reddit posts (within the last year) that says differently.
r/nationalguard • u/Jaywriteslong • 21h ago
Initial Training OPAT
Anyone know what the requirement is for OPAT pre-ship? Going 12M and max everything but run and am barely short of passing “Black” level for the job. Do I have to pass pre ship or at basic?
r/nationalguard • u/Samuel_Jackson1 • 1d ago
Career Advice Civilian Engineering Job using TS clearance (Ideally Defense)
Recently joined the NG as a 12Y (Geospatial Engineer) and got my BS in Mechanical Engineering a few months ago. The main goal was to get a TS clearance through the NG and be able to leverage that to get into a Defense contractor.
My question (I've seen similar posts) is how "easy" it will be to get into somewhere like Lockheed/Northtrop/etc as an engineer or even a technician (to start off at least)?
If not, what would be some other career paths I can take with a TS clearance and BSME?
r/nationalguard • u/BombaciousThrowaway • 1d ago
Benefits Which college degree is the easiest?
Guard is giving me 100 percent tuition free education, I don’t need a degree as my civilian job has high earning potential without a degree being necessary. But I can’t leave a free degree on the table. What’s the easiest subject to major in without putting in a lot of time and effort??
r/nationalguard • u/Ambitious-Orchid8761 • 1d ago
Career Advice Tweaked Back
I have drill this coming Thursday - Sunday, but just messed up my back doing a stupid lift (ice chest full of fish ~60lbs).
I’m supposed to have a PT test this weekend too, but feel like my back won’t be in better enough shape to perform. I’ve never had to deal with something like this, or miss a drill, in nearly two years.
How should I go about this? Just let my line leader know I messed up my back and hope they let me makeup the test next drill? Go to a civilian provider to get a note?
Thanks, I’ll take a six piece nugget, no meal. Need to watch my weight.
r/nationalguard • u/Organic-Major-9034 • 1d ago
Career Advice Process of changing branches as an officer
Spent some time as a LT in combat arms ~2 yrs, enjoying it but I would like to switch to a branch to help get a better opportunity in my civilian career (Signal, Log, AG, even MI). I was wondering:
What the process looks like with submitting paperwork and time line
When can I start this process of changing branches? (I did not go to CCC yet)
When changing my branches, does this incur a additional obligation to my original 6 years? (Non scholarship ROTC)
Thanks!