Career Research Paper - Army National Guard

Career Research Paper: Army National Guard

The Army National Guard is a whole new way to serve. It's all about commitment to help communities in need. It's solid dedication to the country in war and in peace. They form an elite team that shares similar core values, convictions, and beliefs. To be in the National Guard can mean serving the country part-time, one weekend a month and two weeks a year as most Guard members serve. This is what makes them different from the other branches of the military. Experiences will be gained that would change one's outlook on life forever. Skills will be learned that will last a lifetime. The Guard is a team that values serving others and being the best; a part-time job with full time benefits.

There's an opportunity to split up Guard training during the summers between school years. Qualified juniors can attend Basic Training during the summer before senior year and then go on to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) after senior year. The Guard will help build mind and body, and in Basic Training challenges will be conquered to become stronger, faster, and healthier. Overcoming the physical and mental challenges will instill a growing sense of pride. Basic Training is tough going through nine weeks of intense physical and mental conditioning. People discover confidence, self-assurance, and potential for leadership. In graduating Basic Training, becoming a soldier is the revenue in the Army National Guard.

The Army National Guard has a unique dual mission serving both country and community. For over 365 years the citizen-soldiers have come to the aid of their neighbors during times of need. The Guard involves helping communities during natural disasters and civil emergencies. All around the country the National Guard comes to the rescue saving lives, restoring order, and protecting property, as well as being active in local community organizations that improve the quality of life. Many Guard members live, work, and go to school right where they serve. The Guard helps Little League programs, promotes scouting activities, and opens its doors to kids on Armory Days, among countless other programs, providing strong positive role models for the young kids. Calls have been answered to defend America in every war. From the War of Independence to Desert Storm the soldiers have served with great honor. "Whether guarding out country's interests in Haiti, the Middle East, Bosnia, or Kosovo, the Army National Guard is Ð''always ready, always there.'"(2) Guard members are ordinary people doing extraordinary things because they love their country.

The Army National Guard is one of the fastest ways to make it to college. In today's competitive work place, employers stress a college degree, which means it'll be an asset regardless of when it's earned. The Guard can help pay for college undergraduate or graduate studies with the Montgomery GI Bill and Tuition Assistance. Many states offer their own educational incentives, some as much as 100% free tuition to state schools. Here are some of the figures:

Ð'* Up to $9,792 for tuition and college expenses with the Montgomery GI Bill for full-time students.

Ð'* A monthly paycheck in addition to other benefits. With moderate rank progression, part-time Army Guard pay over a four-year college period adds up to over $7,500.

Ð'* Up to an additional $1,500 a year to help repay your student loans.

Ð'* Enlistment Bonus of up to $8,000 if eligible.

Ð'* Reimbursement of up to 75% of tuition costs for up to 15 college credits per fiscal year (1 October to 30 September)

Ð'* Together it adds up to more than $25,000 for your higher education.

(2)

In joining the Army National Guard a competitive salary is earned for part-time service. Additionally, eligibility to receive other compensations and benefits are brought to attention. Some Guard members, along with receiving pay for weekend drills and annual training, get "special duty pay." A decision to stay with the Guard will also be well rewarded with retirement benefits. These benefits are in addition to monthly retirement pay or pensions. On top of all that, a member receives military benefits such as life insurance, medical benefits, and access to the Post Exchange and Commissary.

Excitement and adventure are found in the Guard and its many challenges. Soldiers are trained to be physically fit and mentally sharp