TOP 6 Reasons to Join Army National Guard! (2023)

[@SPCPeeplesSoldier]

Hey I’m 17 years old and I’m a senior and I’m meeting with an army national guard recruiter on Monday

[@ColeAlanFF]

What state are you in?

[@edworthy1352]

I met some great people in the Guard, including a friend who went on to become a LTC and another who retired as a BG.

[@ColeAlanFF]

Yes - some of my greatest relationships were formed in the guard

[@jdawg5543]

I’m a firefighter in paramedic school and would like to go to OCS (degree in Emergency Management). There are waivers that I didn’t qualify for that I do now. I appreciate your content. Any information about branching?

[@ColeAlanFF]

In the guard your branch abilities will be limited by what your state has to offer. For example - TX has a ton of everything...KS has heavy FA but limited Cyber.

[@jdawg5543]

@@ColeAlanFF I’m in Texas and would like chemical. It’s what I do in civilian world as a firefighter (Hazmat team)

[@ColeAlanFF]

@@jdawg5543 Definitely possible.

[@BOATIE141]

@@ColeAlanFF what about Mechanical engineering or any engineering in general. I’m fairly new to the research but I’m in college for mechanical engineering

[@6vuq]

is the ang special forces basic training hard?

[@ColeAlanFF]

Same training as active duty

[@TridentLion]

Hey man I'm interested in joining just want to know what the process would look like and what my best way to go about doing so. I'm 28, no prior experience, have a BA degree, would like to go in as officer. I also have a family so would like to know family pay, if any, and how long are guardsman away from family. Thanks man

[@ColeAlanFF]

You will start with basic training (10 weeks probably at Ft Jackson) then you would return home (no AIT for officers/09S). You’re then in OCS for the next 12 months or so, mostly just gone on one weekend a month. This biggest tome commitments are Basic Training, phase one ocs (2 weeks), phase three ocs (2 weeks) and the your BOLC, the Officer version of AIT. This would be between 4-6 months usually. When you are gone you will get BAH for housing. I do not have a family so I’m not sure what extra you get for that! Good luck brother!

[@ColeAlanFF]

@@11BscoutNG I have an infantry officer candidate in my class. Doing the state 18 mo route. It’s available for any Branch

[@ColeAlanFF]

@@11BscoutNG For sure! You don’t really get to choose - I tried to choose federal and was denied

[@svience8072]

I intend to ask the recruiter about this, but how will basic training work if I’m about to go back for a year of college? Will I have to do the basic training the following summer?

[@NinetyFourGrown96797]

I’m 19 on Oahu I’ll be joining in as a E-3 since I did rotc in hs. But I don’t really wanna joint to go to school. Stuck on active af or ANG lmk your opinion and advice

[@ColeAlanFF]

I don't have enough info about your situation!

[@kylieharris6421]

I am thinking about joining but scared to get deployed...

[@ColeAlanFF]

Wont be that bad!

[@kalensilva5814]

Can I ask why I had a security clearance I joined the national gaurd infantry and idk why it had me as a security clearance is cause I’m a foster kid? A judge had to sign off for me to go

[@ColeAlanFF]

I am not exactly sure of your situation however I do know someone who wanted to join at 17 and needed a waiver because he only had his mothers signature (rather than both parents' signatures) because his father was diseased.

[@Jackson-eg7md]

What are your top websites to get good military information to know which branch to join sir

[@ColeAlanFF]

I like wearethemighty.com

[@Jackson-eg7md]

Thank you

[@nsxproperties560]

The only issue I have with joining the Army National Guard is unless you see active duty you are not recognized as a veteran (unless you put in 20 years). No veterans benefits.

[@ColeAlanFF]

You do still get benefits they are just delayed. For example - you get access to the VA Loan with 6 years of guard duty or a 90 day active duty deployment

[@nsxproperties560]

Can you get a home depot Veteran's discount?

[@ColeAlanFF]

@@nsxproperties560 I’ve never tried!

