Comments | usmilitary: National Guard

love_isa_wish in usmilitary

National Guard

Feb 12, 2011 19:09

I am a female, joining the National Guard next week. I was wondering if there was anyone here that could give me some advice on basic training and AIT. My MOS is Mental Health Specialist, which I am hoping will help me get a job as a psychologist later down the line of life. I've heard a lot of people tell me stories about what to expect, and I ( Read more... )

Comments 17

caerbannogbunny February 13 2011, 02:23:02 UTC

Three things...

1) I would ask a Marine recruiter whether or not they accept prior service enlistees (or officers). Just for general purposes down the line. At least some of the services are very picky that way.

2) If your interest is in psychology--as in counseling, etc.--there aren't any jobs like that in the Marines...

...all of their medical and much of their support is actually supplied by the US Navy.

3) If you are serious about becoming a counselor or a psychologist, consider ROTC and the Simultanous Membership Program. Between the Guard and ROTC, you can probably get your undergrad degree paid for AND get the undergrad research you may want for applying for graduate schools covered. After that, health services officers in the Army have an opportunity after a few years of being able to attend a graduate school while on active duty. Either that, or you may qualify for a scholarship for graduate school later. Talk to an Army healthcare recruiter...

Good luck.

love_isa_wish February 13 2011, 04:02:23 UTC

1. Yes, Marines, along with every other branch in the military accepts prior service. Marines especially are in need of females.
2. They may not have something similar to psychology, but as an intelligence analyst, the psychology and "mental health" experience will be highly beneficial.
3. The national guard pays for 100% college tuition. Any soldier can attend college whether it be active or reserves.

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spartonian February 13 2011, 12:48:53 UTC

The military is actively making a push towards increased diversity in its ranks.

Thread 15

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love_isa_wish February 13 2011, 22:44:09 UTC

I had to lose 37 lbs before the Marines would accept me. I lost 23, but then my body kind of came to a halt. I'm hoping the basic training in the National guard will help my body push off the other 14 lbs.

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love_isa_wish February 13 2011, 22:46:11 UTC

I'd be in as an E-3 because of that's what i'm going in as for the National Guard. I'm okay with that, and I am willing to try as many times as possible to get the transfer approved ! thanks !

caerbannogbunny February 14 2011, 09:22:08 UTC

Um... For interservice transfer--according to marines.com--it's E-2 for interservice. I mean, unless you can go in as an officer post-degree ( ... )

caerbannogbunny February 14 2011, 20:09:17 UTC

To be honest, while I understand and respect what you want to do, your plan is a bit complex and depends on several things that are a) subject to change and b) interdependent ( ... )

luv2all97 February 15 2011, 06:58:21 UTC

I agree with the others- if you apparantly seem to think you already know everything, why bother posting here asking for advice? Just felt the urge to argue? Like they said, you need an attitude adjustment.

love_isa_wish February 15 2011, 08:22:11 UTC

I don't have an attitude, I was simply stating that what I was asking for was experience from those with the Mental Health MOS, and female Marines. At no point did i ask people to criticise why i was doing things in the order i was.

luv2all97 February 16 2011, 06:58:05 UTC

ok. when/if you make it basic training, come at your drill sergeants with this same "non attitude" and see how far you make it