Good luck enforcing that. Right to work states can find some other reason to can you. “I didn’t fire him because he’s going out for deployments, I’m firing him because he’s displaying mediocre work.” Unless you really want to take the huge amount of time and money to hire a lawyer and sue him, it’s much better to just get a new job.
@@SophisticatedDogCat yeah but knowing that it could backfire is enough to stop most employers from discriminating for drill. There are def gonna be some jobs that are like that but not enough that it would really be worth worrying about when deciding to enlist.
@@SophisticatedDogCat if you have proof you can file a claim with the EEOC. there needs to be documented underperformance you cant just get fired for mediocre work out of nowhere.
@@imdva But you can. I’m not perfect and I make mistakes. All my employer would need to do is summarize the screw-ups I’ve made (and don’t act like you’re perfect either, because none of us are) and then I’m out of luck.
Just a few things I wanted to share for the older audience. If you are going reserves, make sure whatever job you have is a set schedule. Otherwise you'll be exhausted between work and maintaining physical fitness. 430AM wake up, workout from 515-630. Then work from 730AM-1900 (7:30pm) gets exhausting and tiring after years. Just a bit of advice.
I went active duty, and now I wish I would have went reserves, sometimes it feels like you just don’t catch a break, on top of being able to actually have a life outside of work lol
@@jeffjeff5951 I’m on terminal leave right now and I’m actually transferring to a reserve unit, I’m an artillery man going to an aviation unit but I’m actually looking forward to it a lot , units in Texas and I was stationed in Hawaii for my first unit
After 8 years in the reserves, here is how it will be depending on your intent. If you joined for school: best choice you could have made. Get your schooling done while serving part time and get that tuition money. If you joined for benefits/paycheck: tough luck bro, you didn’t research and now you’re about be hating drill for 6 years. If you joined for the military aspect: you’ve dont f**** up. The most military you will do is like a handful of range days a year, plenty of motor pool work and half ass PT. You’ll be wishing you went active and hate every drill.
xtre1me_995 i did 6 reserve and 2 IRR. After the first 6 months, I knew I effed up. Reserves wasn’t my thing and school wasn’t on my radar. I’ve been fully out since 2016, and now I’m headed active duty next week.
Frostbitten: Amen, I reckon' folks like yourself actually understand the simple concept I'd been tryin' drill into my parents thick skulls, I'd been tryin' to get in on the split train option in the Guard for a good half year or so and they still don't get how good it'd be for me to start my career in automotive while finishin' school, I reckon' I got a head for financial and economy so I can make that money work for me while in active duty service and a 20,000 dollar sign-on bonus sounds just bout' irresistible in today's society
I’m fresh off active duty going into the reserves for the next 3 years just got E5. Thanks again Matt. I have been watching your videos well before I even shipped off to basic training. They’ve given me a lot of insight on what to expect. You’re videos help prepare many. Thanks.
Speaking as a guardsman (I'm 31B), the best advice I can give is try to get an AGR (active guard reserve) position. You get active duty pay, loads more BAH, put in 20 years and retire. Except: you dont get drill pay. Its competitive and you typically have to be between specialist and staff sergeant, but if you land one of those gigs it's amazing. Or shoot for a technician job. You dont get active pay or as much BAH, but you get drill pay again so it kinda evens out. Good luck to everyone shipping out, remember your "why"!
Logan Sale damn, didn’t see this but I was curious, what’s basic and AIT like? I’m heading out next summer, pushing for that 31B MOS. How long is it, what should I expect, and what’s every day like?
@@Aceofspades1304 for me *this is only from my experience, yours may differ* it was 6 months. Basic was hectic and you'll hate your life in red phase, but you'll learn basic soldiering skills and marksmanship, and red phase is only a couple weeks. Wakeup at 0430, do PT, train all day, then in bed by 2030. Then repeat until Sunday, which you clean, can go to church, then clean more. It'll be that way until you're granted passes but I won't get into that because every company is different, so I don't want to give you false info. AIT is slightly more relaxed, but lots of classes. And they're all day classes. Hope this helps man!
It depends on your job if the army reserves will coincide with your job; to be honest, army reservists don't get the props they deserve; also, it ISN'T JUST one weekend a month. Sometimes it is three days a month, or you're gone for a few weeks or a few months (if you go to a type of school, I.e. BLC as it used to be called) or any other training you may need. People who downplay the reserves either 1) don't have a full time job while in the reserves or 2) never been a reservist; active duty soldiers have ONE job (their MOS). Army reservists have TWO careers.....let that sink in....Shoutout to the reservists!!!!
Actually militray people: *makes fun of each other but still respect each other.....except Coasties...* Civilians: "hur hur Guard and Reserve are weekend warriors hur hur" Me: okay.. you wanna sign that dotted line? Civilian: 0_0 uhhhh.... Anyways im planning on enlisting ARNG, i need to get my GED first though.
National Guard isn’t that bad, but definitely take advantage of the free schooling. In my unit though I rarely do my actual job (88M) it get rather boring so lately I’ve been requesting to help at headquarters.
Arkeice Ringgold 88M is motor transport right? I was gonna do that because of the $ bonus but I heard that a bunch of them get blown up by IDE’s when they get deployed and it has a high causality rate. You should read up on it and change MOS’s if ur worried about that kind of thing. It might be a different MOS too though but I think it was 88M
Hey man just wanted to say how much of a help these videos have been for me. I have watched tons of them. They have helped cement my decision and I will be heading to meps in a couple weeks to enlist. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to make these videos it has helped me tremendously.
Hey Matt, this is a request for an injured marine, instead of me explaining the situation, checking out Daniel OConnor will explain why this retired marine needs our help, maybe, no pressure, a video to your subscribers for this guy would help him also. I served 13years in Navy Reserve as a medic so I feel compelled to help this marine. God bless.
