Do you think I should join the National Guard?

Question

I would like to but then I would be away for a long while, there is always that one possibility of never seeing my family and loved ones again, and I could be going to school or something here. But then again I would love to be able to protect those I love and be able to say that I am helping America. Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Answer 1

I say go, definitely. I am a Sergeant in the Louisiana National Guard. I joined when I was 25 and married with two kids. Yes, you will be away from home for a bit (Basic and AIT for me were about 5 months total) but the pay is good (or was for me) and the benefits are great. You will have free college tuition, and the new GI bill that is going to effect next year pays bigger bucks.

As for the war, the violence in Iraq is drastically down from what it was, and it looks like Obama will be our President and we will get out of there. I was there for a year and never had anything bad happen to me. There are cities in the US that statistically are just as dangerous as Baghdad (my own hometown of New Orleans comes to mind).

It's your decision, but for me it has been a great experience.  

Answer 2

You can help America in so many other ways and still be close to your family. You don't need to join the National Guard. Good luck with your decision.

Answer 3

Sure, you can help your country in other ways besides the military, but there is only one way to SERVE your country, and that is by joining the military. Go for it. Do 4 or 6 years and then decide if you want to stay. It will be a great experience for you. I had every intention of doing 6, getting a degree paid for, and leaving. I am now in year 7 and re-enlisted for 6 more. I am going to make a career of it and am very glad I decided to go this route.  

Answer 4

I think you should.  Not only will it be a good experience for you, it will make you a stronger and better person.  Yes, you might have to deploy before your enlistment term is over, but depending on what your MOS (your job) is, you might not even see any action (if that's what you're wondering about).  Also, like one of these other guys said, the Guard will pay for you to go to school, up to $4500 a year I believe, and for most schools that completely covers tuition...and if you qualify for the GI Bill that's even more money for you. AND, if you receive any kind of scholarships or grants, your tuition is already paid for so that scholarship money just goes into your pocket.  Like i said, I think you should join at least for the experience of being a soldier.  Go to www.virtualarmory.com if you want to find out more.