I asked someone else who has more experience in the national guard than I do to jump in and answer this. I will say that I’m not sure that joining the guard will be much added protection against going out-of-state. My husband was guard, and got mobilized to Iraq in 2004-2005, and ended up resigning his commission when it looked like that was going to happen again in 2007-ish. Also guard often helps other states when they need disaster relief.
Pros- you get cheaper health insurance and you will generally stay in your state guard unless you really want to leave.
Cons—some jobs are harder to advance in, and you may have limited positions available, and unit culture could be really good or really bad
For tuition assistance, in most states, you can go to the state college for free. Connecticut for instance has a program that will let you go to any state school for free if you have deployed or been active for 90 days. At the top of your career? You might make $12-15k annually for your 48 days.
Tricare for single people is like $50 a month. Families are $200. Dental is extra and like $30. I know several Veterinarians who have stayed in the reserves for health insurance alone. Also, you get life insurance for the time you’re in ($400k, ~$30 per month) opt out possible.
If you have more questions… this is literally part of what I do for the reserves but the guard is similar.
I asked someone else who has more experience in the national guard than I do to jump in and answer this. I will say that I’m not sure that joining the guard will be much added protection against going out-of-state. My husband was guard, and got mobilized to Iraq in 2004-2005, and ended up resigning his commission when it looked like that was going to happen again in 2007-ish. Also guard often helps other states when they need disaster relief.
Pros- you get cheaper health insurance and you will generally stay in your state guard unless you really want to leave.
Cons—some jobs are harder to advance in, and you may have limited positions available, and unit culture could be really good or really bad
For tuition assistance, in most states, you can go to the state college for free. Connecticut for instance has a program that will let you go to any state school for free if you have deployed or been active for 90 days. At the top of your career? You might make $12-15k annually for your 48 days.
Tricare for single people is like $50 a month. Families are $200. Dental is extra and like $30. I know several Veterinarians who have stayed in the reserves for health insurance alone. Also, you get life insurance for the time you’re in ($400k, ~$30 per month) opt out possible.
If you have more questions… this is literally part of what I do for the reserves but the guard is similar.