My New Years resolution (if I can within this year) is to join the National Guard. I have to loose about 70lbs to join. All through high school I wanted to be an Army Ranger (75th) but I was too heavy when I graduated and wouldn’t have been able to join, and kind of just lost interest and gained more weight over time now I have a great job I don’t want to leave to go active duty. But I’m 21 and still want to serve and have kinda rekindled my desire to enlist. Largely due to your channel and content. So I want to hopefully commit and loose the weight and join the Guard. I know I can’t be an actual Ranger in the Guard but I’d like to still be Infantry and go to Ranger school if possible and at least have the tab even if I can’t have the scroll.
I'm 21 too and I had a good job as a supervisor I always felt the calling to serve but I too was overweight I dropped 60 lbs to be able to join I just finished basic and this is the best decision I've ever made what I did was intermittent fasting and it took me about 3 months to drop that weight goodluck man
USERRA really helps with the reserves too, it’s basically the law that your civilian employer can’t discriminate against you for being in the military.
Thank you Matt Ward! This makes me feel a whole lot better about joining the reserves. I have been trying to join the navy reserves and had a lot of worries about work/life balance.
CraigB burke I’m a 12n, just graduated basic last week. Sucked because of the cold but it’ll start warming up when you get here. Be ready for no sleep through reception. And our ait is super laid back
I just want to throw my 2 cents. I was active Army who went in the Guard weeks after getting out.Granted it was 20 years ago also i never really learned if all Guard units were so flexible with rules as my old Guard unit was but we would have 2 weeks training at FT Drum NY in the summer. Then 60% of the time during the year we would spend week end drills at the Base/Armory. Then a few times a year we would spend the weekend drill either at FT Dix,NJ or Westpoint,NY ( We were a NJ Guard Engineer BN.) On those times we went to the Forts we were told to report that Friday at pm for road march to these places that took 2 hours or so to get there and when we arrived we basically parked and slept in the vehicles ( Regular Army doing that is a no-no) We never received extra pay for reporting on Friday just 2 days weekend pay.If you work at a small company and is considered an important employee then most companies will give you hell about being in the Guard like mine. ( Try to work for a larger company where others can do your job while you are away especially if you get deployed for a year or whatever. Also being an NCO living close to the Armory i was called in once a month on Wednesday nights ( Not paid) just for BS reasons. Sure things may have changed but basically i'. sure it hasn't. For alot of people it is difficult to juggle being a part-time Soldier/part time civilian.I found the Regular Army was much better all around in training and equipment. but I'm glad i was a member of both experiences. Never any regrets.
Hi 👋may I asked 1stcave man Do you know Antonio Louis national guard we both are only close friends nothing eles..Or Anthony spadaro thanks he to a friend nothing else Both said those know them thanks
Hey Matt, thank you for your service and your awesome videos. I am already in my late 20s but I am seriously considering joining the Royal Canadian Air Force. My goal is to become a military pilot. Probably not a fighter pilot but who knows. I am keeping an open mind about anything aviation related. I want to achieve something special while serving my nation and hopefully transition to civil aviation after my service. Wish me luck in my final decision.
@@umuhanihussein ten months after I posted that comment and they still don't have a chaplain. On the bright side, the company commander has started calling me "chappy".
Benefits are almost same, difference is the pay. Reserve is paid way way less than active. Active has access to medical facility on base while reserve will have to go to local area for medical things.
There was an article published recently that Army reserve basically make their soldier work for free in the tune of thousands of dollars because they get called in all the time when they’re not supposed to be on duty to do random things. Having been on active duty, I know what’s that like. That’s why I don’t wanna risk joining the national Gard or reserves because I wouldn’t answer anyone’s calls if I’m not doing drills.
Can you do an EDC video? Your civilian EDC vs your in Army uniform EDC? Love your videos man! I’m still trying to decide if the army is for me. I want to be a 68 whisky love and respect man congratulations on the baby
I’m in the reserves, rn I’m at AIT In Fort lee. My unit is an engineer company here in Nevada. I’ve heard im really not gonna be doing my job (91e) ima be doin what my drill schedule says which is basically a bunch of combat engineer stuff, sapper stakes, land nav, demolition, route clearance missions... bunch of FTX’s. Which I’m fine with that I’m excited. April 24th is my graduation date for Ait so we’ll see
Alex Redmond aye wassup bros my bad I’m late but it depends on ur company. Some companies have ur phone taken for the first 2 weeks but honestly i haven’t heard anyone that said that happened to them BUT i didn’t get mine taken at all. I was on my phone all night when i finally got my room 😂😂 bro it’s so crazy
I totally agree with you, but, I ruled out Active USAF, learned differences between AF RESERVE vs. AIR NATIONAL GUARD. In Illinois, I enlisted in ANG 1991-99 during HS & pay started immediately, Security Clearance took while, Chicago had an Air-Refueling Wing next to O'Hara & after TX & MS training, I began free college 130 miles from base. I worked directly for a Major & was greeted daily in hallway by Brig Gen (Wing Commander) by my 1st name, I worked in the HQ bldg & chose my job, place & person. In 2 yrs. I was working TDY for a Lt Col at the Pentagon! Locks on doors like CIA had, pretty cool. I got invited back to Andrews AFB the next summer. I flew some missions in our KC-135 air-refuelers down to Grand Cayman, fueling Tampa F-16s on the way, great 4 days off, I was a temp AGR each college summer off, I got Active Orders to DC, Chgo, TN...it was awesome. The Air Force and its co-branches tend to have all the money & really care for their Airmen. I even was awarded a recruiting ribbon for drunk talking at ISU about military benefits & a handful enlisted & returned in a semester or so. Best of both worlds together! So I got a ton of more Active duty by request than traditional guardsmen & reservists! Its all about the job u want & branch u investigate & compare!