[@matt59fire]

If you spend 20 yrs without deploying on federal duty for at least 180 days, then you are a magician. But at least you would be a highly trained civilian. You still have more experience than a regular civilian does

[@waldeezee870]

I was about to say 20 years smh! Main reason I’m considering in joining the NG is for the VA loan and other benefits. I invest in real estate part time and want to leverage my army benefits.

[@Petrols]

Hey I’m currently 19 years old and going for my bachelors in criminal justice I want to work for customs and border protection and I was thinking of joining the national guard but I was wondering if that would interfere with my career path

[@ColeAlanFF]

Working for customs will likely require you to be 21 for most positions. Being a veteran will give you a leg up on other candidates. If you join reserves or guard now then you could realistically have your degree around 21-22 and be considered for veterans preference. That's a pretty good resume!

[@BarelyInsanity]

Hey man I’m looking for some help and advice . I’m 22, qualify for ocs but I want to do the 18 month program because I can move my civilian life forward while pushing forward with my military contract. Want to know how realistic that process is versus the 12 week.

[@ColeAlanFF]

Giancarlo - So you do or do not want to do the 18mo?

[@nasirmohammed2810]

I’ll be joining the Army National Guard as soon as I get my green card I-551 card

[@ColeAlanFF]

Welcome

[@SuperAmoney2000]

How long does training last or what are some good jobs you'd recommend for the ANG. I'm gonna be 23 soon and I still have a good 3 years left of college. So I'm feeling time pressed some. Thankyou

[@ColeAlanFF]

Basic and AIT is about 6 mo or so depending on the job. Pick a job that transfers well to CIV world

[@abbieamavi]

Thanks for sharing!

[@lanebell3962]

Hey I am thinking about joining but am doing a ton of research ahead of time. Could you maybe answer some questions that I have?

[@ColeAlanFF]

Yes sir, what questions do you have?

[@lanebell3962]

@@ColeAlanFF So my dream has always been to be in the FBI or work in investigative work in some way. I was planning to be a lawyer beforehand but I have always wanted to work as a cop or in the military instead of some desk job. What advice would you give me? I would also like to know why you joined up and maybe if you are willing to share the process you took.

[@ColeAlanFF]

@@lanebell3962 military will always give you some extra cudos with FBI and other 3 letter agencies, especially if you have a security clearance. That doesn’t mean you can’t get hired without military, it just helps. Keeping your record clean and behind truthful in the interview are two sure ways to get hired.

[@lanebell3962]

@@ColeAlanFF yeah they just told me when I talked with an FBI career person that I needed some type of career experience. I want to be in FBI SWAT or HRT. I just don’t want to be stuck behind a desk for a few years while I work so I can get into the FBI.

[@lanebell3962]

@@ColeAlanFF I also love this country and would love to serve.

[@ricardohuerta2586]

Hey Cole, I’m thinking of joining the ANG & doing the Officer route. How hard is it doing a state transfer if I move for another job?

[@ColeAlanFF]

State transfers happen all the time. The timeframe would depend on if there is a spot available in the state you are moving to.

[@cgspeaks8401]

I’m an accepted applicant of the ECP and plan to be in the National Guard as it’s within the school and I can pursue my career after my bachelors. My question is, within the National Guard, are you able to make request for to be a part of a specific branch for a specific job?

[@ColeAlanFF]

We submitted our top 3 branches, but you are not guaranteed anything

[@cgspeaks8401]

@@ColeAlanFF Is there a way to increase my chances?

[@ColeAlanFF]

@@cgspeaks8401 I think they try to get the #1 person in the class their top pick..but nothing is ever guaranteed.

[@cgspeaks8401]

@@ColeAlanFF Understood

[@ryanheaton8742]

Patriotism. Helping citizens and country since 1636.

[@iv5539]

Is the ANG able to cover 100% of my college costs or is it often less than that?

[@ColeAlanFF]

If you do a 90 day deployment you will qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill that will cover 100%. If you don't qualify for the GI Bill then you can get 4K/year towards school.

[@iv5539]

@@ColeAlanFF Do I get the choice for a 90 day deployment is it up to someone else?

