Want to join the National Guard, questions:

[msru]

Hello everyone,

I would like to join the National Guard as an officer, next year. Here are some facts of my situation:

I'm currently 35 years old, I'll be 36 in July, 2008. I understand you can receive an age waiver for OCS as long as you are commissioned by age 40. Is this correct?

Education: I have a Bachelors degree in Accounting, and have a Master's degree as well (MBA). I am also a licensed CPA. I have a Top Secret Security Clearance, no SCI yet.

Currently, I'm working overseas in Iraq writing Intelligence reports as a contractor. I will be here until at least November 2008. I'm a resident of Virginnia, and would join the VA guard.

After reading all of this, I would welcome any advice and/or pointers you guys can offer. What MOS, basic training, direct commission?, etc .

Also, If I decide to go overseas to Iraq in the future, example in 2 or 3 years from now, how would this affect my monthly drill? Would this be suspended?

[SteveLord]

You can still be an officer. I think the cutoff was....42? From what I've heard...age waivers may/may not be a difficult task.

You can do whatever MOS you are qualified for based on your ASVAB test scores. Being quite the educated man there...it seems like you have a good chance of getting whatever you want. If you're already into Intelligence and like doing it...why not that eh?

You don't really "decide" to go places. Big Army decides for you, but you can always volunteer or request to transfer to units about go somewhere. Such flexibility might not apply to officers though. And speaking of which, I don't know any direct commissions other than healthcare or legal positions. The brass on here can help you with that.

Oh and yes, while on active duty orders...drills are suspended so to speak. After you return from a deployment, you usually don't have to report in for a few months.

Good luck.

[msru]

Thanks for your reply.

I should have clarified:

If I go overseas for my job as a contractor (to Iraq, Qatar, etc), which are usually 1 year billets, how would this affect my Guard Status? Will my drills be suspended during this time?

[matthew.ritchie]

Thanks for your reply.

I should have clarified:

If I go overseas for my job as a contractor (to Iraq, Qatar, etc), which are usually 1 year billets, how would this affect my Guard Status? Will my drills be suspended during this time?

You can request transfer into the Inactive National Guard (ING). This category suspends your drilling and service obligation for up to a year at a time. You are still subject to recall for mobilization, if your unit gets called up. Please note that ING time won't count for retirement purposes, so use it wisely.