Would joining the national guard hurt me finding a job?

Question

Hello I am 19 years old and I am going to school for welding and I will be done with my schooling next summer, I am planning on joining the National Guard for either combat engineer or cavalry scout. I like the thought of joining the guard cause I can still be a welder which I enjoy doing, and I can be a soldier and get the training that the military offers.

I am wonder whether this seems like a good idea? And probably my more important question. Could being in the guard hurt me getting some jobs? cause jobs could be anywhere around the united states and some employers might not like the idea that I could be deployed at almost any moment.

And don't give me the typical recruiter response, I've already asked my recruiter. I just want to get some more opinions on this.

Answer 1

Well, I was Active Duty. However, in my experience, you would be hard pressed to find somebody discouraged by you being in the guard. You won't deploy at a moments notice, you will have a lot of notice since Guard units are only deployed as part of a plan. On top of that, if you are working, as long as you call your unit, they will excuse you so you may work. Personally, I don't think the decision of Joining would hurt. If anything, it would expand your skill set to use in your field if you choose the right MOS. Just be anal about your contract. Recruiters WILL feed you bs to simply fill a slot for an MOS.

Answer 2

No. And if you get with your Civilian Employment Office at your State Guard HQs they will have a whole slew of job postings for employers that prefer Guardsmen and Reservist.



I always saw a bunch of skilled trades jobs available

Answer 3

No, it would benefit you more in finding a job because most employers and companies are military friendly in general, plus skills bonus for being in the Guard