Son considering National Guard

[suzybeezy]

My son is considering joining the National Guard. I am very reluctant after reading about the numbers of Guardsman deployed to Iraq and Afganistan. Of course the recruiter is promising him all kind of things and making it sound like its all fun. I'd like some honest feedback from anyone who's been or is part of the National Guard and what their experiences have been. Any input you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Autumnleaf]

Go with your son to MEPS, the place where he gets a physical and signs the papers. Be there to see that what the recruiter offers is in the paperwork. Call other recruiters to see what they offer in their reserve branches and play them against each other to get the best deal. Understand your son will probably be deployed to a war zone where he may be maimed or even killed. The odds of him joining for the college money and going to school without getting deployed to a dangerous location are low these days. I've been a US Marine private thru Sergeant and an Army Guardsman Sergeant. Working with them paid for most of my college and grad school. I got a good deal. Then again, I did not join up when we were fighting two wars at the same time with another one with Iran on the horizon.

If there is another way, I advise you to avoid having your son sign up unless he truly believes these wars in the middle east are right and he wants to be there. He could go and come back with a chest full of metals or in a box or riding a wheel chair. Its risky.

 

[JesusFreak2008]

My Advice To You Is As Follows:

Ask Your Son Why He Wants To Join: You never want to give up a child and allow them to go into the Military. I went through that with my mom a few years back. If he says he wants to better himself, and he will do it anyway, then support him. If his answer is that he wants to support the country, then support him, because in the case that he gets deployed, he will want your support as the parent. If his answer is "To get college paid for" that is the wrong reason to join. You don't join the Military for the benefits and money, you join because you want to change yourself and better yourself.

I'll be up front with you, Recruiters lie. They promise everyone a bunch of bogus BS so they can get you to join right then and there, why? because they get promoted and paid for this.

National Guard is probably the best option for your son, but you may want to check our reserves. The only difference between the two, is one is federally funded and the other is state and federally funded.

It also depends on your MOS or Military Occupational Specialty. I joined knowing I wanted to be close to combat and wanted to experience combat. I wanted Infantry, but they don't allow females in infantry units. I chose my MOS 31 Bravo, Military Police Officer because when they deploy, they get attached to infantry. Ask your son what interests him. Have him take the practice ASVAB online, because he will want to score in the high 60's to get good decent benefits. Combat Arms, and anything like that is something to stay away from. Most of these units get deployed, you join knowing that. However, that really doesnt matter, because when your at war with a country, they'll deploy what ever unit is needed and no matter what your mOS is, they'll give you a different job to do.


I'm not advising you protest your son wanting to join the Military. The Military is a great way to live life, however it is not always the best. Make your son aware that there may be reprocussions. For Example, as a Pfc. (E-3) I am doing the job of an E-5, or NCO. I am getting the pay of an E-1, and it wont be always what your looking for. As to college, they dont "pay" for college. They give you an additional pay, and that is suppose to go to college. Also, you cant live off of $95.00 a month, just letting you know.

Depending on his MOS, depends on where he will get sent to school. If he is MP or Medic, he will be sent to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. They offer a program called OSUT or one station unit training, that is a total of eighteen weeks long, and it is basic and advanced training combined. It depends on your MOS, and depends on where they want or need you.

Lastly, when you join the Military, your no longer a Civilian. People look at you different. The Military is not a joke. In all reality, your government issue, and tats all that matters. Do one minor thing wrong, significant reprocussions can happen.

P.s. dont try to lie when he goes to MEPS. Those MEPS Officers weed you out, and know when your lying and when your not. Tell them everything up front. Support your child, even though it may not be something you want to do, if he does, support him. he will make you proud, because he will grow in significant amounts of maturity.

PRAY for him. Pray for you. If its gods will, it will be done.

That is all.

 

[suzybeezy]

Thank you for these reponses. I'm very concern cause my son's motivation is the signing bonus and college being paid for, he's not into to be a soldier. And I've tried to advise him that our state, Pennsylvania, has the large number of National Guardsman and Reservists serving in Iraq and Afganistan. I've been reading alot about it and see where when Katrina hit, that we didn't have the Guardsman to send there cause they were overseas. It just seems like what the recruiter says "only one weekend a month and 2 weeks a year" is a big fat lie. Maybe that's the way its suppose to be, but it doesn't seem to be that way any more.

 

[razzelflabben]

My son is considering joining the National Guard. I am very reluctant after reading about the numbers of Guardsman deployed to Iraq and Afganistan. Of course the recruiter is promising him all kind of things and making it sound like its all fun. I'd like some honest feedback from anyone who's been or is part of the National Guard and what their experiences have been. Any input you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Look, my son is Corpsman. That means he's a Marine medic that is a Navy man. Kind of complicated. Anyway, he just turned 19 in April and is currently preparing for deployment to Iraq. Scheduled to leave the 18 th of this month. One of the reasons he decided to join, is the job situation here in Ohio. How's that for a reason. Anyway, what I can tell you is this, have learned, and am learning to trust my children into the hands of our Lord who loves them even more than I do. It's hard, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. They will make mistakes and face hardships, as our son is battling one as we speak, but God still loves him and is watching over him.

