Sportcat
Member
Just curious. I'm contemplating joining mine in South Carolina.
Any stories to tell?
Any stories to tell?
Anyone a member of your State Guard?
- Thread starter Sportcat
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Devonai
Member
I was in the Massachusetts State Guard from 2000 to 2005. I moved on to the New Hampshire National Guard.
If you have the support of your state's AG, life is good. If not, prepare to struggle in anonymity. Either way it is worth checking out.
I just hope that down your way the group hasn't been reduced to a bunch of overweight middle-aged men whose drill weekend consists of drinking beer and talking about the "old days." Massachusetts never got nearly that bad thanks to a small group of dedicated individuals, but we definitely got some recruits who expected that sort of thing and were angry to find out that we actually went out and did (gasp) training.
The MSG has a close relationship with the Massachusetts National Guard, so life is good. It wasn't always so. As far as I can tell such organizations can totter on the edge of life depending on which way the political wind is blowing. Look at New Hampshire! You'd think we'd have one of the most vibrant state guards in the country, but right now there is ZIP. Go figure.
If you have the support of your state's AG, life is good. If not, prepare to struggle in anonymity. Either way it is worth checking out.
I just hope that down your way the group hasn't been reduced to a bunch of overweight middle-aged men whose drill weekend consists of drinking beer and talking about the "old days." Massachusetts never got nearly that bad thanks to a small group of dedicated individuals, but we definitely got some recruits who expected that sort of thing and were angry to find out that we actually went out and did (gasp) training.
The MSG has a close relationship with the Massachusetts National Guard, so life is good. It wasn't always so. As far as I can tell such organizations can totter on the edge of life depending on which way the political wind is blowing. Look at New Hampshire! You'd think we'd have one of the most vibrant state guards in the country, but right now there is ZIP. Go figure.
Manedwolf
member
I think a lot more people would join the National Guard if they knew that it meant they could stay put and defend THEIR STATE. As it is, most people know it's simply a ticket over to the sandbox.
Phantom Warrior
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Think very carefully about what Manedwolf just said. If you join the Guard you will almost certainly end up in Iraq. Esp if you pick an MOS like Infantry or MP or MI. There are LOTS of Guard troops down here. If you read the papers, you know those guys are getting deployed all the time. My TC said his old Guard unit hasn't been off active duty orders since 2001 (i.e. deployed or training the whole time).
You have to consider several issues. Can your life handle being interrupted for a year and a half at any time? If you are married or have young children or run your own business or are trying to go to school, those will all be affected. Can you handle going to war? Some people don't like the idea of killing people or fighting or don't think Iraq is a just war. Can you handle being somewhere that gets into the 130s in the summer and wearing full gear when you are out in sector (that's even hotter)? It gets a little warm here. Oh yeah, there is a small, but distinct, possibility that you will get blown into very small pieces.
Not trying to scare you off. But it helps to know what you are getting into. The Army isn't all bad. I've worked with a lot of neat people and gotten to see some interesting places. The benefits are helpful (*cough* G.I. Bill *cough*). But be sure you know what you are getting into and are ready for it.
You have to consider several issues. Can your life handle being interrupted for a year and a half at any time? If you are married or have young children or run your own business or are trying to go to school, those will all be affected. Can you handle going to war? Some people don't like the idea of killing people or fighting or don't think Iraq is a just war. Can you handle being somewhere that gets into the 130s in the summer and wearing full gear when you are out in sector (that's even hotter)? It gets a little warm here. Oh yeah, there is a small, but distinct, possibility that you will get blown into very small pieces.
Not trying to scare you off. But it helps to know what you are getting into. The Army isn't all bad. I've worked with a lot of neat people and gotten to see some interesting places. The benefits are helpful (*cough* G.I. Bill *cough*). But be sure you know what you are getting into and are ready for it.
ServiceSoon
Member
You confuse me. Is it a chance to get exported to (insert hostile country name here) or is it a chance to defend YOUR STATE, thus staying where you are? I have been considering this option for the GI money. The cost of college is ridiculous.
