Joining the Guard at 31?

[republic]

I've been looking into joining the National Guard.  I've kicked myself for years because I let family talk me out of joining the Air Force back in my late teens and twenties.  I think I'm at the poop or get off the pot stage...  Any tips, suggestions, or cautions?

[Longdan]

I would never discourage some one from the urge
to serve his country, but it is more "fun" when you
are young.  I would imagine you are old enough to
be serious enough to value service for its own sake.

[Jarhead0331]

Are you married?  Do you have kids?

[Bison]

You not that old.  Go for it if it's something you really feel called to do.  Although JH asks some good questions.

[bayonetbrant]

What state are you in?

Do you have your college degree?

What specialty are you considering?

and as JH asked - are wife & kids a concern?

[republic]

oklahoma married with a 5 year old.  I also have a bachelors degree.  I'm pretty unfamiliar with the National Guard so I'm still in the "figure it out" stage.

I like the idea of service while maintaining my current career (I'm a teacher).  I was an IT professional for 8 years before teaching.

Not that they would...but I don't want to be tricked by a less than savory recruiter.

[bayonetbrant]

shoot me a PM when you're ready to chat, or hit me up by email.  I spent 10 years in the ARNG across 3 states (CA, SC, OH) and I know some folks in OK who were connected to the ARNG there, so I can at least get you some real, no-kidding, non-recruiter answers.  I can also answer a lot of procedural questions for you that the recruiters may not be able to.

[Gusington]

I just sent in my application for the New York Guard at 38. You're not old, republic.

[Longdan]

You're just trying to make yourself feel better Gus.

[bayonetbrant]

I just sent in my application for the New York Guard at 38. You're not old, republic.

New York Guard is not the New York National Guard, tho, so let's be careful we don't confuse the issue. :)

[Toonces]

Private Gusington?

[Gusington]

Private Dancer to you. Not sure what my rank will be.

[Toonces]

That's Private Dancer to you, sir. 

Might as well start learning to do it the right way, Private.

[Toonces]

@ Republic, my take is this:  if you're going in at 31 with a degree and work experience, you should be going in as an officer, or expect at least to go in at a mid-grade enlisted rank.  I don't know how the Guard works and if that can be negotiated.

What I wouldn't do, unless you have a serious burning passion in your belly that if you don't do this you're going to be suicidally regretful your whole life, is to enlist as an E-1 into the Guard, or any military organization.  I have met sailors that enlisted I think up to about 30 was the oldest, and that guy was a great sailor, but he literally had to choose between the Navy and prison.  He really worked hard, though, and brought needed maturity to the division.  Still, it was tough for him sometimes to basically have 18 and 19 year-olds as his peers, grab assing and doing what teenagers do whereas he was a grown adult man. 

The military is great, but it will be hard to be 31 swabbing decks and taking orders from some 22 year-old LT fresh out of OCS or however the commission guys in the Guard.  Think on it.

I've never been in the Guard, so I'll defer to Brant and others with more experience.  My short answer, again, would be NO unless you can go in at a rank appropriate to your age and experience.

This goes double for Gusington at 38 with a Master's Degree.

[GDS_Starfury]

I just sent in my application for the New York Guard at 38. You're not old, republic.

quit kidding yourself.  the NRO has specifically blanked out your pre-natural baldness from their scans.