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View Full Version : Is the Guard for me?



dave0118
May 11th, 2006, 10:59 PM
I've thought many years about serving my country but always took a different path. I am now 37 years old and married. I have a bachelors degree and have started work towards a masters. I am a director for large non-profit agency where i am responsible for several departments and get a decent salary @ about 56k/yr. I own 3 homes and have a good start on my retirement funds. With all that's happened in Florida (my state) the past few years with hurricanes and Guardsman aid to Lousianna as well as the Guard's shortages due to the oversees needs, I feel I should do something. As well, at 37, I'm approaching an age where I would no longer have the option to apply- so now's the time to decide! So the questions:

1.Does my education and experience count for anything in terms of position and pay?
2.Can Basic Training and Skills Teaching be spread out so I wouldn't have to be away from work for several months? (I know my job is safe but I would be scared about what I may return to!)
3. I'm about 225lbs and between 5'9-5'10. I have a very broad build and proportionate weight for me is at about 210. Does the Guard go by the weight chart alone or, can body fat be the deciding factor?
4. Prior to my marriage in 2001, I had some scrapes with the law as follows:
1999- charged with misdemeanor DWI which was pled out to a "Reckless Driving"
1997-Disorderly Conduct
1989-1990 1 misdemeanor assualt (dismissed) and 1 disorderly conduct (dismissed)
Sounds like a lot when I write it down...In the late 80's I was in college as a nationally-ranked wrestler and worked the door at a bar and was full of myself. In the late 90's I was just stupid. I don't think I grew up til I got married! Will the above be problematic in joining the Guard? Do I have to come clean on the dismissed charges?

Sorry for the length- Appreciate your forum!

groundup
May 12th, 2006, 11:36 AM
Yes your education does count for something. You can either come in as an officer or as a Specialist.

You can do a State OCS program where your training is spread out. Basic training can not be spread out though.

If you are overweight we "tape" you to figure out your body fat percentage.

You must tell your recruiter about ALL of your legal and medical history.

dave0118
May 12th, 2006, 12:01 PM
I believe I am too old for the OCS at 37. Is that not so? I have no previous Military exp.

Prime
May 12th, 2006, 12:24 PM
Don;t see why youw ould be to old for that...just conact a recuriter by you an talk to them they should be abel to give you a better idea

LRSU_Dog
May 13th, 2006, 01:20 AM
At 37 you are at the border, and would have to qualify for the accelerated OCS. A professional recruiter can give you the particulars about OCS, your age, and state waivers that may apply.