Sportcat
Member
Gus, guys, guys... I'm talking State Guard, NOT National Guard.
atk
Member
For a little clarification, there are two kinds of guard, here.
First is the National Guard. This is a federal military organization, organized by state and federal law, subject to the orders of the Federal government.
Second is the State guard. This one is a State - not a federal military organization, allowed (or not) by state law. In some states (such as MA) you cannot simply be federalized when you are in the state guard, as protected (or not) under state constitution and state law. You are also not in federal service, so the only way to activate you would be through a draft.
First is the National Guard. This is a federal military organization, organized by state and federal law, subject to the orders of the Federal government.
Second is the State guard. This one is a State - not a federal military organization, allowed (or not) by state law. In some states (such as MA) you cannot simply be federalized when you are in the state guard, as protected (or not) under state constitution and state law. You are also not in federal service, so the only way to activate you would be through a draft.
Sportcat
Member
Devonai
Member
It looks like a good organization, Sportcat. I would definitely do it.
In the case of the Mass State Guard, shaggycat, the mission is to support the Mass National Guard in training and supplemental security. I have done everything from intense combat training to searching civilian vehicles at base gates to land nav and cold weather training. Actually, a lot of combat and cold weather training.
After the start of OIF, the MSG's mission shifted to mostly supplemental security and disaster preparedness, which while valuable to the state was not nearly as much fun as the Infantry stuff. So I joined a National Guard Infantry unit.
A state guard is an excellent chance to serve your state, get military training, and stay stateside. I accepted the fact that I would be deployed when I joined the National Guard, and I would be in the sandbox right now if it wasn't for a leg injury.
One of my best friends is still in the MSG, and according to him they are still doing supplemental security and disaster preparedness, and will hopefully resume combat support training soon.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you do decide to switch to the federal service later on, nobody will care about your state guard training and it won't count for beans. Only what you learn and keep with you will be of any value, and believe me, your superiors will be surprised how quickly you seem to learn!
In the case of the Mass State Guard, shaggycat, the mission is to support the Mass National Guard in training and supplemental security. I have done everything from intense combat training to searching civilian vehicles at base gates to land nav and cold weather training. Actually, a lot of combat and cold weather training.
After the start of OIF, the MSG's mission shifted to mostly supplemental security and disaster preparedness, which while valuable to the state was not nearly as much fun as the Infantry stuff. So I joined a National Guard Infantry unit.
A state guard is an excellent chance to serve your state, get military training, and stay stateside. I accepted the fact that I would be deployed when I joined the National Guard, and I would be in the sandbox right now if it wasn't for a leg injury.
One of my best friends is still in the MSG, and according to him they are still doing supplemental security and disaster preparedness, and will hopefully resume combat support training soon.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you do decide to switch to the federal service later on, nobody will care about your state guard training and it won't count for beans. Only what you learn and keep with you will be of any value, and believe me, your superiors will be surprised how quickly you seem to learn!
Sportcat
Member
I have no intentions of going National (federal).
My wife won't let me.
My wife won't let me.
tanksoldier
Member
They are two different organizations. The National Guard is a reserve component of the Army. They are under state control but are trained by and 99% of their funding comes from the US Army. They can be and often are "federalized" which means they are called into active service by the federal govt and can be deployed just like any other unit in the US Army. Currently there are about 40,000 or so Guardsmen in Iraq... give or take. They also tend to do longer tours than Regular Army units due to the hassle of activating them, equipping them and training them up for the deployment. Currently Reserve and Guard units called to active duty can be kept on active duty for up to two years, with IIRC one six-month extension. Note that the whole two years usually isn't in the sandbox... there's usually a few months of predeployment training at the begining and a few months of demobilization and leave-taking at the end.
