National Guard

[love_isa_wish]

I am a female, joining the National Guard next week. I was wondering if there was anyone here that could give me some advice on basic training and AIT. My MOS is Mental Health Specialist, which I am hoping will help me get a job as a psychologist later down the line of life. I've heard a lot of people tell me stories about what to expect, and I

Comments

[caerbannogbunny]

Three things...

1) I would ask a Marine recruiter whether or not they accept prior service enlistees (or officers). Just for general purposes down the line. At least some of the services are very picky that way.

2) If your interest is in psychology--as in counseling, etc.--there aren't any jobs like that in the Marines...

...all of their medical and much of their support is actually supplied by the US Navy.

3) If you are serious about becoming a counselor or a psychologist, consider ROTC and the Simultanous Membership Program. Between the Guard and ROTC, you can probably get your undergrad degree paid for AND get the undergrad research you may want for applying for graduate schools covered. After that, health services officers in the Army have an opportunity after a few years of being able to attend a graduate school while on active duty. Either that, or you may qualify for a scholarship for graduate school later. Talk to an Army healthcare recruiter...

Good luck.

[love_isa_wish]

1. Yes, Marines, along with every other branch in the military accepts prior service. Marines especially are in need of females.
2. They may not have something similar to psychology, but as an intelligence analyst, the psychology and "mental health" experience will be highly beneficial.
3. The national guard pays for 100% college tuition. Any soldier can attend college whether it be active or reserves.

[spartonian]

The military is actively making a push towards increased diversity in its ranks.

[love_isa_wish]

False. They are more likely to take prior service over a new enlistment. It's less money, and more beneficial to them.

[rockahulababy]

You are not in the military yet, so I would caution you not to respond to people as if you Know Everything About It.

[love_isa_wish]

I may not be in the military yet, but I have a lot of guidance and expertise in the area, and am not responding based on a recruiter's word of mouth, but honest experience from several people that are like family to me... So before you criticize, you should think twice before thinking you know everything about me.

[love_isa_wish]

1. The people I have been talking too ARE recruiters or very active in the recruitment area, who DO tell me this information... while my recruiter is spewing lies and bs because he feels the need to tell me what i WANT to hear, but not the truth. it's how recruiters are built to work.
2. I don't fuck around. at all. I've worked extremely hard to get where I need to be to do this. If i wasnt doing what I wanted to do, I wouldn't be working so hard to get it done.
3. The object of this post was to get advice about basic training and AIT for my MOS, and a FEMALE'S perspective for the marines. At no point did I need people to try to talk me out of ANYTHING.

[love_isa_wish]

If i have it backwards, why did my first recruiter tell me that when I sign my contract at MEPs, I can't back out? Why didn't he tell me that the National Guard will only pay for college within my state, when he knew I applied to 6 schools outside of my state? Why did he tell me I can change my MOS to firefighting after my mental health AIT, when in fact, it's been closed for years and they're not opening it up anytime soon? Why did they tell me I passed my Top Secret Clearance, when in fact, you don't get that clearance until after AIT?...

NO. I don't know what it's like. obviously, because i ASKED for advice on Basic Training and some background on personal experiences. Yes, I am well aware nothing is promised in the military, and that I am not gauranteed to be able to transfer into any branch, but don't sit here and tell me it's not possible. because it sure as hell is. And I'm prepared either way.

[rockahulababy]

I don't care, YOU ARE NOT IN THE MILITARY. Other people's experiences that they share with you =/= you know what it's like to be in the military. STFU, seriously.

[caerbannogbunny]

According to this