Another 35 Y.O. wannabe....

[drtnshtr]

I am male 35 yrs old and married with a 7 yr old son and 10 month old daughter...My father served in the guard for 20 years but I never did...I have always felt compelled to and wanted to very much but never did for whatever reason...From what I understand I am not too old yet and Im sure if I lose a little weight (im 5-11/210lbs) I will qualify physically...I am in relatively good shape, I did carry mail for 10 yrs, but since leaving the P.O. I have gained 10-15 lbs...I have some college and did receive my LPN back in the late 90's...Not sure if that helps matters any....My only concern is the time away from the family...we have a National guard facility 10 minutes away from my house and I see Guardsmen there every month but I am wondering about the initial time away...Im also worried about the paycheck...right now I am a loan officer in a mortgage company and Im 100% commission based so if Im not there I do not get paid and right now we are living paycheck to paycheck....Im not just in this for the sign on bonus but that is a concern of mine as it could help us out if I need to be out of work for a while....Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated...I guess even a little guidance would be great!!!:)

[gsrtonv]

you will be gone for 9 weeks of basic training + the school time. Each job in the Guard has a specific training program. I think the average is something like 30 weeks (including basic training). So you would be gone for 30 weeks.

[drtnshtr]

you will be gone for 9 weeks of basic training + the school time. Each job in the Guard has a specific training program. I think the average is something like 30 weeks (including basic training). So you would be gone for 30 weeks.
Is there a period of time between BT and the schooling that I would get to go home? Do you have any idea where I would go for BT? I live in the Columbus Ohio area....thanks for all your help...

[oldguy]

I am 35 also and I am thinking about joining. What is the max age limit?

[JD fan]

Im 36 and will be swearing in Tuesday.....I hope!

[drtnshtr]

congrats jd:)

[pfcsmom]

My son is in BCT right now, he will be gone for a total of 27 weeks, since he is training to be 15R. I know there are a few MOS's that are only 8 weeks. I am not in the military, but I would not recommend choosing an MOS b/c of the time length. As far as a break in between, my son goes directly from BCT to AIT. An Administrative Specialist is only 8.3 weeks. (it's not called that anymore I don't think.)
Good luck!

[WIBecky74]

Basic inprocessing starts Sept. 5th '07 for me, my 33nd birthday will be Oct. 22nd the following month. Falls on a Monday. Funny part is, I hope I get to make a phone call on my bday and talk to mommy and daddy. hehee Too bad it wont be on a Sunday, as i've heard when you earn phone privilages, they normally occur on Sundays.

To any younger people not thinking its important to get Mom and/or Dads approval or at least understanding on joining.....they may end up being the most important people in your life at some point and needed for emotional support. Dont burn any bridges you may need in the future. You dont know how important it will be fore me to be able to talk to them during basic. The day I turned 18, I didnt speak to them for over a year. Long story, but i've since learned they are the ones that will always be there for me.

-Becky

[never falter]

I am 31 and just swore in last friday. My wife and I are expecting our first child in Jan. With this in mind and the length of time I will be away at bct and ait I chose to ship in may. I like the flexibility of the national guard. It allows my family so time to prep for when I leave plus you do get BHA so your base pay will be more...at least while at training

[drtnshtr]

thanks for the replies folks...keepem coming!!!