Some states have a Sate Guard which is an organization completely controlled by the State. They cannot be called to service by the federal government, and usually aren't even recognized by the federal government. Their organization is usually based on the right of states to form organized militias for self-defense. Texas has a fairly active state guard, though AFAIK they've only been called out twice. California's is called the State Military Reserve and also fairly active, though they aren't allowed to be armed. Often when a CA-NG technician reaches retirement age they are inducted into the SMR so they can keep their technician job. California also has a Naval Militia with naval and Marine components, but last I checked it was in limbo. As far as I can tell Virginia's state militia consists of only commissioned and warrant officers. Those who don't hold a current commission are often commissioned into the Virginia Militia when hired to teach at VMI. They may do other things, too but I just saw that in passing at the VMI website.
So to sum it up, the National Guard is a part of the US Army, state guards are not.
Two bits of California SMR/ National Guard trivia:
1. Tom Selleck is an honorary 1LT in the California SMR having been appointed such by the AG in 2002 at the NAGUS conference in Long Beach. Tom is a former member of the CAARNG. He attended OCS but dropped out to further his acting career.
2. Many have heard that Kris Kristoferson was "discovered" by flying a helicopter to Johnny Cash's house, landing on the lawn, and pitching Johnny a song. This is true. What is not well know is that Kris was a commissioned officer and helicopter pilot in the California National Guard at the time, and it was a CAARNG helicopter that he flew to Johnny's house... he was in the middle of a training flight.
3. In the movie "We were Soldiers" most of the combat and field fottage was shot at Camp Parks, a CAARNG facility in the central valley of California. The extras, about 600 of them, are CAARNG soldiers... mostly from 1st Bn 184th Infantry Regt (Air Assault). Sam Elliot, who played CSM Basil L. Plumely, is a formed member of teh California Guard, having served with the 163rd Airlift Wing.
Some states have a Sate Guard which is an organization completely controlled by the State. They cannot be called to service by the federal government, and usually aren't even recognized by the federal government. Their organization is usually based on the right of states to form organized militias for self-defense. Texas has a fairly active state guard, though AFAIK they've only been called out twice. California's is called the State Military Reserve and also fairly active, though they aren't allowed to be armed. Often when a CA-NG technician reaches retirement age they are inducted into the SMR so they can keep their technician job. California also has a Naval Militia with naval and Marine components, but last I checked it was in limbo. As far as I can tell Virginia's state militia consists of only commissioned and warrant officers. Those who don't hold a current commission are often commissioned into the Virginia Militia when hired to teach at VMI. They may do other things, too but I just saw that in passing at the VMI website.
So to sum it up, the National Guard is a part of the US Army, state guards are not.
Two bits of California SMR/ National Guard trivia:
1. Tom Selleck is an honorary 1LT in the California SMR having been appointed such by the AG in 2002 at the NAGUS conference in Long Beach. Tom is a former member of the CAARNG. He attended OCS but dropped out to further his acting career.
2. Many have heard that Kris Kristoferson was "discovered" by flying a helicopter to Johnny Cash's house, landing on the lawn, and pitching Johnny a song. This is true. What is not well know is that Kris was a commissioned officer and helicopter pilot in the California National Guard at the time, and it was a CAARNG helicopter that he flew to Johnny's house... he was in the middle of a training flight.
3. In the movie "We were Soldiers" most of the combat and field fottage was shot at Camp Parks, a CAARNG facility in the central valley of California. The extras, about 600 of them, are CAARNG soldiers... mostly from 1st Bn 184th Infantry Regt (Air Assault). Sam Elliot, who played CSM Basil L. Plumely, is a formed member of teh California Guard, having served with the 163rd Airlift Wing.
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Devonai
Member
Not usually or never?
Massachusetts State Guard soldiers are not armed while performing guard duty (they serve along side armed National Guardsmen), but there is a mechanism in place to get them armed if it is deemed necessary.
tanksoldier
Member
Not usually. There is a marksmanship unit that is allowed to use weapons... they also assist with marksmanship training for CAARNG units.
The rest have to have a specific order from the govenor or AG.
