re: O-T Military, I have a question

I'm 44. Never been in the military but I've always worked around either the Army (Fort Polk) or Army National Guard (256 Infantry Brigade) with simulators or NASA. My mother is a retired USN-R LTCDR and my sister is a retired USN-R YN1. My father (RIP) is a Marine having served in Vietnam as a USN Seabee, then later transferring to the Corps as an 0311 (Infantry). He was the recruiter in Lake Charles from 1986-1990....One thing I learned from him, is that if a person came to him and was in-between the Air Force or National Guard, he'd always point them towards the Air Force. My former BIL is a Major in the USAF at Scott AFB who works in logistics and contracts. He's got an MBA and it looks like he's progressing well in the AF as well. I would recommend the USAF or if you decide to go NG...I'd recommend Air National Guard (but I have no knowledge of the people in the Air National Guard and the processes). Look at all the programs they offer and see which one benefits you the most for future growth and potential. Paying for college is a great idea, but gaining a bit of knowledge and experience is lagniappe as well. The benefit of having military service on your resume speaks volumes already...

From an MOS based on a nuke sub?

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I'll be attending USM in Hattiesburg, Ms

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guard pays tuition a state school in the state that you drill in

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From an MOS based on a nuke sub?

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Well now that may be a little more difficult. But it can be done.

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My advice to you is to contact the ROTC offices at USM. Talk to the different branches that interest you and see what they have to offer.

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Probably the best advice here so far. When you're talking National Guard benefits, it will be highly state-dependent as others have said here.


I spent 8.5 years active duty Army, and now I'm in the National Guard. Active duty is a great experience, but it can come at a cost to your family and personal life. Just understand that your life is largely in the hands of other people in terms of where you go and what you do.

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You would be retired with a pension by age 39-45.

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My son has wanted to be a pilot his whole life. He's a Senior in high school. Although he thought about going to either LSU/Bama/Ole Miss last year about this time, he has decided on LA Tech for the aviation program. He will also have his private pilots license before Fall. He really wants to fly military first and is leaning USMC, only because most of my family are/were Marines. I think knowing he can get out of the military and then have a long career flying commercial aircraft is a strong sell for this career path.

exactly

ROTC is a must for you. It is the smarter choice if you join. As far as the National Guard, some states you get tuition exemption from state funded schools, and some states do 75% tuition assistance up to a certain amount. USM is state funded so if Mississippi Guard does tuition exemption, then great.

Something that I haven't seen mentioned is the difference between Guard and Reserves. In the reserves, they only have tuition assistance and they can move you where they need you. the Guard isn't like that.

I was a recruiter and did 10 years in the Marines. Don't do guard or reserve. Chances are you're going to be spending your drill pay just dealing with weekend drill. It's not bad because if you are reserve you can get Tricare for I think $50/mo. I've been out for a bit.

Don't listen to incitive pay for sub or flight pay because it's honestly less than $200/mo. So it's not that big of an incitive.

If you really are considering this move to Illinois or Texas and live there for a year (I believe this is minimum resedency) to qualify for Illinois Veterans Grant or Hazelwood Act. Which pays for your tuition after honorable discharge.

I had an training accident unfortunately, but right now with my disability and Montgomery GI Bill as a student in Illinois I'm making about $5300/mo as an unemployed student.

Again if I could go back I wouldn't want to be injured and have that happen but I'm taken care of.

Active is where it's at. Most reserve/NG end up turning in their gear and stop going. If you want to serve 4 years of a good foundation will not hurt your life. Maybe you'll like it and do 30.

If you plan on having a family active has more benefits. I think just in bonuses I got over 100k in 10 years. I got $33,750 when I relenisted in Afghanistan and I got 70k as a medical severance.

Honestly if you want to take full advantage then join the airforce and do admin. Cush 8-4 job and that's honestly what it is. Ppl don't see what the military can do for them.

Best of luck and if you have any questions feel free to ask. Semper Fidelis and best of luck with your future.