As to the truthfulness of the recruiter, don't bank on it. Not only did my son find that out, but his Lt. Col. uncle told him this as well. In fact, they were trying to force him into nuclear until he threatened to go to the army to get what he wanted. Playing one branch against the other can be very good for the soldier.

In the end, whether he goes or stays, whether he is safe at home, or in the middle of battle, you need to give him to God and rest in the knowledge that compared to God's love for your son, you haven't even begun to love him. God's love for your son is as eternal as God's love for you.

That's my two cents worth.

 

[jcook922]

My son is considering joining the National Guard. I am very reluctant after reading about the numbers of Guardsman deployed to Iraq and Afganistan. Of course the recruiter is promising him all kind of things and making it sound like its all fun. I'd like some honest feedback from anyone who's been or is part of the National Guard and what their experiences have been. Any input you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

I'm in the Air National Guard, working full time Security Forces and I have deployed to the sandbox. It's really not bad, the opportunities are great. I know you are seeing this from the perspective of a parent, but really if he wants to go out there I'd encourage it, really builds character and self-respect. If he is in it for college like you say, although I'm ashamed to say it, have him go for the Air Force Guard or Reserve. He can get some safe job working with computers, construction, etc. I've got no fear of deployment myself, I volunteer to go, but in the Air Guard in most units if he doesn't want to go, he probably won't, and if he does he will be safe.

 

[mont974x4]

How old is your son?

You may just have to let him go and make his own decision. I am an Army guy (active and national guard). For the most part the guard is weekends and a 2 week "camp" except for deployments. He may not be the "soldier type" but it can help him grow up quite a bit, and prepare him for college.


And don't get your information on Iraq and Afghanistan from the usual news. I have family and friends that have doen multiple tours and they are appalled at the media distortion of how things are on the ground.


Besides, there is a chance that depending on the job he may limit his chances of deployment. If he joins the Air National Guard as say, someone in aviation, he may deploy but he'd be in a better spot than I was as a field artillery guy in the Army. lol

 

[JesusFreak2008]

I'm in the Air National Guard, working full time Security Forces and I have deployed to the sandbox. It's really not bad, the opportunities are great. I know you are seeing this from the perspective of a parent, but really if he wants to go out there I'd encourage it, really builds character and self-respect. If he is in it for college like you say, although I'm ashamed to say it, have him go for the Air Force Guard or Reserve. He can get some safe job working with computers, construction, etc. I've got no fear of deployment myself, I volunteer to go, but in the Air Guard in most units if he doesn't want to go, he probably won't, and if he does he will be safe.

I would like to echo what jcook922 says here. I am in the Army NG, as an MOS 31 Bravo or Military Police Officer. He is correct, in saying that being overseas is not that bad. My Cousin Shane is Army NG for Maine as an MP, and he was deployed to FOB Adder in Talil, Iraq. He told me the most action he got was attempting to save his Ssgt (he died) and got a Bronze Medal with V for Valour on it. He aaid on occasion, he would patrol, but mostly it was sitting around and waiting. This is pretty much the truth right now, and sadly, the soldiers who sit there are the innocent victims of IED's VBIED's and Bombs of that Nature. If he is just joining for the College Money, and the enlistment bonus (which sorry to say, half of that crap isnt even given to you until your 3ed or fourth year in, and you don't get it all up front) then he is best to go Air Force Guard or Reserves, even AD Air Force would be safe, because my Brother in Law Joel Acung who is a Master Sergeant in the Active Duty AF, has been in for 12 years, and is waiting to get his highest rank before retiring as a Senior NCO. He just now got deployed for six months, and it was not even that bad. He said all he did was fix computers, and that is not dangerous, so once again, he would be best to go Air Force if he just wants the money or enlistment, now he will still have to pass MEPS, the ASVAB and the Boot Camp the Air Force has, and he will have to go to Advanced Training for which ever his specialty is. He has to Qualify for his job at MEPS, via the ASVAB, so the job he may be looking for, may not be qualified for. Just a heads up, do not believe what recruiters say. They lie 24/7 99.9% of the time. I got told so many lies I wish that my Recruiter would have himself be lied to that many times..

Just my $0.02 for the night

 

[JesusFreak2008]

How old is your son?

He may not be the "soldier type" but it can help him grow up quite a bit, and prepare him for college.

And don't get your information on Iraq and Afghanistan from the usual news. I have family and friends that have doen multiple tours and they are appalled at the media distortion of how things are on the ground.

