how long? how much? how soon?

[shorti3b16]

I'm thinking about joining the PA National Guard but I start college in 17 days. I was wondering how soon should I join if I choose to? also is there a way to get less than regular enlistment (the 6 years active and 2 inactive)? Also as a female is there anything I should expect to be different like the MOS' I would qualify for and what would happen if I got deployed. I would really appreciate any help very soon. thanks

[AbnMtn]

Everyone who is a non prior service must enlist for 8 years which is the military statutory obligation. There are 4 different authorized periods of enlistments:

8 X 0 - All 8 years on active drilling
6 X 2 - 6 years active drilling, 2 inactive
4 X 4 - 4 years active drilling, 4 inactive
3 X 5 - 3 years active drilling, 5 inactive

The 6 X 2 period is the minimum you need to do to get the full range of entitlements you're eligible to receive. You can enlist for any of the other periods but some entitlements (such as bonuses) are reduced.

[shorti3b16]

what does active drilling mean?

[AbnMtn]

Active drilling in the National Guard would be going to work at your unit during the weekend a month and the weeks a year required. Of course, inactive means not having to do any drills but being ready to be called up (which by the way has not happened even with the current situation).

[shorti3b16]

I would be willing to be acive and do drills and work. My only concern would be getting called up.

[shorti3b16]

during active drilling is it more likely that you will be called up?

[jlilnc14]

yeahh i have the same problem. I would like to join and i am in college right now but i dont want to be called up for deployment. I would be doing active duty for 8 years the only thing that is stopping me from joining is the chance of being called up. Anyone can help me with that?

[tldickowski]

Then do join the military if you really don't want to serve.

[JenH]

I don't get this and I don't want to be rude with you or anyone else. But the college thing bugs me, I would love to go to college and plan on it however if my country called me up and it was strictly on a volunteer basis and the choice was either me or some mom and/or dad? I'd go in a heart beat.

Deployment is a way of military life. My brother was never involved in an actual military conflict until OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) but he was deployed perviously to the Middle East and even managed to get shot at for getting too close to the Iraqi border one time. But, he had to drop out of school because he wasn't about to let someone else go in his place. You are a member of a team and if your MOS is essential to what they're about to do in Iraq, yeah - you're going. But imagine the "disappointment" if you're willing to do everything else except get deployed.

Plus, the US Military is in more than 90 countries ... you may not end up going to Iraq or Afghanistan but nice desert locations such as Djibouti or how about Central America? Perhaps ... SE Asia?

[mikeellison]

is it possible to be called up before i finish high school???