Joining the Army or the National Guard?

Question

What are the pros and cons of either joining the Army or the National Guard?

Answer 1

national guard is not much difference but they don't' fight first in the wars like the army does. you have more benefits with the army then the national guard. but they do go. i would think if you are going to make it a life then i would do army and they are faster on their stripes and stuff but they are good people and keep together. take care and good luck

Answer 2

In a nut shell:

Same Basic & AIT for both.

Active: Full time. Travel the world. Medical & dental. Faster promotions. Free room, food, and board in baracks if single. Tuition assistance of $4500 a year and GI-Bill. Will take much longer to get degree. Many more rotations in combat zones 1 year in combat zone and 1-2 year dwell time at duty station. Bonuses vary based on different factors. Basically needs of the Army when. Away from home and family (plus or minus based on what you think). You are a soldier 25 hours a day 8 days a week.

Guard: 1 weekend a month 2 weeks a year so you can serve and go full time to school at the same time. Earn your degree faster. You may be called for diaster relief with in your state. $20000 bonus for critical MOS or unit. Up to $850 while you go to school. You must pay for medical & dental except if you are on Active Duty. Deployments to combat zones are usually 1 year with 3-5 year dwell time. Plus you could always go active later.    

Answer 3

My husband has been in the Army for 20 years. The Pro's of being in the Army is that you will have a steady job, a house, and medical insurance.Your neighbors become your family. You learn to take care of one another in times of need when biological family can't be there. Strong ties are made with your fellow soldiers. All these pro's apply to your spouse and children as well.

The Con's of joining the Army are -- You live where they tell you, your life is not your own. You take vacation when they approve it. Your children have to move schools and leave friends every time you do. You will more than likely have to deploy multiple times through out your career.

If you have any other questions please feel free to email me if I can't answer them my husband can !!

Good luck!

Answer 4

The PROS for enlisting in the Army, you can be all you can be, and you can be an army of one. I really don't know much about the National guard.

Answer 5

Since National Guard units are being deployed to Iraq, I'd say the only benefit to joining the Guard would be if you wanted to continue working at your job or going to school when you are not deployed.