Air Force Active Duty Enlisted here, August 2015 - June 2021 Bases: Hurlburt Field AFB Florida and Ramstein Air Base Germany Deployment: Bagram Afghanistan Job: Aircraft Maintenance Crew Chief
I know the reserve/guard seems to look for reasons to recoup your bonus so would going to a unit that has a different mos allow them to take your bonus? For example I got a 20k bonus for signing as an 11b but I’m going to a cavalry unit. Would the guard want their bonus back?
I’m a CAV scout that’s in a primarily infantry unit. That’s just how it goes, you’re either a scout in a primarily infantry unit or vice versus. But no they won’t take your bonus because of that. Just make sure you pass you don’t fail your first 2 PT tests and don’t do anything stupid and your bonus will come....some faster than others, but you will get it.
They heavily encourage you to workout on your own time! Do it! Failing your PT test will result in extra pt whenever everyone else is chilling in the barracks.
Great stuff Matt, how long is an average deployment for an army reserve? I am interested to find out what the deployments look like in terms of the duration, and also what are the typical locations for deployment? Inside or outside the country?
For anyone worried about your civilian job, your employer cannot fire you because of the USERRA. I will sign soon and get my information from my recruiter. I suggest you schedule a meeting with one, it doesn't hurt to go and ask if interested
DONT choose a combat MOS. You will be mostly doing “busy” work. I suggest choosing a mos that’ll translate in your civilian life or go to college while your in the guard/reserves.
A thing you have to realize about the guard it's the state militia if you have a state job as your full time you normally don't have to make up the time .
There’s an app called asvab practice test 2019. It helped me out a lot. Focus on the AFQT sections. Shoot for a score 50 or above if you want any incentives such as a bonus.
I’ll throw my two cents in, in my experience most units allow you to put in a split training form so if you have something conflicting with drills and the unit usually allows you to make it up later. Although it depends on your commander.
Big Mac For officers it’s probably less likely since there are less slots on a company occupied by an officer. For lower enlisted it’s a lot more likely you’ll deploy even if you don’t volunteer if you have a job that does rotations like engineer, mp, 88m, etc
I hope someone who knows something about my question sees this. Ive been trying to Join the Marines for the past 3 months. Filled out all my paper work, took the ASVAB (passed with a 52) and the ONLY thing holding me back was two things my congenital cataracts and my thyroid problem. I’ve had cataracts since birth and hasn’t got any worse over the years. My eye doctor stated it wouldn’t impede my performance, as far as my thyroid I got what you call Silent Hypothyroidism, non symptomatic. I was cleared by my doctor, he said it was a small case of thyroid and I will never have any symptoms (I’ve had it for 4 years with ZERO symptoms). Basically my question is will I be able to get cleared at MEPS to join? My recruiter thinks I will and a lot of doctors I ask too, considering my thyroid won’t be a problem and my cataracts..
my biggest worry is getting fired for joining the Army Reserves. I recently got a nice job at a nursing home and I don't want to lose it for joining 🙃 but the MOS I want is 52 weeks for AIT + bct. So I feel like why would they "hold" my job for me if I'm gone so long 😭 I don't rely on my family, I've lived on my own for about 2 years so it's scary I can't fall back on my family.
Good luck switching from the National Guard to AD... states DON'T want to release you from their component. Took me 15months and a lot of toes to step on to get a conditional release signed. I've heard it's much easier doing Reserves to AD, as both are within the federal US Army component... NG is a state-run organization.
thank you for your video!! I'm a fixed wing Flight Instructor, hoping to go aviation as helicopter pilot in Guard or Reserves. Also looking into coast Guard :)
Does everyone who joins the national guard get deployed? I saw somewhere that you will get deployed for 1 year at least once during your service is that true?
@MattWard Hello Matt, I have a question. I am a high school sophomore who just turned 17 back in November (born in 2002). I am suppose to be a senior but I started school late and was held back in 6th grade. I want to join the Army specifically active duty however I can’t wait and want to go so bad. I heard about the Army Split - Option program that offers High School Juniors to enlist and become a Reservist or a National Guardsman. I was wondering can I enlist through the split option program and after I graduate high school (I graduate at 19 1/2) is it possible to be transferred to active duty? Or should I just wait and enlist at the end of high school?
I’m 25 just out of college with a bachelor degree, but I’m currently working security at a hospital because I can’t find a job. If I join National Guard / reserves I could become a armed security guard and start making money but If join active duty I could become an officer and get to travel which has always been a dream of mine. But if I do this I’ll miss my friends, family, and dogs. Any suggestions?
Worry number 1 employer wise isn't an issue. Your employer by law has to give you those days off that you have drill. NOW if you gotta travel far for drill you gotta talk to your squad leader or readiness NCO and tell em you need something on paper stating you need that extra day for travel. That way you're covered on your civilian job AND if your lucky enough to have a job that gives you issues which they wont since a lot don't want to deal with that law-suit just remind them you can't lose or get fired from your job due to serving your drill time.
If I join army reserve or guard let’s say 3 years in my contract I decide I want to go active can I go active or do I have to wait until my enlisted contract is done.
If Guard: you'd need to get a conditional release approved from your State G1. If Reserves: I think you can go into the IRR, then get transferred out of there to Active. Or possibly just Reserve straight into Active. Moral of the story, Reserves to active will be much easier.
So I’m 16 and I’m tryna go into politics but I want to join the military. I was thinking reserves but what happens if I deploy while at college? Are colleges accommodating to that stuff or no?
