Are you thinking about joining the National Guard? This is a big step that requires a lot of research and attention to detail. Once you know more about the pros and cons of joining the National Guard you should be able to make an informed final decision.
Below are five reasons to join the National Guard:
1. Many career fields to choose from. Some people think that the National Guard is nothing more than training for battle. Nothing could be further from the truth. Career fields include: infantry, armor and field artillery, aviation, medical, military police, transportation, logistics support, mechanic and maintenance, signal and military intelligence, engineer, administrative, interpreter/translators, and Special Forces.
2. Many specialties within each field. For example, the medical field is huge. You are not going to train for everything that has to do with medicine. Instead, you will focus on one area such as: dental specialist, biomedical equipment specialist, patient administration specialist, medical logistics specialist, medical laboratory specialist, radiology specialist, pharmacy specialist, health care specialist, and mental health specialist.
3. Some jobs qualify for a cash bonus. If you have special skills the career path you choose may offer you a cash bonus just for signing up. How many employers in today?s day and age can say that? Enlistment bonuses of up to $5k are offered for the following positions (in addition to many others): Special Forces medical sergeant, intelligence analyst, imagery analyst, ground surveillance systems operator, counterintelligence agent, human intelligence collector, signals intelligence analyst, and motor transport operator.
4. You get the chance to serve your country. Let?s be honest, this is probably the number one reason to join the National Guard or any other branch of the military. Along with the chance to protect and serve, you are going to receive top of the line career training.
5. Training that you receive in the National Guard will be put to good use in a later civilian career. For instance, if you want to eventually work in a dental office you can become a dental assistant in the National Guard. This will prepare you for the job that you eventually want to obtain.
All new members of the National Guard will go through 10 weeks of basic combat training. Along with this, you will go complete Advanced Individual Training based on your career field and job specialty. The skills and knowledge acquired through this training will prepare you well for your stint with the National Guard, as well as the future.
Can you think of any other reasons to join the National Guard? If you are interested in moving forward, you should do two things:
– Request additional information on the National Guard
– Setup a meeting with a recruiter
Don?t overlook the benefits of joining the National Guard. This decision could change your life forever!