[@ColeAlanFF]

@@iv5539 There are generally many opportunities for deployments but ultimately it is not up to you.

[@iv5539]

@@ColeAlanFF Thanks, one final question, I've heard that annual training and drill weekends count as active duty, is that true?

[@ColeAlanFF]

You will get paid as Active Duty however these are not deployments and do not work towards your 90 day deployment.

[@pablovalle3523]

fort bragg is 15 mins away from where I live so I guess we might as well try

[@kevinturner9451]

Hey! I have two questions, first, what’s the maximum age to get in? Second, if it’s against your religion or choice to do vaccinations, is there an option to op out of that? Thanks!

[@ColeAlanFF]

39 years old with waiver - 35 W/O. Not sure on vaccinations..

[@victorochoategui29]

What is your MOS? I want to join the national guard and want to be a police officer in the civilian world.

[@ColeAlanFF]

15A, I can hook you up with both!

[@andrewgutierrez3009]

Hey Cole I want to join national guard to help me become a police officer What’s a good mos for that ?

[@ColeAlanFF]

Do some research on 31B, that will be the most similar position, however most police departments favor military experience in any capacity. It is also possible to get hired with no military background, this happens all the time

[@russiantroubleyakutsk1612]

How hard is it to become an officer in the army national guard? I already have a bachelor's degree.

[@ColeAlanFF]

It is a challenging path. First step is to pass the ASVAB with a high enough score, and to have a GPA that exceeds the minimum standard

[@shiromabob1446]

Hey I’m trying to join NG as an mp and would like be a cop in the civilian side as well. Any tips that can help me out ? Better doing active for 3 years or reverses? I wanna join for the experience and benefits but I wanna make the right choice. Im 25 so I feel little old but really wanna join the military before I get older.

[@ColeAlanFF]

What state are you in?

[@shiromabob1446]

California.

[@CocaineAndLadyboys]

I had a recruiter from tx army national guard tell me mp doesn’t transfer over to civilian law enforcement but infantry does. Not sure if it’s different for in cali tho.

[@yishaihalpin]

I’m thinking about doing the opposite. Im already a full time Police Officer in the Dallas area and am thinking about joining the Texas NG. For the added benefits and experience and training and giving me an edge when I want to do a lateral transfer to a bigger better department. Only thing is, I’m sure my upper brass would be pretty pissed if I was gone for about 6 months but apparently it’s the law that I would keep my job and they couldn’t fire me. Going to talk to a recruiter on Monday. Also, I have a wife and son, my wife is on board but it will definitely be difficult being away from them for 6 months. Especially my son who is growing up too damn quick.

[@SPCPeeplesSoldier]

I’m interested in joining but do you think the national guard would be good for me ?

[@bradynolan9328]

Ultimately That’s up to you to decide but to be honest I would do it just to see if the military is really for you or not that way if you really like it you can either stay in it or switch to active duty or if you hate it your only doing it a couple weekends out of the month since it’s part time and once the contract is up you won’t have to do it anymore. But I would go for it cause if you don’t you might regret it when your older. Pray about it is my biggest advise to you but it wouldn’t hurt to enlist for a minimal contract and see if it’s for you or not.

[@SPCPeeplesSoldier]

@@bradynolan9328 lmao 😆 man you replied very late I enlisted active duty and I ship out tomorrow I’m currently in the meps hotel

[@bradynolan9328]

@@SPCPeeplesSoldier oh dang lol well congrats! Is meps as terrifying as people make it out to be? I’m going soon myself and I’m worried about things me and my recruiter discussed

[@SPCPeeplesSoldier]

@@bradynolan9328 it’s not that bad just follow instructions and say no to everything and practice your duck 🦆 walk and you should do good at meps ❤️

[@bradynolan9328]

@@SPCPeeplesSoldier Ight thank you for the response bro! Much appreciated!

[@elianabrof7956]

Would it be possible to be in the National guard during Physician assistant school?

[@Johnson44512]

Hey should I apply for college before or after joining?

