Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful to live in this country and feel privileged to have served in the United States armed forces. However, shouldn't you know what you're getting into before you sign a contract? This is to give people a true glimpse before they commit.
I served 4 years on active duty in the Army as an officer and was given the option to serve the next 4 years in the Individual Ready Reserve, on active duty, in the National Guard, or in the Reserves. I chose the National Guard. After all, it was just supposed to be one weekend a month and 15 additional days throughout the year, right? WRONG.
Okay, maybe for E-4/ Specialist and below and maybe physically that's all that's required of you. But if you are an E-5/Sergeant or above, including officers, you will be in leadership positions and in between drills you will have phone calls, conference calls and e-mail messages. And you aren't paid for that time you spend on that. The higher your rank, the more that's expected of you, regardless of the compensation.
The only way you won't be run ragged is if you are full time Active Guard Reserve. That way you can do your full time Guard job and your part time Guard job simultaneously. If you have a civilian job AND are in the Guard, unfortunately the rest of your life will suffer.
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