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I hope this post can help some people with the use of this forum.
Q: How do I use this forum?
A: http://www.1800goguard.com/forums/faq.php
Q: What is basic training like?
A: Basic training will challenge you physically and mentally. You won't have any impossible tasks and you will learn that. From Red Phase to Blue Phase, it doesn't get easier, you just learn how to handle situations better. You won't start out running 5 miles. The Army trains as "crawl, walk, run." Meaning, you will start out at a crawling pace where they will be very specific and "take you by the hand" with everything. Next you learn to walk on your own where you do everything that you were just taught on your own. Then you start running, meaning you start learning new things on your own. It isn't Full Metal Jacket! Nobody is going to tell you to choke yourself, nobody is going to hurt you, your Drill Sergeants are going to yell, but "sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you." Remember, there have been millions before you that have done the same thing, your training will be no different.
Q: Will I get deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan?
A: You might or you might not. The National Guard is a fighting force and there is a war going on. The Army has a "rotation" for deployments though. In an article in Army Times (the Army's voice for news) it talks about a 6 year deployment cycle. There are people that have been in the National Guard for 20 years and never been deployed to a combat zone. I, myself, have never been deployed to a combat zone. There are many that have and many that haven't. If you really want to go though, you can volunteer for a deployment. There are stateside missions that go on. For instance when hurricane Katrina hit, a lot of the NG from a lot of states were called out.
Q: I have a child, what do I do?
A: You will have to have someone take care of your child during training. If you are married, your spouse. If you aren't married, you will need to find someone - perhaps your parents. Your recruiter will help you with the paperwork that needs to be filled out. A child doesn't stop you from enlisting.
Q: I have a criminal record, should I tell my recruiter?
A: YES! Your recruiter MUST know about any charges that you have at any point in your life. Certain charges might stop you from enlisting, but that is for your recruiter to figure out. It is better to ask them than to think that you can't enlist because of a charge.
Q: I have medical problems, should I tell my recruiter?
A: Once again, YES! Your recruiter MUST know about any medical history that you had at any point in your life. Certain things might stop you from enlisting, but that is for your recruiter to figure out. It is better to ask them than to think that you can't enlist.
Q: How do I know if I am overweight?
A: http://www.1800goguard.com/training/...standards.html (also has the PT standards, and your education standards)
Q: How do I find a recruiter in my area?
A: 1800GoGuard.com or call 1800-GO-GUARD. There are also several recruiters that visit these forums. Feel free to contact them.
I will probably update this from time to time. If you have anything to add, feel free to post it. Please don't post questions in this thread. You will get better support if you post your questions in a seperate thread.