Hello, I have a question. So I am planning on enlisting for the Army reserves after I graduate college. Do you think it would be a good idea to get a job before or after bootcamp?
ethan allen Nice! I wish I joined the reserves at 17! Don’t go active unless you dont have a plan for the future. If you’re not in school just go active tbh
My buddies I graduated basic with that are ng or reserve regret doing it and they don't have plans for going back to civilian life if you dont have a good job or plan on going to school go active and use the TA while you're in
If your drill interferes with work your employer has to give you off. Its a federally illegal to discriminate for military service
Facts
Good luck enforcing that. Right to work states can find some other reason to can you. “I didn’t fire him because he’s going out for deployments, I’m firing him because he’s displaying mediocre work.” Unless you really want to take the huge amount of time and money to hire a lawyer and sue him, it’s much better to just get a new job.
@@SophisticatedDogCat yeah but knowing that it could backfire is enough to stop most employers from discriminating for drill. There are def gonna be some jobs that are like that but not enough that it would really be worth worrying about when deciding to enlist.
@@SophisticatedDogCat if you have proof you can file a claim with the EEOC. there needs to be documented underperformance you cant just get fired for mediocre work out of nowhere.
@@imdva But you can. I’m not perfect and I make mistakes. All my employer would need to do is summarize the screw-ups I’ve made (and don’t act like you’re perfect either, because none of us are) and then I’m out of luck.
I ship out in 5 days. This year's going to be a memorable one.
Where you going for basic?
@@hightechredneck62 Ft. Jackson
I go to Benning next week, good luck
@@hightechredneck62 You too, man. I hear Benning can be tough
Jesse Slater infantry ?
Just a few things I wanted to share for the older audience. If you are going reserves, make sure whatever job you have is a set schedule. Otherwise you'll be exhausted between work and maintaining physical fitness. 430AM wake up, workout from 515-630. Then work from 730AM-1900 (7:30pm) gets exhausting and tiring after years. Just a bit of advice.
I went active duty, and now I wish I would have went reserves, sometimes it feels like you just don’t catch a break, on top of being able to actually have a life outside of work lol
You a veteran?
I feel u
Damn bro can we get an update ?
@@jeffjeff5951 I’m on terminal leave right now and I’m actually transferring to a reserve unit, I’m an artillery man going to an aviation unit but I’m actually looking forward to it a lot , units in Texas and I was stationed in Hawaii for my first unit
@@thatoneguy1741 How are things now?
After 8 years in the reserves, here is how it will be depending on your intent.
If you joined for school: best choice you could have made. Get your schooling done while serving part time and get that tuition money.
If you joined for benefits/paycheck: tough luck bro, you didn’t research and now you’re about be hating drill for 6 years.
If you joined for the military aspect: you’ve dont f**** up. The most military you will do is like a handful of range days a year, plenty of motor pool work and half ass PT. You’ll be wishing you went active and hate every drill.
xtre1me_995 i did 6 reserve and 2 IRR. After the first 6 months, I knew I effed up. Reserves wasn’t my thing and school wasn’t on my radar. I’ve been fully out since 2016, and now I’m headed active duty next week.
xtre1me_995 yeah since it’s been over 8 years since I attended and I got out. Oh well, it’ll be interesting a 2nd time around.
Frostbitten You time at BCT is shorter isn't it, since you are prior service? It sure used to be that way. Like half the time.
pep god I hope so lol.
Frostbitten: Amen, I reckon' folks like yourself actually understand the simple concept I'd been tryin' drill into my parents thick skulls, I'd been tryin' to get in on the split train option in the Guard for a good half year or so and they still don't get how good it'd be for me to start my career in automotive while finishin' school, I reckon' I got a head for financial and economy so I can make that money work for me while in active duty service and a 20,000 dollar sign-on bonus sounds just bout' irresistible in today's society
Joined the reserves i ship out to fort Jackson on March 2, 2020...
panzerman22 aye I do too, see you at Jackson
@@orweoo oh cool 😀
Nice! It's coming up! Did you do it for school? Cuz I'm tryna go that route
@@Ashley-ye1tx yes that was one reason. I joined for alot of reasons tho
😂😂 Good luck. Pray that you don’t go to Delta company
Great video brother! You’re going take over me soon! Rightly so! Keep it up!! 👍 HAPPY NEW YEARS FROM CANADA!!
I’m fresh off active duty going into the reserves for the next 3 years just got E5. Thanks again Matt. I have been watching your videos well before I even shipped off to basic training. They’ve given me a lot of insight on what to expect. You’re videos help prepare many. Thanks.
Speaking as a guardsman (I'm 31B), the best advice I can give is try to get an AGR (active guard reserve) position. You get active duty pay, loads more BAH, put in 20 years and retire. Except: you dont get drill pay. Its competitive and you typically have to be between specialist and staff sergeant, but if you land one of those gigs it's amazing. Or shoot for a technician job. You dont get active pay or as much BAH, but you get drill pay again so it kinda evens out. Good luck to everyone shipping out, remember your "why"!
Hey man, if you're 31B in the reserves then I got some questions?
@@Aceofspades1304 Shoot!
Logan Sale damn, didn’t see this but I was curious, what’s basic and AIT like? I’m heading out next summer, pushing for that 31B MOS. How long is it, what should I expect, and what’s every day like?
Logan Sale i live in Chicago if it makes a difference
@@Aceofspades1304 for me *this is only from my experience, yours may differ* it was 6 months. Basic was hectic and you'll hate your life in red phase, but you'll learn basic soldiering skills and marksmanship, and red phase is only a couple weeks. Wakeup at 0430, do PT, train all day, then in bed by 2030. Then repeat until Sunday, which you clean, can go to church, then clean more. It'll be that way until you're granted passes but I won't get into that because every company is different, so I don't want to give you false info. AIT is slightly more relaxed, but lots of classes. And they're all day classes. Hope this helps man!