The rest have to have a specific order from the govenor or AG.
Don't forget the Air National Guard and USAF Reserves. They are a component of the USAF, not Army. Not as many Air Guard/Reserves units as Army Guard but there are quite a few out there. They're being deployed as well and are in the thick of it. In fact, one of my guys received the Bronze Star with V for actions in Afghanistan. Several were out in the field with Army units looking for bad guys. From 2001 thru 2003 my former Security Forces guys had been deployed to 23 different countries. They came home, back out, back home, and are getting ready to go out again.
Air or Army, Guard or Reserve, expect to spend time in either Iraq, Afghanistan, or somewhere else.
These "state guard" units appear to be akin to Civil Air Patrol units.
Jacobus Rex
Member
I used to be in the Texas State Guard. I enjoyed it. State Guards are real military organizations but generally aren't run or funded very well and aren't very "military" in actual function. The physical standards, etc. are very low. Having said that, I'm glad that I did it.
Joe Demko
Member
I'm in the process of applying to the PA state guard.
Glock9
Member
I recently discovered and enlisted in the Texas State Guard.
Since 9-11 I've wanted to get back into the military but was too old. The TXSG gave me the ability to serve my country again.
Glock9
Since 9-11 I've wanted to get back into the military but was too old. The TXSG gave me the ability to serve my country again.
Glock9
I found a Kentucky State Militia (my home state). Would that be simliar to the state guard or something entirely different?
http://www.kysm.org/bylaws.htm
http://www.kysm.org/bylaws.htm
I've considered joining the Tennessee State Guard, but decided I don't want to be an old MP in a baggy camo uniform. Besides, I've been around some of the 'officers' and they remind me of the pompous jerks I had to put up with in the Army Reserves -- I probably wouldn't last long.
Cosmoline
Member
Only about half the states have these anymore, and many of those that still do have been phasing them out. I remember hearing that DHS wanted to have the states merge these into their oversight, but I don't know if that's been happening.
tanksoldier
Member
Extremely unlikely. They aren't chartered by the federal government.
Some states may give them up, but I doubt states like Texas or Virginia will.
Some states may give them up, but I doubt states like Texas or Virginia will.
SAG0282
Member
I have contacted the WA State Guard several times with questions, both by leaving messages as instructed and through email. I got an email back once saying I'd be contacted but never was.
mljdeckard
Member
I have recently returned to the Utah National Guard, and I am proud to drill in the Armory that bears the name of John M. Browning.
A lot has changed now that we are at war. The educational benefits alone, by the time I am done with Law School at the University of Utah, will be worth over $100k. (Tuition waiver PLUS repayment, student loans paid off.)
I am learning Farsi and getting a serious security clearance.
Just remember, if you aren't prior service, you are learning this stuff from the ground up. Learn Murphy's Laws of Combat. They all apply. The military is a culture where we don't fear war, because getting shot at is better than DOD beurocracy. The Chaos of battle is easier to navigate than the chaos of DOD paperwork. Redundant, underfunded, etc. You must personally undertake ALL initiative to make sure anything gets done.
But hey, when I saw the new ACU uniforms that were pretty much designed SPECIFICALLY for Utah sagebrush, I HAD to get some.
A lot has changed now that we are at war. The educational benefits alone, by the time I am done with Law School at the University of Utah, will be worth over $100k. (Tuition waiver PLUS repayment, student loans paid off.)
I am learning Farsi and getting a serious security clearance.
Just remember, if you aren't prior service, you are learning this stuff from the ground up. Learn Murphy's Laws of Combat. They all apply. The military is a culture where we don't fear war, because getting shot at is better than DOD beurocracy. The Chaos of battle is easier to navigate than the chaos of DOD paperwork. Redundant, underfunded, etc. You must personally undertake ALL initiative to make sure anything gets done.
But hey, when I saw the new ACU uniforms that were pretty much designed SPECIFICALLY for Utah sagebrush, I HAD to get some.
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