Hey guys,
I've reviewed a few older posts, but those were mostly users looking to break into IBD or ER while being in the National Guard. I am the opposite. Since my grandpa's passing last month, I've really started considering how I can give back to the country. I know there are other ways to give back than serving in the armed forces, but I feel those bring the most sense of pride.
I would like to hear from those of you who are already in your finance careers but are serving on inactive duty or have served before. What are the pros and cons? Thoughts on boot camp? Thoughts on me enlisting at a later age (just turned 28 last month)? Chances of being placed on active duty at this time (probably different 15 years post 9/11)? Any info you can provide is appreciated.
**Please keep in mind that the two days per month and two weeks in summer are not a problem for me, since I am at a boutique where hours are very reasonable and I can get time off if needed. So no need to post about how they will let me go (which is illegal in this case anyways).
I was going to ask the same thing! Interested in joining the ANG or Air Force Reserve. My biggest issue is getting the time to go through bootcamp. What I will say is that officer training for Air National Guard is 6 weeks long, so that might be a good route for you, and then your age will be even less of an issue.
Since you're 28, there's a program called DEPOT (Direct Entry Petty Officer Training) in the Coast Guard, where training is 3 weeks and you instantly become an E-4 in the Coast Guard Reserve. You just have to have a relevant skill (finance should work) and be between 27 and 40. You should look into that.
Also, FWIW, are you in the NYC area?
In the Midwest. Also, not sure why, but the Coast Guard doesn't interest me as much, but it is definitely something I should look into. In the end, a recruiter is probably going to be the person I need to be talking with, but I thought I'd try these forums for initial thoughts.
For sure. Coast Guard isn't my top choice, but if I were to be able to do that option (which I doubt because I'm five years shy of the age cutoff), I would certainly consider it because of the issue of taking off time.
Keep me posted on what you decide upon - I may pursue a reserve/guard position and then have to prep for the AFOQT or some other exam, so it would be good to be in touch with another monkey on here.
And regarding protection from being fired under USERRA, a question I have is whether it is common for service members to be fired for some BS reason to get around governmental protection.
I'd imagine that major firms want to have vets, but I don't think you're considered a veteran unless you've served on active duty. Would like input on that.
Sorry for the multiple replies. Just found this thread for a few months ago.
http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/enlisting-in-the-national-guard-w…
Interesting that you say the weekend drills and summer training aren't a problem for you and that your job will cover you. I find that hard to believe but if that's the case then it shouldn't be a problem. If your going for purposes for self-identity, giving back to your country, taking yourself out of your comfort zone, and exploration than I would look into some combat arms fields. Something like the infantry or armor.
Infantry schooling for enlisted is probably the shortest and will give you the nitty and gritty experience. Pick whichever branch, marine or Army. I believe Army is a little bit shorter and may be flexible to your timeline. Going in at the age of 28? I don't think it will be a problem. Just past all your physicals but don't lie at MEPs. Huge problem will be going to basic with a bunch of 18 y/os from all places in the country who grew up in all sorts of different socio-economic backgrounds.
You probably won't be going on active duty once you arrive at your unit. Chances are slim. Back in the day they were sending guard units over but now its even hard for active duty units to deploy. If your in a national disaster zone such as tornado or hurricane areas, your unit may be mobilized for those events.
Give it a hard thought because this isn't something you can sham out. Those contracts can run from 3 to 6 years and your unit won't forget if you're a dirtbag during drills or unmotivated throughout your time.
Yeah, it's a small boutique, where the higher-ups are pretty content with closing one big deal (of our standards) per year.
I think you hit the nail on the head with your second sentence. But I think I would get the sense of pride in any case that I feel I am "helping," even if that is some assistance in a town destroyed from a tornado.
I appreciate the response. How long is infantry schooling compared to basic combat training (10 weeks, from my understanding)?
My understanding was that contracts are up to 8 years. That is certainly longer than I care for, considering I'd be close to 37 and probably not in the same shape, but I can work with it if needed.
Military service obligations are 8 years. So you are technically correct but I'm not sure if it applies to people in the reserves and guard. It does to active duty folks but the rest of the years in the MSO can be run down in the inactive ready reserve (IRR) which means you are a civilian unless some emergency pops up. For example a soldier can do his/her 3 year active duty contract and run the next five years in the IRR eating chips and drinking beers as a civilian. The same case should be similar for guard/reserve. Just ensure you clearly state and negotiate with the recruiter for the years needed to serve. Do not sign anything until you clearly see how your years are broken up.
If I remember correctly, 8 -12 weeks is basic training and the advanced individual training (AIT) is dependent on your specific branch. If its infantry then it'll be 4 to 5 weeks. so in total your whole training should run to 3 to 4 months, or one whole summer. Be careful though, I'm not sure how your physical condition is but infantry schooling is quite physically demanding. Not too crazy but it requires some standard of physical fitness. After you're done with basic and AIT there is a chance you can get a slot into airborne/ air assault training right after or you can ask for those slots from your unit. But that is dependent on your unit's funding for training.
The real challenge for you is having a whole summer gone for basic and AIT. Which I don't think your employer will allow. That training is necessary for you to continue on to your parent unit you will be training with.
This guy knows his stuff. I like him.
RobberBaron123 , are you considering active duty? There's also a 15-month active duty service program (15 months, plus basic and job training) in each (or maybe 3 or 4) of the branches for enlisted members, followed by a bit of time in the reserve. Probably not what you're looking for, but worth mentioning for anyone who wanted to go military at some point before finance or b-school.
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