Any prior Army National Guard members?

[libsaretards]

If you are in the National Guard and you volunteer for an Active Billet, do you have to stay in the barracks or do they give you BAH?

I was active duty Navy so I do not know shit about reserves or guard. I'm considering going back to the military and looking for perspective OUTSIDE OF A RECRUITER. Army National Guard is the only path open to me.

[Oliverlogan263]

I don't have any direct experience with the National Guard myself, but I know a few guys who have done it. From what they've told me, it really depends on the specific active duty billet you volunteer for.

If you're going away for training or deploying with an active unit, yeah they'll usually put you up in the barracks just like any other soldier. Makes sense logistically.

But if it's more of a state-side operational billet working alongside actives, I've heard of dudes getting BAH. Probably depends where it is and how long the assignment is for. One of my buddies did something like that and they gave him housing allowance so he could get an apartment near the base.

Your best bet is talking to a Guard recruiter AND some current/prior Guard members to get multiple perspectives. Recruiters will hype it up, but people who've been in can give you the real deal. Maybe see if there's a Guard sub-reddit too, or check Facebook for local units with vets in them.

Definitely do your research before committing. But if the timing works out, Guard could be a good part-time way to serve again. Just go in with your eyes open on the details you care about. Hope this gives you a starting point man, let me know if any other questions come up!

[libsaretards]

I plan to use the Guard to either segway back into active duty or do FTS. My reentry code from the Navy prevents me from going Active Duty or Reserves in any branch. Normally National Guard would be off the table as well, but they are doing exceptions to policy to meet recruitment goals.

[Oliverlogan263]

Ah I see, that makes sense then why the Guard is your only option to get back in. Using it as a way to maybe go active duty again or do that full time support thing is a good plan. Sucks they won't let you back into the other branches just cause of some reentry code, but I guess the Guard really must want people if they're making exceptions.

That's pretty smart of you to take advantage of that opportunity while they're willing to waive it. And if you can get full time work with them after your first contract, seems like the best of both worlds - you get active duty benefits without being totally deployed all the time. My cousin said the relationships and experiences he got from his Navy time were worth it, even with some of the downsides. Sounds like you had a similar experience, so going Guard is a good way to build on that I bet. Keep me posted on how it goes!

[Avicenna]

That's a good question.