I would strongly echo this advice also, as I for one am appalled at the media and the way they are portraying the war. They distort it and lie in every which way possible, and to think that there is a lot of good that has happened in this war..they don't show that on TV now do they? Don't get me started on the topic of media and the war, it will fire me up, but my advice is do not listen to the media.

He is also right in saying your son may not be soldier type, Heck, I was not soldier material at all, but my mom knew my reasons of joining, and she knew why I wanted to do it (to better myself as a person, and serve my country) and so she let me learn from my choices, and I certainly have matured and am much more better person as a Soldier then a typical civilian..It makes you grow up REALLLL Quick..take it from me..

 

[JesusFreak2008]

Look, my son is Corpsman. That means he's a Marine medic that is a Navy man. Kind of complicated. Anyway, he just turned 19 in April and is currently preparing for deployment to Iraq. Scheduled to leave the 18 th of this month. One of the reasons he decided to join, is the job situation here in Ohio. How's that for a reason. Anyway, what I can tell you is this, have learned, and am learning to trust my children into the hands of our Lord who loves them even more than I do. It's hard, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. They will make mistakes and face hardships, as our son is battling one as we speak, but God still loves him and is watching over him.

As to the truthfulness of the recruiter, don't bank on it. Not only did my son find that out, but his Lt. Col. uncle told him this as well. In fact, they were trying to force him into nuclear until he threatened to go to the army to get what he wanted. Playing one branch against the other can be very good for the soldier.

In the end, whether he goes or stays, whether he is safe at home, or in the middle of battle, you need to give him to God and rest in the knowledge that compared to God's love for your son, you haven't even begun to love him. God's love for your son is as eternal as God's love for you.

That's my two cents worth.

To sum up what she has stated above, A Navy Medic is called Corpsman, because the Marine Corps do not have medics. I've read a book on this, it actually was quite good, and I don't remember what it was called, but it was about a guy who was overseas and it was about his tour in Iraq, I'd have to call and see at the library what it is..It was a best seller, and was kind of like an autobiography..Your son is my age..

 

[suzybeezy]

My son is 19 years old. He actually got into some trouble getting involved with the wrong crowd. The police chief, a friend of mine, recommended he look into the National Guard. Its tough to think of my little baby in wooden box or loosing a limb. I'm a mom, that part is very real and very scary. I know the recruiters lie and its tough when making a decision when you don't know the real truth. I think military is very necessary and honorable thing to do. I just think its a bit crazy joining during a time of war when you're almost guaranteed to have to go in the middle of the war. Maybe I should figure out what are the "safest" job and try to encourage him that way. I don't know. I just kinda hope that some other opportunity will present itself to him.

Really appreciating the replies! HUGS

 

[mont974x4]

Suzy,
I understand your concerns. My mother, and sister, were a wreck when I was with the 82nd. They never slept when I had a jump. Had I known that at the time, I wouldn't have told them.

They were also a wreck while I was deployed. My wife was Army also, so she handled things much better.

The key for us parents is to decide whether or not we trust God. Forget the recruiters.

Your son is 19. Like it or not he is an adult. Have him go to the states Air national guard website and poke around. After some digging he should be able to see what jobs are available in your area. Then, when he goes to MEP's tell him an old Army vet advises him to stick to his guns. Pick a job he wants and don't let anyone talk him out of it. If they try, he can just say, "thanks anyways, and walk out". Yes, this ticks people off, but it works. That's what I did.


The worst thing you can do is "mother him". He is a young man, and taking you to MEP's and meetings with the recruiter diminishes and discourages the whole point of enlisting to grow up.

PRAY PRAY PRAY!!! God is faithful.

 

[razzelflabben]

Lord, go before each of our young ones, guide their paths, when we can't and when we think they are wrong. Continue to love them with the pure undefiled love that you give to us each one. Know our hearts and the things words cannot say, the fears, the aches, the longings that only a parent can understand, and even a parent cannot understand. We long for our children to be the great men and woman you have called them to be, and yet, in our hearts, they are still our little babies, sitting on our knees, expecting a kiss from mom to make everything all right. Our very babies, the ones you entrusted to our care, are now facing a world of evils that you never intended for this world to know. And now, we watch of sons and daughters go off to war, some to a physical fleshly war, others to a spiritual war, but all to war, and we watch them go and feel helpless and alone. And so we ask you to keep them in your care. Hold them in your care, kiss them when we can't, so that they know we are always close by, loving them and protecting them the only way we can, through prayer and support and unconditional love
amen

 

[Autumnleaf]

My son is 19 years old. He actually got into some trouble getting involved with the wrong crowd. The police chief, a friend of mine, recommended he look into the National Guard. Its tough to think of my little baby in wooden box or loosing a limb. I'm a mom, that part is very real and very scary. I know the recruiters lie and its tough when making a decision when you don't know the real truth. I think military is very necessary and honorable thing to do. I just think its a bit crazy joining during a time of war when you're almost guaranteed to have to go in the middle of the war. Maybe I should figure out what are the "safest" job and try to encourage him that way. I don't know. I just kinda hope that some other opportunity will present itself to him.