It depends on your job if the army reserves will coincide with your job; to be honest, army reservists don't get the props they deserve; also, it ISN'T JUST one weekend a month. Sometimes it is three days a month, or you're gone for a few weeks or a few months (if you go to a type of school, I.e. BLC as it used to be called) or any other training you may need. People who downplay the reserves either 1) don't have a full time job while in the reserves or 2) never been a reservist; active duty soldiers have ONE job (their MOS). Army reservists have TWO careers.....let that sink in....Shoutout to the reservists!!!!
Number 1: you’d be henceforth known as a weekend warrior 😂
Actually militray people: *makes fun of each other but still respect each other.....except Coasties...*
Civilians: "hur hur Guard and Reserve are weekend warriors hur hur"
Me: okay.. you wanna sign that dotted line?
Civilian: 0_0 uhhhh....
Anyways im planning on enlisting ARNG, i need to get my GED first though.
@@kevinmoore2474 did you do it?
@@richardwolfenbarger1999 sadly no, family issues are preventing me from doing so, but it's still a priority.
Easier to go active from the reserve side then the guard most of the time states don’t want to lose a guard soldier.
National Guard isn’t that bad, but definitely take advantage of the free schooling.
In my unit though I rarely do my actual job (88M) it get rather boring so lately I’ve been requesting to help at headquarters.
A Company 58th Trans, 39T
Arkeice Ringgold 88M is motor transport right? I was gonna do that because of the $ bonus but I heard that a bunch of them get blown up by IDE’s when they get deployed and it has a high causality rate. You should read up on it and change MOS’s if ur worried about that kind of thing. It might be a different MOS too though but I think it was 88M
Zee worried? Nah mate I’m not worried at all, but yes it is motor transportation
You’re an 88m !? I’m an 88h I’ve worked along with you guys i was an active duty but now im reserves
@@EronAvalos love my 88 series brothers and sisters
Join either Reserves or National Guard. Join a non-combative MOS.
AJTrecords lul I went active 13Fox lmao
91B here lol
Why non combative
A.J. Heron Ey bro did you graduate AIT already?
A.J. Heron ima a 91 bravo too I have 2 weeks left AIT
Still waiting for meps to clear my paperwork🙄
Hi 👋prayers blessing to you all overseas countries be safe careful always amen 🙏❤
@@tinihemara2634 they cleared my paperwork lol
Hey man just wanted to say how much of a help these videos have been for me. I have watched tons of them. They have helped cement my decision and I will be heading to meps in a couple weeks to enlist. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to make these videos it has helped me tremendously.
Hey Matt, this is a request for an injured marine, instead of me explaining the situation, checking out Daniel OConnor will explain why this retired marine needs our help, maybe, no pressure, a video to your subscribers for this guy would help him also. I served 13years in Navy Reserve as a medic so I feel compelled to help this marine. God bless.
My New Years resolution (if I can within this year) is to join the National Guard. I have to loose about 70lbs to join. All through high school I wanted to be an Army Ranger (75th) but I was too heavy when I graduated and wouldn’t have been able to join, and kind of just lost interest and gained more weight over time now I have a great job I don’t want to leave to go active duty. But I’m 21 and still want to serve and have kinda rekindled my desire to enlist. Largely due to your channel and content. So I want to hopefully commit and loose the weight and join the Guard. I know I can’t be an actual Ranger in the Guard but I’d like to still be Infantry and go to Ranger school if possible and at least have the tab even if I can’t have the scroll.
I'm 21 too and I had a good job as a supervisor I always felt the calling to serve but I too was overweight I dropped 60 lbs to be able to join I just finished basic and this is the best decision I've ever made what I did was intermittent fasting and it took me about 3 months to drop that weight goodluck man
Currently in Minnesota Army National Guard as a 68W, lovin it so far!
Enrique Merli have you been deployed yet? I just joined a couple months ago, haven’t gone to training yet
@@haydenp2592 No, not yet
Enrique Merli hey I’m in the Minnesota NG to 11B
so even though you are national guard / reserve , they can still deploy you ..?
@@Nana-wm9qq yes
I literally just signed my contract for the National Guard yesterday
Thank you and God bless. We are grateful.
Is the asvab hard ?
Anthony Minstro hell no lol. I was half asleep when I took it and got a 51
Anthony Minstro not at all. I was taking it with like 3 hours of sleep and got a 70
@@andresvargaspineda2462 it was really hard for me I took it recently but I still passed I got a 44
USERRA really helps with the reserves too, it’s basically the law that your civilian employer can’t discriminate against you for being in the military.
Yeah they have to let you off and they can’t count it against you
Thank you Matt Ward! This makes me feel a whole lot better about joining the reserves. I have been trying to join the navy reserves and had a lot of worries about work/life balance.
I’m going active duty but still watching this video because I love to hear your input! Leaving for FLW in February as a 35P!
The Caroland Crew me tooo! Lol except I’ll be a 12n I leave the 19th of February I think
CraigB burke good luck!!
