When should I join the National Guard

Question

I'm a sophmore in college and I want to join the National Guard..I'm just not sure when i should join..Should I just join now and do the collegefirst program..Or should I just join my schools ROTC Program and go into the national guard after I graduate from college...Which one do you think will benefit me more??...Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

GO TO COLLEGE FIRST!!do the ROTC program and go in as a high rank or if you want to you could be an officer if you do four years of college.hope i helped....GOOD LUCK

Answer 2

What are you trying to accomplish by joining the National Guard? Hard to answer without knowing that.

Answer 3

You can do both.  

By utilizing the National Guard's Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) you can become an SMP cadet with the National Guard while you are still in ROTC.

This may have some good side effects.  I believe you can get into your career field as an SMP cadet rather than going through the Officer Lottery.

Check with your local NG recruiter for details.

The College First program gives you only two years of guaranteed deployment.  The last two years you are deployable.  The College First program was basically designed for you to become an ROTC/SMP in your Junior/Senior years.

I am a senior enlisted soldier in the Virginia Guard, and I would suggest you do the SMP cadet route.

I hope that helps.  Email me if you want my honest (non-recruiter) opinion on things.

Answer 4

when duty calls.