Really appreciating the replies! HUGS

The recruiters don't lie so much as they 'accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative...' Keep their promises in the contract and your son should be fine as far as promises go.

As a general rule, the more training a job takes the longer it will take your son to go to combat, longer school, and the less likely he will end up in harm's way. They don't send highly trained people to get blown up because they cost more to replace. This isn't always true, but it often is. If the cops want your son to join the military I suggest he join the Marines. Look at it this way. Would you rather your son be guarded by soldiers or Marines if he has to be in a war zone? Another thing. The Marines have a higher rate of 'washout', so if your son gets hurt in boot camp he will probably collect disability and be ineligible for service in the other armed forces.

 

[suzybeezy]

Thanks guys you've all given me alot to think about and alot to discuss with my son.

 

[QuiltAngel]

suzybeezy
As a mother of an Active Duty Army Soldier, I understand your concerns. It is hard to tell our kids it is okay to enlist in these times of war and uncertainties. I learned a long time ago that is everything, we must commend our children to God's care. If this is something that he really wants to do, as a parent you need to support him in this. Have him research, talk with others who are doing the job he thinks he wants to do and do more research. The more he knows before he signs, it will be a help and he will know what is real.

As far as deployments, yes, the odds are good that will happen. He will receive the training he will need to get through the deployment.

When my son enlisted, we choose to deal with one step at a time. We knew that his training would take close to a year so we could put thinking about deployment out of our minds for a while. Now, he tells us it will be "about 2 years" before his unit will deploy. A lot can happen in that time. In the meantime, it is not worth expending energy over that until we learn that it is actually going to happen.

In all things pray, pray that your son makes an informed decision, pray that you all can have a peace when he does make the decision and pray for God to get you all through anything that your son being in the military will put in your path.

 

[QuiltAngel]

Sorry, somehow a double post.

 

[suzybeezy]

Praying for your son!

 

[jcook922]

My son is 19 years old. He actually got into some trouble getting involved with the wrong crowd. The police chief, a friend of mine, recommended he look into the National Guard. Its tough to think of my little baby in wooden box or loosing a limb. I'm a mom, that part is very real and very scary. I know the recruiters lie and its tough when making a decision when you don't know the real truth. I think military is very necessary and honorable thing to do. I just think its a bit crazy joining during a time of war when you're almost guaranteed to have to go in the middle of the war. Maybe I should figure out what are the "safest" job and try to encourage him that way. I don't know. I just kinda hope that some other opportunity will present itself to him.

Really appreciating the replies! HUGS

I hated that my mom tried to encourage that on me when the reason I wanted to join was to deploy and go to the middle east. I understand what her motivation was but I always felt like she was trying to discourage me from doing something I love.

I'm obviously biased, but I feel if you join the military, even the Guard or Reserve, you need the resolve and even enthusiasm to be willing to join the fight. People join for the wrong reasons, even if the military has noncombatant jobs, nobody should be joining the military without the will to fight.

 

[Autumnleaf]

I hated that my mom tried to encourage that on me when the reason I wanted to join was to deploy and go to the middle east. I understand what her motivation was but I always felt like she was trying to discourage me from doing something I love.

I'm obviously biased, but I feel if you join the military, even the Guard or Reserve, you need the resolve and even enthusiasm to be willing to join the fight. People join for the wrong reasons, even if the military has noncombatant jobs, nobody should be joining the military without the will to fight.

The military is a job. These days its a dangerous job. Until recently the Guard was an easy job that was not dangerous for the most part. In the Marines I worked with people who were eager to fight. As they got older they wised up. One of my friends told me he told the recruiter he wanted to be in Marine infantry so he could kill people. The recruiter talked him into artillery because, 'you can kill a lot of people with artillery'. As my friend told me about this he just laughed and shook his head. At the time he was helping out my unit at base motors and did not want to go back to artillery.

A year or so ago I met an Army reservist who just got back from Iraq. He said he couldn't wait to go back. When I asked him why he said, 'because you get to shoot people in the head.' My jaw dropped and I asked him why they wouldn't let him go back. He said because they would run all sorts of pshychiatric tests on him because they figured you have to be nuts to want to be there.

I don't think most people join the military to fight. I didn't and I was a Marine before I was a Guard reservist. I joined to pay bills and get college money which worked out well for me. If I had been called up to fight I would have gone and fought to the best of my ability and I think most military personnel do their best when they are called up. Taking lives, and getting shot at, is not something most people enjoy. I'm thankful there are people like you to do it instead of me. I'm not as spry as I used to be.