34 year old with no prior service

[pherbio]

I've always had a fascination with military service, but for one reason or another I opted not to. Now, I'm beginning to think about it a bit more and figured I'd get some information just so I can make a decision once and for all.

First off, I'm 34 years old with a college degree. I currently work full time as a software developer. If I were to enlist in the National Guard:

1. How long is basic? I'm not at all worried about the physical side of it, moreso the time away from my current job.

2. What security do I have with my existing job? I was told that a company couldn't fire you for being in the National Guard, but what about joining it after you've got the job?

3. What rank would I be able to start at? What is the pay rate associated with this rank?

4. How frequently would I need to report for duty? 1 weekend a month?

5. What job types are available for National Guardsman?

These are tip of the iceberg questions. Be prepared for followups.

Also, please avoid abbreviations if possible.

[srpettew]

Unfortunately, I don't have the answers for you but I am in the same boat. I'm 31 with a wife and child, college degree, full time (IT) job and have the same concerns.
As a college grad you can enlist as an E-4 (Specialist). Your employer is obligated by Federal law to ensure your job is secure upon your return. Not much help, but at least you received a reply :) Hopefully others will follow.

SP

[Ravenmik]

I've always had a fascination with military service, but for one reason or another I opted not to. Now, I'm beginning to think about it a bit more and figured I'd get some information just so I can make a decision once and for all.

First off, I'm 34 years old with a college degree. I currently work full time as a software developer. If I were to enlist in the National Guard:

1. How long is basic? I'm not at all worried about the physical side of it, moreso the time away from my current job.

2. What security do I have with my existing job? I was told that a company couldn't fire you for being in the National Guard, but what about joining it after you've got the job?

3. What rank would I be able to start at? What is the pay rate associated with this rank?

4. How frequently would I need to report for duty? 1 weekend a month?

5. What job types are available for National Guardsman?

These are tip of the iceberg questions. Be prepared for followups.

Also, please avoid abbreviations if possible.

1). Boot camp, or Basic Combat Trainng (BCT)is 9 weeks plus up to 1 extra week for initial proccessing. After BCT, you will go to your military occupational specialy (MOS) school which can vary in length.

2) I am sure your job is protected by Federal law when you join the guard, but I will leave this question for a recruiter. Also, you can check with your employers Human Resource department on their policies. Some employers offer pay matching for National Guard and Reservists.

3) Here is the link to pay tables.
http://www.1800goguard.com/money/money_rank.html
As for what rank you would start with, it will depend on your college dregree and what it is. Your recruiter can fill you in. Also, if your degree is at least a bachelors, you may want to look into becoming an Officer, again your local recruiter is your best bet.

4) Drill is 1 weekend a month, 2 weeks (usualy the summer) a year. However, also consider we are in a time of war. Depending on your unit, you can be deployed. Make sure you understand that point. And your family.

5) Here is the MOS link.
http://www.1800goguard.com/training/training_moslist.php
To minimize travel, talk to your local recruiter to find out what units are close to your location, and what billetts they have.

I hope that provides insight. The main Guard site is a wealth of information. Peruse it at your leisure and I am sure it will answer alot of questions.