[@josephjohnson7355]

Hey dude. I'm looking to join the national guard here in PA. My only issue is my car payment. I still owe 2 years on my vehicle and won't be getting paid for awhile till after basic. And my payment is every 2 weeks. If I miss a payment within 3 days my vehicle can be repossessed

[@ColeAlanFF]

Once you have active orders (you will have orders to go to basic/AIT) you can likely get the payments paused until after you get back. Being said, you will get paid while you are at basic and wont have many expenses so if you have auto pay set up the car payment could be unaffected.

[@Djmack11]

We’ll I’m gonna subscribe cause I really want some info. I’m tryna get on like a 5 min phone call to ask questions

[@ColeAlanFF]

dm me on Instagram, I’ll call you

[@NgJackal1990]

How about the down side of it?

[@bowhunter4264]

Awesome video man, all the reasons I want to join. I’m having trouble deciding on an MOS tho. 68W or 31B. Any advice? Thanks a bunch

[@ColeAlanFF]

68W will add some value to your skillset. I would take 68 over 31B all day long! just me

[@sameerivan]

I am 35 thinking about joining the national guard, do you think it is a good idea?

[@ColeAlanFF]

just made a video with my opinion on this

[@mohammadtowhidshirzad7118]

Hi, Thank you for the information. I would like to know Air National Guard benefits for Nevada.

[@ColeAlanFF]

Awesome man! Google is your best friend. Lots of benefits, specifically for education.

[@ashiamorris4442]

While attending training how well expenses at home b paid? And what are the benefits of having a spouse?

[@ColeAlanFF]

Soldiers are paid direct deposit so money will go to an account, and autopay can be set up for most bills as needed if gone for an extended period of time without internet.

[@bryanquiroga3912]

I want to be a police officer and I'm part of the National Guard. How good looks in your resume being part of the national guard when you apply for a police officer?

[@ColeAlanFF]

Looks really good. There are many people at my department that are guard, and the two careers work really well together as far as getting time off for drill/army events. (I can refer you to a high paying department in KS!)

[@bryanquiroga3912]

@@ColeAlanFF thanks for answering me thanks for trying referend me , but I live in California, it would be nice be police from KS

[@ColeAlanFF]

@@bryanquiroga3912 If you want to relocate to Kansas City let me know!

[@CCOOKE88]

the guard does not rock bump helmets and suppressed scars.

[@ColeAlanFF]

...Facts. lol

[@ernestsanders1407]

hopefully you are still active but I looked at your other video on why not to join and looked at this one.. I live in north Carolina and want to join for future benefits and just a good life you know.. but I just want to be fully and mentally prepared for this. When I am deployed does that mean I have to go into another state or something and especially since i am the reserves or is that last likely to happen but It can happen? If so its cool I just want to fully know what I am signing up for.

[@ColeAlanFF]

The guard you will likely be deployed to your state, or overseas to relieve the active duty soldiers. You typically won’t be called into a different state unless something really have gone bad. The benefits are good even as a guardsman!

[@ernestsanders1407]

@@ColeAlanFF okie and what do you mean deployed? Im so new to this i want to know what is deployment.

[@ColeAlanFF]

@@ernestsanders1407 that’s when you work your job full time for the Army, and you will typically be sent somewhere between 6mo-1year.

[@mackenziehopper2798]

I got the security clarence 😎

[@ColeAlanFF]

Keep the momentum rolling!

[@hastiindoolaa5711]

Looking into this.. I have a wife 3 kids.. how much would it improve or lives??

[@ColeAlanFF]

Do you have any student loans? What is your motivation for wanting to join?

[@hastiindoolaa5711]

@@ColeAlanFF no I do not..

[@hastiindoolaa5711]

@@ColeAlanFF just car loans from the past haha

[@armandi428]

Do you have any other exam or paper test in basic training after asvab?

[@ColeAlanFF]

Not for most people but it depends on what you are going in as - I had to take a psych eval of some sort I believe. There is also a physical that MEPS will have you complete.