I really want to join the Nat. Guard

[Guest BRad704]

Anybody here around Memphis in the NG?

I have wanted to for quite a while... and the only thing stopping me is the logistics of my wife, stepdaughters, plus my kids (and paying CS to the ex)... and the money we need to keep out house running while I am away at BCT and OCS... prally 4-6 months...

I'm 29 and already have a BS in Civil Engr... I am well below the age limit, and my degree allows me qualification to be an officer.

I am deeply convicted to work this out, but I am having trouble understanding the military version of payscales due to lack of description and timeframe. plus that... I talked to my local HR mgr and my company will pay the difference in military pay up to my regular salary for the first 2 weeks of every year.... so that ONLY covers regular Guard service... NOT BCT/AIT/OCS and NOT deployment situations...

I am going to talk to my boss (and best friend btw) and see if he has any ideas. He pulled strings to get me this job and I hope he has some pull left for this one. His entire family is military (AF and Navy) so I know he will be sympthetic to my situation... at least understanding of it...

[Guest GT_Rat]

Military Pay Tables

Not sure what they get paid during training but start off looking at the O-1 line.

Use THIS page to calculate BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing).

Add those together and it should get you in the ballpark for active duty pay.

[LagerHead]

Military Pay Tables

Not sure what they get paid during training but start off looking at the O-1 line.

Use THIS page to calculate BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing).

Add those together and it should get you in the ballpark for active duty pay.

During initial training (i.e. Basic Training) you get paid regular salary. Most likely OCS will be the same way, if you go straight there after basic. So he will probably earn Specialist (E-4) pay until he gets his commission, after which Butter Bar pay kicks in. Your recruiter should be able to get this cleared up for you.

[Kegger]

You'll make E-4 pay with no years in until OCS.

Then you will make base E-6 pay until commission.

And you won't make BAH while in IET but you will make separation pay.

[enfield]

With a wife and kids I wouldn't even consider military service. The deployments are hell for all concerned.

[Dropkick Murphy]

With a wife and kids I wouldn't even consider military service. The deployments are hell for all concerned.

My biggest regret in life is not serving my country. I feel down right guilty at times for not serving. But I agree with Enfield, it's hell on the family, which is why I didn't end up serving.

Don't worry though, I'm sure China will come knocking for their money they loaned us and you will get a chance to serve your country.

[Chris]

My company provides a lot of recruiting materials for the Guard as well as a call center for potential recruits. If you would like, send me a PM and I'll hook you up w/ one of our Soldiers. They can help get you decide whether this is the right move for you and your family.

[TNTitan]

My biggest regret in life is not serving my country. I feel down right guilty at times for not serving. But I agree with Enfield, it's hell on the family, which is why I didn't end up serving.

Don't worry though, I'm sure China will come knocking for their money they loaned us and you will get a chance to serve your country.

LOTS of ways to serve your Country. Dont feel guilty. Get active.

• Volunteer at a local charity
  
• Run for a local office
  
• Start a neighborhood watch
  
• Donate blood
  
• Help the poor in your community
  
• Join a civilian service group like the Civil Air Patrol or Rotary
  
• Become a volunteer firefighter or reserve deputy
  
• Be a giver, not a taker!
  

[Guest BRad704]

Thanks for the input guys... the idea of BAH makes a big difference in how to keep the house running while away...

There is realistically NO way I can make it work financially until 24 months from right now... I have a Ch13 that costs me $750/mo after taxes...

I know there are other ways to serve, but I truely feel a conviction that this is what I am supposed to do.

[Guest GT_Rat]

Also hit up the forums at www.1800goguard.com.