Very carefully study the MOS options to find something that will keep the interest peaked during his enlistment.

National Guard is a little different from Regular Army in that MOS options can be limited. What does the local NG unit have for MOS's? How far is he willing/able to travel to be with a unit with jobs more to his taste/inclination? Last, and probably most important, if it isn't in writing...It Isn't! If what the recruiter says isn't there, don't sign until it is there!

My son is in Minnesota Guard. Had construction, Heavy equipment, operations, communication and command units around us. Good education can be had but needs to INVESTIGATE AND DOCUMENT before committing.

  My son is this week trainning for flood rescue in Minnesota.  Prep for the winter thaw.   

My father-in-law retired from the California Air National Guard and he always spoke highly of it. I myself retired from the Airforce and I had very little contact with the reserves but in my opinion it is a great oppurtunity to learn some skills and broaden your horizons. Like some of the other members mentioned above make sure you get all of what the recruiter is promising in writing. There are lots of different MOSs(jobs) in the guard and the Airforce reserve even has more so make sure your son gives them a look while he is making his decision ok. Just my opinion of course but the Airforce treats their people better than the rest of the other branches of military.

Debrajo...I joined the NG when I was 17 with my dads permission and signature, I was planning on going Full Army after boot...my deployment to boot was delayed because of my age so the year I had to wait I still went on weekend manuvers...I learned a hell of a lot about personal responsibilities, team work and self disipline,,,having said that I give him two thumbs up......YES It will help shape him into the man he can be....
RandyJoe...Ride Strong...

It's been a while for me also, but one thing will never change. Regardless of what is promised, in writting or verbally (which means nothing), the needs of the military ALWAYS come first.

It's been a while for me also, but one thing will never change. Regardless of what is promised, in writting or verbally (which means nothing), the needs of the military ALWAYS come first. The military is a great place for learning teamwork, responsibility to the team as well as to yourself, and disicpline.

One of my sons is now 20 and has been in the NG since he was 17. He is hoping to go full time with them very soon. For him it was the right choice. It did do him a world of good in his growing and maturing. As mentioned before just make sure everything is in writing. I am very proud of him. He chose to join even after his older brother was deployed to Iraq twice. It can be a very good option for the right person.

I have been in the Guard for 26 years and still going strong, all of the advice here is spot on. My suggestion definitely look over the contract, remember recruiters focus is to meet their quota. If he is going to join then he will take the ASVAB test which determines what MOS's that is he qualified for. So, it will be who of him to score high. Higher his score the more options he will have. He should be willing to travel. In the Maryland National Guard soldiers who travel more than 50 miles from home will be put up in a hotel at the Guard's expense. Also, with that he will be able to claim miles and meals on his income taxes. DebraJo there are tons more, if you have any questions let me know.

Hey DebJo... My son went in the Air Force, was tested and qualified for the Military Intelligence Division (my son, MI? Go figure!) Served in Desert Storm, received 2 unit citations and was Airman of the month, TWICE! He was discharged 09/01/11... Yep, just before 9/11. He came within 3 days of being reactivated. He (& you) should always be aware of what serving in our country's armed forces means.
The ultimate sacrifice... his life. Face it, own it and then accept what your son decides.
Oh, MOS? Military Occupational Specialty...or My Occupational Sadism... There are a few more...
Edge Walker

My uncle retired from the Air force. My best friend retired from the Air Force. And my mom works on an Air Force base. It is good if you get it in your contract, and if he had any JROTC in school he can go in as a higher rank with the CO of the program. When I went into the Army I went in as an E-3 and not an E-1 (more pay). But the military needs to be thought. The recruiters have been known to get their "quota". But make sure it is in the contract and (mos) job He wants to peruse. And if he decides not to make it a career make sure it is something that can be transferred into the civilian work world as well.

And to your son I salute him for wanting to serve in the military!

Just a thought from an Army Vet so I may be way off base for Air Force jobs but from talking to Jon ( my best friend and riding buddy) there is all sorts of conversions to the civilian life style and still make good money.

The air force is not going to be experiencing the cuts that the rest of the military will be. Technical jobs/training will be in high demand both in the Navy and the Air Force. Ground forces (Army, Marines) will still be needed but on a more limited to basis. My son-in-law just retired, well next month, (Master Sgt) from the Air Force after 22 years active. It's been a good career for him. But he has a wife that has stood by him without any complaints all those years; going with him when re-assigned or staying put if need be. One thing he did was to keep up on all the training the Air Force offered; attending as many training courses in and out of his field as the AF would permit. It's been a good life for him and his family; challenging but satisfying. They'll be settling down in Alaska. When he was stationed there the wife and kids just loved it so they've decided to retire there. Alaska? Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Peace

No Deb you can't no matter how much you want to! I think that any time a young person makes a decision on their own to do something that moves them forward in life is a good thing, and the best thing you can do is support him and his decision. There are way too many kids just doing nothing because because they are waiting for someone to tell them what they should do next. Even if he decides it wasn't for him, he will gain valuable life experience - both from the military and from making the decision. Either way he will be leaps and bounds ahead of the kids who are doing nothing and wasting their young adult years.

From what you have told me about him he sounds like a great kid and I am sure he will do well.

Best of luck to him!

I went regular army. My time in the service was outstanding. I would caution that it depends on temperment. Not everyone is cut out for the military. If he has the desire, thats all thats really needed. Its a great opportunity. Plz let us know if he goes in. Wishing him well.

Because of my credit situation, there is a distinct possibility that my son may have to drop out of college. And he says if that happens, HE is thinking of joining the military. Army I think, although we haven't discussed it much, because I had made him promise to graduate college first. Now, the situation, may force another decision, and I, like D.J., have trepidation about him joining the military. But I also know, that if that is what he wants, I really can't stand in his way. I was, however, hoping (if that happens) that he could sign up under the Delayed Entry Program.
At least, they used to have that. Does anyone know, if that is still available, and would they pay for his schooling,
if he was accepted into that program? I'm going to be doing my own research, but I'd like to hear from any of Ya'll,
that have any personal experience with this. Or if you know where I could go to find out....??? Thanks.
And I'm praying for both you and your son, DebraJo. This decision, ain't easy, for any of us.

Ride Free
Tweek

So how did your son go, did he sign up for the National Guard?. Down here we have the Army reserve, similiar stuff as in the US. NG program. Commandos are Reservists, and get to go overseas when they are required. A mate in ND, signed on at the air NG  and was returned to his former Marine rank...That says something. I hope that if your son did join.He is having the time of his life.