Got 3-4 months on contract so we'll see. That might be my best option.
I went through MEPS at Salt Lake City back in December. I was supposed to go 35F, but that spot disappeared, so I opted for 35N instead. I asked if there were any 35P or SOT-A spots but didn't get a clear answer about availability. Enlisting next Friday.
More great advice for those not necessarily in the know! Thanks again.For folks interested in SF support, don’t discount KYARNG! They have “overflow” billets for all 3 SF BNs in 20th Group in the MI Det and Commo section for sure.
MID, 2/20th in MSARNG had 12 35P billets, 3-4 35N billets and KYARNG had the EXACT same because when mobilized, the SPT Co in Jackson was NEVER fully manned with qualified MOS holders, so they needed guys from KY. It’s the same for all 1st & 3rd BNs.
Airborne Support Positions | Army National Guard Special Forces
Best thing about KYARNG...there aren’t any SF companies competing for training dollars! USASOC and INSCOM funds are actually allocated to and spent by MI soldiers!!!!
For the sake of consistency, please include ‘where’ you’ve heard this when you share info like this; important that we are passing legit intel and not hearsay or water cooler gossip.I heard that 35F, 35M, 35N, 35G were likely open as of last week.
My mistake. One of the 19th SFG recruiters told me that last week. We were discussing other MOSs since my 35F slot wasn't available. He mentioned other spots that either were open at that time or would be open by the end of next month.For the sake of consistency, please include ‘where’ you’ve head this info when you share info like this; important that we are passing legit intel and not hearsay or water cooler gossip.
Very helpful to know.
Do the 35Ps/35Ns in KY/MS will have as many real-world tasks to work as those in Draper during drill weekends? I wasn't sure if it was related to the size/level of SCIF. Forgive me if I'm using the wrong terminology or if I have a misunderstanding.
I feel like deployment/training potential would be very low as well. Doesn't help that they have a team guy that does your job.Do not enlist as a 25C. You will hate your life. Low promotion potential and underutilized in the SIGDET and MIDET.
Nerd.Exactly what I did: got P then SFRE and back to P. Did 6 “try one” extensions.
Be wary of the schools: yes, you would be eligible as a P or N for everything (including many 18-series and 25-series schools) but money is tight and it’s really going to get worse very soon.
35Ns in Group ARE the SOT-B at BN-level: there’s nothing else for them to do. You can make it to E-7 ( pending open slot) but to get 8, you’d have to cross-train to 35F to get the MID NCOIC slot (there’s only one per Support Co). In Big Army, Ps & Ns are interchangeably used ‘cept when the job requires foreign language proficiency. In Guard SF, Ns are typically in SCIFs and Ps are with ODAs.
If you want to do intel, you’ll be inside unless you’re on a SOT-A but if you want to be out and about, SFAS is the best path.
What is your end goal here? Are you already in the NG? Would your civilian job allow you to be away for 11 months for training prior to a 6-9 month deployment?I guess my bottom line is, for someone working a civilian USG job in DC but wanting to be a SOT-A, which group/unit/detachment would be my best bet?
What is your end goal here? Are you already in the NG? Would your civilian job allow you to be away for 11 months for training prior to a 6-9 month deployment?
Were you told that you wouldn't have to go to DLI or is this an assumption?I am currently a civilian waiting to start a federal internship. I would be enlisting at the conclusion of my term doing that, so I would have to worry about my employer during basic/AIT (probably wouldn't be going to DLI because I have several languages at the 2/2/2 level, will have the clearance already, so a relatively shorter training pipeline). After graduating, my plan would be to chase orders for a year or two (not maintaining a full time civ job, essentially being a guard bum), gain experience in the SOT-A role, and then go back to doing full time civilian fed work in DC. I know this would curtail my ability to be an active guardsman. I also know that it is a serious balancing act. That said, I have heard federal jobs are more flexible about the Guard.
Were you told that you wouldn't have to go to DLI or is this an assumption?
Clearances aren't necessarily the same agency to agency, so I would recommend not assuming that having a clearance from XYZ would be taken as is by agency ABC. There are processes for transferring clearances, but they aren't automatic for every agency.
Lastly, think very carefully about being a civilian fed and a "guard bum". While there are legal provisions about serving in the military and working as a GS simultaneously, they don't always make a difference on the street. If you are a GS employee, and you leave for a two week training, or a six month deployment, the guys in your office have to do all your work for you. If you have ongoing cases, they can't just sit at the AUSA until you return. If you have ongoing projects, someone will have to run them in your absence and probably won't be to eager to give them up when you return. Just saying.
I was an expert Guard bum until I got a real job. You can't be a wonderful employee and have anything more than a part-time commitment to the Guard at the same time. While there are laws in place to protect you, punishments come in subtle forms and it's very difficult to prove. People will hold it against you, supervisors and co-workers alike.
I think @Ooh-Rah said it awhile back, military friendly employers absolutely hate hiring part-time military. Your selfless service doesn't help their bottom line.
I work for a pretty prestigious organization in Southern California. My direct supervisor told myself and a colleague he was unable to give us more responsibility on the team. He stated "you're both in the military and can deploy at anytime, leaving a gap in coverage." So, my colleague found a higher paying job elsewhere, I jumped on a year long deployment, and my coworker will likely quit when I return and put in my two weeks. Take that, boss.
I tell you that so you can manage your expectations. This is just my experience, but I know others experience it as well. IMO, your current plan isn't practical if you want to succeed and thrive in both careers.