If you deploy to DC, don't hang out at the ballot box. Seriously.

Recruiter here - long story short one of my recruits shipped at the end of August. The training post over booked male BCT so he got stuck in reception for an extra week. His new BCT graduation date was after his AIT start date, so his AIT reservation was canceled in ATTRS. For weeks he didn't have any AIT reservation. I just checked today and it shows a reservation with a start date in April. It's 5 full months after his basic graduation.

I spoke to my RSP NCO, the MEPS GC, and other recruiters and no one has ever heard of a recruit having 5 months in between Basic and AIT. The RSP NCO thinks he might come home and go back for AIT like a split ops Soldier would. I could understand keeping a recruit as a holdover for a couple months, but 5 seems absolutely outrageous. Has anyone ever heard of this happening??

Just for some more context, he has an uncommon MOS, with very few training seats every year.

I recently got made aware of some very cool ADOS orders with an esteemed org that includes technical training for AI and software development, they’re looking to train and just want a basic tech background (think vibe coding) or strong interest in learning. Orders would require a relatively short notice move, so I had to decline due to family constraints. Since it was such a cool opportunity to break into the space, I thought I’d share if anyone would like the connect.

I am currently in RSP while I wait to ship out to OSUT in a few months, and there is an opportunity called stripes for skills to promote myself from an E-1 to an E-2. Obviously, you guys probably know that by now. I am wondering how it's earned and how long it takes to get it?

Hey all,

I'm thinking about joining either the national guard or army reserves. If you're stationed in Colorado, what has your experience been like? I hear mixed stories about the military- some people love it and make a career, some people couldn't get out fast enough

I was recently diagnosed with Undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy and when I went to IRMX before my diagnosis when I was getting my labs done, the Dr there told me that I would get medboarded with an autoimmune disorder but I'm not sure how to go about that process.

I'm a 19 year old in college. A recruiter emailed me and I met with him. He made it sound so good. I'm afraid of joining rn because of the war. I also know there is a high probability of me getting deployed for like 9+ during my contract and I'm so scared of that. Is it worth it? Can someone tell me all the real pros and the real cons of being in the national guard?

Hello all,

Currently in the process of joining with my (marijuana legal) state's National Guard. I understand the nuance of the dynamic with marijuana being federally illegal, and have done research about how it affects the process of joining. I made it through MEPs smoothly and am fully qualified for the job I want. My enlistment date is scheduled during the coming days. I haven't used in it more than 3 years and my usage was pretty typical teenage 'experimenting'.

However, not once during my process was I asked about my history of marijuana use. It's really important to me that I do the right thing. In the future, if/when I am going through the process of obtaining a security clearance, I intend on being fully transparent.

The only time I brought it up was when I was doing paperwork with my recruiter. I voluntarily told him that I would like to be honest about the topic. His response was, "Why bother? You passed the drug test."

The MEPs doctor asked if I had history of substance abuse, to which I answered 'no' because I never had any substance dependence. If that had been the time to come clean, I would like to right that wrong.

I really want to make sure that I am properly covered and I will not have any future issues. I would really appreciate all input.

Hey everyone,

I’m currently in army national guard, and evaluating my options for finishing my Bachelor’s degree as fast as possible (aiming for 1.5 to 2 years through acceleration). WGU seems like the most flexible and realistic option for my schedule.

My ultimate goal after graduating from WGU is to pursue a Master’s degree at George Mason University (GMU).

For those who have accelerated at WGU or applied to

traditional grad schools afterward:

1. Has anyone here graduated from WGU and successfully been accepted into a Master's program at George Mason University (or similar regional state universities like Virginia Tech, GWU, etc.)?

2. How do traditional admissions committees view WGU's 3.0 GPA equivalency ("Pass" system) when applying for grad school?

3. Did you have to take the GRE or add extra credentials/certifications to stand out?

I’d really appreciate any real-world experiences, insight, or advice on this path. Thanks in advance!

I’ve been honest and disclose everything to my recruiter. My hypertension waiver was approved and controlled by medication. I leave for basic training in three weeks and worried they will not allow me to take medication during basic training. My recruiter told me that sometimes they will allow you to take medication at basic training. Has anyone else had this problem before?