CraigB burke I’m a 12n, just graduated basic last week. Sucked because of the cold but it’ll start warming up when you get here. Be ready for no sleep through reception. And our ait is super laid back
I just want to throw my 2 cents. I was active Army who went in the Guard weeks after getting out.Granted it was 20 years ago also i never really learned if all Guard units were so flexible with rules as my old Guard unit was but we would have 2 weeks training at FT Drum NY in the summer. Then 60% of the time during the year we would spend week end drills at the Base/Armory. Then a few times a year we would spend the weekend drill either at FT Dix,NJ or Westpoint,NY ( We were a NJ Guard Engineer BN.) On those times we went to the Forts we were told to report that Friday at pm for road march to these places that took 2 hours or so to get there and when we arrived we basically parked and slept in the vehicles ( Regular Army doing that is a no-no) We never received extra pay for reporting on Friday just 2 days weekend pay.If you work at a small company and is considered an important employee then most companies will give you hell about being in the Guard like mine. ( Try to work for a larger company where others can do your job while you are away especially if you get deployed for a year or whatever. Also being an NCO living close to the Armory i was called in once a month on Wednesday nights ( Not paid) just for BS reasons. Sure things may have changed but basically i'. sure it hasn't. For alot of people it is difficult to juggle being a part-time Soldier/part time civilian.I found the Regular Army was much better all around in training and equipment. but I'm glad i was a member of both experiences. Never any regrets.
As a member of the WA army national guard, I can tell you things have not changed.
S
Hi 👋may I asked 1stcave man Do you know Antonio Louis national guard we both are only close friends nothing eles..Or Anthony spadaro thanks he to a friend nothing else Both said those know them thanks
@@tinihemara2634 Never heard of him. I have been out of the military for many years now
Just started AIT and thank you so much for this channel Matt! 🙌🙌
I ship out to Benning next week 11b national guard
Jesse Slater nice man 👍🏻
Im more excited than nervous, been working on this sense November last year, dropped roughly 60 pounds to be able to enlist
I ship out Benning in February 11b
I also ship to Benning in February 11B
Me too bro 11b all the way Jan 15
Hey Matt, thank you for your service and your awesome videos. I am already in my late 20s but I am seriously considering joining the Royal Canadian Air Force. My goal is to become a military pilot. Probably not a fighter pilot but who knows. I am keeping an open mind about anything aviation related. I want to achieve something special while serving my nation and hopefully transition to civil aviation after my service. Wish me luck in my final decision.
I'm a chaplain assistant in an artilary unit which doesn't have a chaplain.
😂😂😂😂
@@umuhanihussein ten months after I posted that comment and they still don't have a chaplain. On the bright side, the company commander has started calling me "chappy".
Aaron Tschetter so you pretty much chill and relax?
Can you do the benefits of active and reserves. Like active vs. reserves?
Benefits are almost same, difference is the pay. Reserve is paid way way less than active. Active has access to medical facility on base while reserve will have to go to local area for medical things.
There was an article published recently that Army reserve basically make their soldier work for free in the tune of thousands of dollars because they get called in all the time when they’re not supposed to be on duty to do random things. Having been on active duty, I know what’s that like. That’s why I don’t wanna risk joining the national Gard or reserves because I wouldn’t answer anyone’s calls if I’m not doing drills.
Really like your videos man… these videos are so helpful and full of important information that I feel more prepared in joining the army.
I ship out on the 22nd! Good luck future soldiers! 💪💪
Active 12B is the life to go at Fort Carson it’s beautiful here
Can you do an EDC video? Your civilian EDC vs your in Army uniform EDC? Love your videos man! I’m still trying to decide if the army is for me. I want to be a 68 whisky love and respect man congratulations on the baby
i appreciate this! thankYou for your wisdom about reserves & national guard!
Just enlisted in the reserves leaving to basic February 24 68c
Leaving February 24th also, fort Jackson. Hbu?
Happy New Year Kelee and Matt!
All my drills have been 6+ days 😂 on orders too
In Seabees, this what I heard from friends too lol
Happy New Year Matt!
Happy New Year Matt!💝💝
Happy New Year to you and your wife!!
Can you do a video on switching from reserve to active and how hard it is to transition
I’m in the reserves, rn I’m at AIT In Fort lee. My unit is an engineer company here in Nevada. I’ve heard im really not gonna be doing my job (91e) ima be doin what my drill schedule says which is basically a bunch of combat engineer stuff, sapper stakes, land nav, demolition, route clearance missions... bunch of FTX’s. Which I’m fine with that I’m excited. April 24th is my graduation date for Ait so we’ll see
Hey bro, I go to Fort Lee for AIT in February. How often do you get your phones, and what's the barracks situation?
Ifadelv I’m in the reserves as a 12b and ship to flw this upcoming Monday, also from Vegas and in the engineering unit
Alex Redmond aye wassup bros my bad I’m late but it depends on ur company. Some companies have ur phone taken for the first 2 weeks but honestly i haven’t heard anyone that said that happened to them BUT i didn’t get mine taken at all. I was on my phone all night when i finally got my room 😂😂 bro it’s so crazy
Tiffany O'Connor that’s dope af bro, 386th ??
Ifadelv yes
Great video. it helps out. Keep up the good work!
I signed up as a 68w and will be drilling with an aviation unit. I leave March 17th and I am PUMPED.
I totally agree with you, but, I ruled out Active USAF, learned differences between AF RESERVE vs. AIR NATIONAL GUARD. In Illinois, I enlisted in ANG 1991-99 during HS & pay started immediately, Security Clearance took while, Chicago had an Air-Refueling Wing next to O'Hara & after TX & MS training, I began free college 130 miles from base. I worked directly for a Major & was greeted daily in hallway by Brig Gen (Wing Commander) by my 1st name, I worked in the HQ bldg & chose my job, place & person. In 2 yrs. I was working TDY for a Lt Col at the Pentagon! Locks on doors like CIA had, pretty cool. I got invited back to Andrews AFB the next summer. I flew some missions in our KC-135 air-refuelers down to Grand Cayman, fueling Tampa F-16s on the way, great 4 days off, I was a temp AGR each college summer off, I got Active Orders to DC, Chgo, TN...it was awesome. The Air Force and its co-branches tend to have all the money & really care for their Airmen. I even was awarded a recruiting ribbon for drunk talking at ISU about military benefits & a handful enlisted & returned in a semester or so. Best of both worlds together! So I got a ton of more Active duty by request than traditional guardsmen & reservists! Its all about the job u want & branch u investigate & compare!
