Currently, I am looking at Academic Suspension, which will mean that I can not take any classes between mid-May and early January. If I finish without further mishap, I would take classes next over the Spring and Summer of 2005 and graduate that August.

Current - May, 2004: Taking classes
May, 2004 - January 2005: No plans
January, 2005 - August, 2005: Taking classes
August. 2005 - Future: No plans

Unlike everywhere else, if you join the National Guard, you are a member immediately, and expected to show up for monthly drill, even before you've completed Basic Training. I don't know what happens if I join and then my unit deploys:
-Before I take Basic
-During Basic
-During OCS
The unit that I would like to join is probably not going to deploy in 2004 since they are currently retraining, but it is almost a sure thing that they'll get deployed sometime in 2005.

Of course, they are an armor unit, and I may be 1 3/4" too tall to join. Several of the guys think they could make it happen, but the recruiter is (wisely) not making any promises. I'm going to try to get measured with no shoes or socks and then see if I can get away with slumping a little. Who knows?

If I couldn't get this unit, I'd get a different combat arms job, such as Infantry, Mechanized Infantry, Cavalry Scout, etc. I think the Guard is easier than elsewhere to get the job and posting that you want, but, of course, one never knows.

Anyway, here are my options:

1. Join the National Guard now. Take Basic this Summer, accelerated OCS this before the end of the year. (This is ideal, but it is unlikely that I could get into OCS so soon)

2. Join the National Guard now. Take Basic this Summer/Fall, accelerated OCS after I graduate. (This is a long wait before OCS)

3. Join the National Guard now. Take Basic this Summer/Fall, then, after I graduate, try to get a conditional release to join the Army to take Army OCS. (The Conditional Discharge and CO recommendation for OCS might both take time)

4. Wait until I graduate and join the Army. Take Basic and OCS then.

5. Join the National Guard now. Take Basic this Summer/Fall, year-long weekend OCS. (I'd rather just do all of OCS at once, but I wouldn't be deployed until I've finished school)

6. Join the National Guard now. Take Basic this Summer/Fall, accelerated OCS next spring/summer. (This will delay my schooling at least one semester and screw up my lease, but I could be an officer sooner)


I am really nervous about making a decision, since it is a life-changing event, but I am pretty sure that I want to do it. Frankly, I really don't know the questions to ask, and the recruiter only seems interested in answering EXACTLY the question posed to him, with no additional information. I've read what I can on the official and unofficial websites, talked to folks that have done it themselves, and posted questions on several web forums. I suppose the only thing left to do is choose the exact method of entry and then broach the subject with my parents and my sister. They won't be happy, but they'll support me whatever I choose to do.

-Biscuits