questions

[ashp24]

Hello, I am completely clueless about what females do in the military and what their role is. I have been recieving mails from the national guard and I wish to know more about it. I am thinking about joining the army but it is a tough decision, so I was wondering if someone can please fill me in with all the specific details, such as how long bootcamp is and what exactly happens and stuff. :)

[VTguard]

Hello, I am completely clueless about what females do in the military and what their role is. I have been recieving mails from the national guard and I wish to know more about it. I am thinking about joining the army but it is a tough decision, so I was wondering if someone can please fill me in with all the specific details, such as how long bootcamp is and what exactly happens and stuff. :)

Females in the military have the same roles as males. The only difference is, that women aren't allowed to serve in "Combat Arms" specialties. This doesn't mean that women can't serve in combat, but only that women can not be infantry, artillery, tank crew members, etc. The job you choose determines what role you will serve in rather than your gender. All jobs that are open to women are also open to men, so you would likely serve along side men doing the same job they do. Making a decision to serve should be based on what is best for you. The National Guard is a great way to serve your country while still being able to have a family, work full time or go to college.

Basic Training is 10 weeks long, the job-specific training (AIT) length depends on what job you choose. There are literally hundreds of jobs to choose from. Think about what you want to do and what you want to get out of it. Whether it be job training, educational benefits, service to country or just adventure, there is sure to be a job that will help you reach your goals.

You should talk to a recruiter in your area to find out what jobs are out there and if any of them are right for you.

[AbnMtn]

Let me give you some specific examples of jobs that females do in the National Guard right beside their male counterpart. Females can perform as an engineer, supply specialist, medic, aircraft powerplant repairer, heavy construction equipment operator, plumber, carpentry and masonry specialist, network switching systems operator, media illustrator, paralegal specialist, military police, avionic systems repairer, administrative specialist, information systems operator, petroleum supply specialist, medical lab specialist, radiology specialist,automated logistical specialist, imagery analyst, and intelligence analyst to name a few. Jobs available within your state depend entirely on the type of units within your state. Don't sell yourself short by thinking that the military professions are mainly male professions because that is definately not the case.

[PriorSvc]

I'm a female and my AIT company was 20% females. We attend the same basic training as males, the same physical fitness environment, and though we might have different numbers to go by we are still the same ranks with the same pay. The only thing you "can't" do as a female is go into a combat job specialty (or share a barracks room with a male). But there are several jobs that you can do. For a complete listing visit your local recruiter and they should have a listing of all the jobs. The army is truly one of the few real "equal opportunity employers." And if you're contemplating joining I say go for it -- its the experience of a lifetime.

BCT is 10 weeks, and AIT depends on what job specialty you choose. They range anywhere from 3 weeks to 72 weeks or more depending on MOS. What happens is as lot of hard work, making friends, and a lot of fun. If you ever enjoyed summer camp as a kid, think of this as a hardcore summercamp for adults. I believe the regular army website has a video about basic training which shows some of the highlights (or at least it did when I last visited).

Oh and did I mention the discounted shopping at AAFES? It's like having a wal-mart with better quality stuff but only on the army base.