Air Force Active Duty Enlisted here,
August 2015 - June 2021
Bases: Hurlburt Field AFB Florida and Ramstein Air Base Germany
Deployment: Bagram Afghanistan
Job: Aircraft Maintenance Crew Chief
I know the reserve/guard seems to look for reasons to recoup your bonus so would going to a unit that has a different mos allow them to take your bonus? For example I got a 20k bonus for signing as an 11b but I’m going to a cavalry unit. Would the guard want their bonus back?
I’m a CAV scout that’s in a primarily infantry unit. That’s just how it goes, you’re either a scout in a primarily infantry unit or vice versus. But no they won’t take your bonus because of that.
Just make sure you pass you don’t fail your first 2 PT tests and don’t do anything stupid and your bonus will come....some faster than others, but you will get it.
@@YouReallyDontKnow are you in the reserves?
i need to watch this quick since I am facetiming a recruiter in a bit
ND Army National Guard, E-1, 42A, yes we do get a paper with all the schedules drills for the fiscal year. I leave to Fort Jackson in June, OSUT.
They heavily encourage you to workout on your own time! Do it! Failing your PT test will result in extra pt whenever everyone else is chilling in the barracks.
Not for you maybe. But for me it is.
DoritoBagGone YT I just graduated from AIT December 18th as a 42A , you will be going to 369th AG BN for AIT your basic will be somewhere else
I ship out April 21st, I’m so excited!
Good luck practice lots of push-ups
Awesome video ! Thank you!
Can you do a video like this but for upcoming officers ?
Happy New Year!
US Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Acr. Know it and make sure that your HR and employer knows it.
Great stuff Matt, how long is an average deployment for an army reserve? I am interested to find out what the deployments look like in terms of the duration, and also what are the typical locations for deployment? Inside or outside the country?
For anyone worried about your civilian job, your employer cannot fire you because of the USERRA.
I will sign soon and get my information from my recruiter. I suggest you schedule a meeting with one, it doesn't hurt to go and ask if interested
Reserves sound the way to go weekend pay no full time and can get a laid back job on side
DONT choose a combat MOS. You will be mostly doing “busy” work. I suggest choosing a mos that’ll translate in your civilian life or go to college while your in the guard/reserves.
Hi Matt I'm texting you from FLW. I'm on week 6 starting Monday, BCT.
Ivy Yesterday how is it ? I leave for FLW January 7th
Week 7 bud, delta 1-48
Landon S cold here bud
I’m in D1-48 also lol
HBL ending soon :(
IP what platoon? I might know you. I’m on 1st
A thing you have to realize about the guard it's the state militia if you have a state job as your full time you normally don't have to make up the time .
Just enlisted in the PA Army National Guard! Going to Ft. Sill in September. Can't beat a $50,000 loan repayment incentive and $20,000 bonus lol
Got the same deal for WA guard.
That 20k bonus is especially nice one you get back lol.
I'm in ait now for pa ng
@@blader4eva324 nice man! What's your mos?
@@YouReallyDontKnow oh ya, just wish I had more jobs to pick from 😂
@@slade006699 25N
Sir, I am not sure if you did a video on the types of GI Bills/KICKERS in the ARMY/ARNG/USAR and how to get them
I’m just worried about getting deployed to a war!!! If you can explain more about getting deploy?
There’s misinformation here too. Guard are 6 times more likely to deploy to combat zone than active duty.
World Wide it’s not but it’s a generality that is true, obviously there’s different units
World Wide it’s actually what’s taught to us at basic training and ait, it was to me and repeated at my unit
Cuz guard has combat jobs and they are cheaper for deployment. But they have more benefits.
@@98MAzdaMilleniaS Hey what MOS or unit or school should I join to get deployed to combat zones?
I want to join the national guard 11x mos but need to study for the asvab. Any suggested websites to study on??
Neqqs you don’t need a high asvab score for that
There’s an app called asvab practice test 2019. It helped me out a lot. Focus on the AFQT sections. Shoot for a score 50 or above if you want any incentives such as a bonus.
Get the ASVAB For Dummies book. It’s really helpful.
You go for infantry? Nah you don’t need to study for the test lol unless you want to go for OCS.
I’ll throw my two cents in, in my experience most units allow you to put in a split training form so if you have something conflicting with drills and the unit usually allows you to make it up later. Although it depends on your commander.
I ship out on Feb 11th to fort Jackson and I joined the reserves. 88N
Thank you Dede! Good luck and God Bless!
Anyone else leaving January 7th for fort Benning?
Is the process of volunteering for deployment the same for officers as enlisted?
Big Mac For officers it’s probably less likely since there are less slots on a company occupied by an officer. For lower enlisted it’s a lot more likely you’ll deploy even if you don’t volunteer if you have a job that does rotations like engineer, mp, 88m, etc
I hope someone who knows something about my question sees this. Ive been trying to Join the Marines for the past 3 months. Filled out all my paper work, took the ASVAB (passed with a 52) and the ONLY thing holding me back was two things my congenital cataracts and my thyroid problem. I’ve had cataracts since birth and hasn’t got any worse over the years. My eye doctor stated it wouldn’t impede my performance, as far as my thyroid I got what you call Silent Hypothyroidism, non symptomatic. I was cleared by my doctor, he said it was a small case of thyroid and I will never have any symptoms (I’ve had it for 4 years with ZERO symptoms). Basically my question is will I be able to get cleared at MEPS to join? My recruiter thinks I will and a lot of doctors I ask too, considering my thyroid won’t be a problem and my cataracts..
my biggest worry is getting fired for joining the Army Reserves. I recently got a nice job at a nursing home and I don't want to lose it for joining 🙃 but the MOS I want is 52 weeks for AIT + bct. So I feel like why would they "hold" my job for me if I'm gone so long 😭 I don't rely on my family, I've lived on my own for about 2 years so it's scary I can't fall back on my family.
cheers was just thinking about reserves lmao and your vid pops up
Leaving to Fort Sill January 7th. 13f👊🏽
Afro Angler see you in AIT. 13F and I leave the 7th for basic, but I’m doing it at Jackson.
