Is it a good Idea

[cbw72084]

Hey I just have a few questions about the army national guard. I'm active duty navy with almost five years in and I'm about to get out honorably. First of do I get to keep my e-5 when I join? Also curious as to know If the national guard armory in my hometown isn't affiliated with the MOS I intend to select (21B) Do I get stationed at an armory where there is an engineer unit possibly hours away or do they make me select an MOS within a field artillery company. Also I keep seeing on the website that only non-prior service get enlistment bonuses but I've heard of friends getting 15k forjoing who are prior service. Not really a deciding factor in my decision but does tend to spike curiosity. And last but not least to have to go to the full 9 week army boot camp or is there some sort of transition course? Ok I'm done!

thanks for your time

AE2(AW) Chris Wahl

[jmloml]

You have a lot of options here. I was an AT1 (AW) and am wrapping up my entrance into the Guard. There are a lot of experienced people here who can and will give you great advice.
You won't have to go to boot camp. You will have to go through WTC. Read about WTC from posts on this forum. The "up to" $15k is available to prior service. I'm able to keep E6 after a 14 year break in service. You should have no problem retaining your E5. Talk to a recruiter soon and gather details. If you have questions about things your recruiter is telling you, ask him or her and do a double check here. Your Navy rate and schools will qualify you for quite a few MOS conversions. You should also talk to your Guard recruiter about transitioning before you complete your Navy contract. There are some good articles out there about people who have done it.

Good luck. Others on the forum along with your recruiter can give you much more information and sound advice than I can. So keep on asking and make an informed decision.

Good luck..

[Rhughes]

I concure I am able to keep my E5 also after 16 year break (also Navy) there seems to be quite a few ex-squids joining the NG. From what I have read most love it. Also from everything I have read promotions are quicker than in the Navy. I did check into going back into the Navy reserves but was only going to be an E3 because of the long break. If you are serious I would speak with a recruiter and find out what you have to do.

Oh one think I forgot was I am supposed to be receiving $20k instead of the 15 because I am already going to be MOP qualified.
Good luck and keep us posted