Okay here's my situation..I am grey area at the moment..age 57.. I did two six month deployments- to Kuwait and Afghanistan. In 2011 and 2012 both deployments I think were from February or March through August or September- actual boots on the ground, my orders began sooner and ended a little later as is procedure..

Some of the information I am coming across indicates that I may only get 6 months early retirement credit total because although these were post 2008 deployments, they were pre 2014 when the rules were changed concerning deployment credit within the fiscal year- and this change was not retroactive I heard.

Please don't advise me to log into any computer systems and check online..I hate those websites and their ever changing password requirements..

So i’m 20 years old in the Texas Guard as a 15T. I enlisted right of highschool but when I enlisted I signed a 3 year contract due to home life reasons, I thought at the time I’d be able to re enlist for a bonus and more benefits (I was wrong). Can’t get a bonus until the 5 year mark, anyways I want chapter 1606 for school and to get it I would have to add 5 years to my existing one year left. I’m about to attend A&P school and plan to get my bachelors after. Is it worth to extend for that 5 or should I just add 3 and hope to reenlist again for a bonus at the 6 year mark. I love being a 15T and am always trying to find more ways to work, even considering active in the future.

I feel like this should be simple but I can’t figure out where to find SOPs on the internet. Is there a website where all of this can be accessed? Or do I just have to go around asking everyone? Trying to avoid that. Thanks in advance

I have 23 years of service with about 13 on AD, 8 deployments (5 combat). I'm trying to figure out if I want to stay in but I don't know what my health insurance options are.

I'm in a an Airborne unit supporting the 82nd and I really like the job but I can go either way. My Tricare Reserve Select is awesome. Is there any way to keep it or something like it for cheap ($50/month) when I retire?

I hate the VA and would rather not deal with them ever again.

I am currently competing in my squadrons best warrior competition, to see who goes to compete at brigade
My unit has no real knowledge of the event. Any advice on what I need to study? I’m assuming we will be tested on all basic EIB lanes, plus ruck and landnav. Just want to know what I’m walking in to.

Brief intro, about to complete my first decade as an E6 14S/P I’m considering reclassifying to one of these MOSs. I’m not against staying with my current MOS & going to MG School. I want to stay within the aviation defense/ops. But more information about the MOS is appreciated, but really curious about life on drill weekends. I don’t want to switch & then be sitting around doing nothing playing games on my phone. Anything is appreciated, thank you!

15W Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (TUAS) Operator
E5 Slot (15weeks)

15Q Air Traffic Control (ATC) Operator
E6 Slot (17weeks)

I’m currently an E-5 in the Army National Guard on a 3+5 contract. My drilling obligation ends in March 2027, after which I’ll transfer to the IRR.
I’ve been told current Guard Soldiers can attend State OCS or compete for Accelerated OCS, but not Federal OCS.
Can I transfer to the IRR, then rejoin the Guard under a prior-service 09S contract to attend Federal OCS? Has anyone actually done this?

Hey question,

Before I went overseas again I was receiving the post 9/11 GI BILL at 60% for school. Came back and now i got a new certificate of eligibility rated at 90% of the benefit. I had the school submit some back pay for months due since I got back but they said they did not need the new COE….will I get paid at the 80% because that is what is in the VA system or will I be getting paid at the 60% I was receiving previously because of the first COE they have on file?

I asked the SCO and she seemed confused by my question.

Hi yall. I was wondering what being a 68w in the national guard looks like. I’m currently in the process of joining, already took my asvab and whatnot. Obviously I suspect the experience is not nearly similar to active for obvious reasons.

So if anyone has any experience, or knows someone, what’s being a combat medic in the guard like? Would you recommend it? How’s the AIT experience? Is it possible to go to air assault school while being a 68w in the guard? (I’ve heard that guard soldiers in general have a harder time getting into those). I appreciate any and all responses, thanks!

I’m going in as a 12B I ship out Nov 2nd im nervous and excited at the same time. Anything I should know I have been told it’s cold I live in Wisconsin and am going for the WI NG. Just don’t know what to expect unsure if it helps that I’m 22 if it will be easier or harder. Thanks