You’re going to freeze
Derek Lawson it’s not that bad at Sill honestly.
Frostbitten judging by your pic your accustomed to the cold lol
Afro Angler better to be cold than in 100 degree heat with 90% humidity lol. Once you get moving you warm up anyways.
Shipping out to Ft. Jackson in 2 weeks 89A going reserves.
Thanks for joining. I'm an old Reservist and retired in 2000. The Best of luck to you Isaiah!
Ha good luck I graduate from basic about 6 months ago
Good luck. I’m about to go back from holiday leave. Don’t believe the “Relaxin Jackson” stuff. It’s not true. Lol
@@TheLadiesman0815 lol
Isaiah Johnson for real lol. Ain’t nothin relaxin bout it. Also 120th reception battalion sucks. So be ready for the unorganized stuff
What’s exactly the benefits of volunteering for more deployments while in the reserves?
I’m just joining the military reserves because I want free college at a university lol
Same but I’m scared I’ll end up getting deployed
Should note if you switch units and you’re there on an MOS with an incentive, you will likely lose your incentive
I love you Matt
Good luck switching from the National Guard to AD... states DON'T want to release you from their component. Took me 15months and a lot of toes to step on to get a conditional release signed.
I've heard it's much easier doing Reserves to AD, as both are within the federal US Army component... NG is a state-run organization.
thank you for your video!! I'm a fixed wing Flight Instructor, hoping to go aviation as helicopter pilot in Guard or Reserves. Also looking into coast Guard :)
I only worry about the pay to get an apartment as a second lieutenant out of ROTC commissioning
Can you do a video for college students who are considering the army reserves?
Does everyone who joins the national guard get deployed? I saw somewhere that you will get deployed for 1 year at least once during your service is that true?
I ship to Benning February 10th. 11B
February 3rd bro
A buddy of mine leaves the 3rd.
Kaleb Giddens no stuff well I’m just ready to get it done
National Guard probably deploys more than the Reserves but it’s also because of our state mission. But state side deployments are not as bad.
@MattWard Hello Matt, I have a question. I am a high school sophomore who just turned 17 back in November (born in 2002). I am suppose to be a senior but I started school late and was held back in 6th grade. I want to join the Army specifically active duty however I can’t wait and want to go so bad. I heard about the Army Split - Option program that offers High School Juniors to enlist and become a Reservist or a National Guardsman. I was wondering can I enlist through the split option program and after I graduate high school (I graduate at 19 1/2) is it possible to be transferred to active duty? Or should I just wait and enlist at the end of high school?
I’m 25 just out of college with a bachelor degree, but I’m currently working security at a hospital because I can’t find a job. If I join National Guard / reserves I could become a armed security guard and start making money but If join active duty I could become an officer and get to travel which has always been a dream of mine. But if I do this I’ll miss my friends, family, and dogs.
Any suggestions?
at meps hotel to have my eyes checked. realllly digging the idea. hoping i get 91 e.
Matt beautiful video, did you get promoted to 1LT/O2 yet? I understand there is a delay at HRC for Officer promotions in the Reserves.
Worry number 1 employer wise isn't an issue. Your employer by law has to give you those days off that you have drill. NOW if you gotta travel far for drill you gotta talk to your squad leader or readiness NCO and tell em you need something on paper stating you need that extra day for travel. That way you're covered on your civilian job AND if your lucky enough to have a job that gives you issues which they wont since a lot don't want to deal with that law-suit just remind them you can't lose or get fired from your job due to serving your drill time.
So in the reserves you go to basic training
#1 CLOTSHOT
I’m a foreigner and will really love to join the reserve, please I need more enlightenment
March 2 shipped out Fort Jackson
If I join army reserve or guard let’s say 3 years in my contract I decide I want to go active can I go active or do I have to wait until my enlisted contract is done.
Brandon Sparks You have to wait until your enlisted contract is done.
Siempre Fiebru thank u family I’m ok with reserve and going active afterwards I’m hit my asvab hard
If Guard: you'd need to get a conditional release approved from your State G1.
If Reserves: I think you can go into the IRR, then get transferred out of there to Active. Or possibly just Reserve straight into Active.
Moral of the story, Reserves to active will be much easier.
Plz upload more!
So I’m 16 and I’m tryna go into politics but I want to join the military. I was thinking reserves but what happens if I deploy while at college? Are colleges accommodating to that stuff or no?
Do they pay for your plane? For example, if you live in a different state and they call you back for training?
Hello, I have a question. So I am planning on enlisting for the Army reserves after I graduate college. Do you think it would be a good idea to get a job before or after bootcamp?
im Joining the guard the day i turn 17 at the end of january
Go active
Roan• 16 once I graduate hs I plan to
ethan allen Nice! I wish I joined the reserves at 17! Don’t go active unless you dont have a plan for the future. If you’re not in school just go active tbh
My buddies I graduated basic with that are ng or reserve regret doing it and they don't have plans for going back to civilian life if you dont have a good job or plan on going to school go active and use the TA while you're in