What Every Soldier Should Do Before Ending Their Guard Career
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Make Sure You Check the Boxes Before Deciding.
Communication
Start the conversation early with your unit Retention NCO/Readiness NCO. Why? You need information to make an informed decision. The unit needs the heads-up in case they need to find a backfill.
- First, ensure you are eligible for re-enlistment. Make sure your height, weight and medical requirements are in line. Do you have the Non-Commissioned Officer Education System (NCOES) credentials needed to move forward? If not, find out what you need to do to get them.
- Ask about current Selected Reserve Incentive Program (SRIP). Are you eligible?
Family
Now that you have some information, talk to your Family.
- Can you afford to lose your drill pay?
- Can you afford to lose your insurance?
- Have you used all of your education benefits? Which ones are tied to your Guard service?
Medical
If you decide to leave, leave the door open.
Ensure that you have a good Periodic Health Assessment as close to your ETS as possible. Coming back in is much easier if you don’t have to go to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) again!
Career Goals
Have you met your career goals or have they changed?
1. Stay in current MOS/unit and meet your career objectives.
2. Change MOS/unit to improve your skills, drilling location or just for a change of pace.
- Keep in mind that some Prior Service / affiliation bonuses are tied to being MOS-qualified — check it out before you change.
- Your local recruiter or Readiness NCO can help you get a list of statewide vacancies if your unit does not have one.
- It’s important to let the organization know one year out if you plan to stay and want to re-classify so a school seat can be reserved for you.
Set Expectations
Understand that if you are a senior NCO, you may have limited options to change MOS/unit.
More Advice from RRNCOs
FROM: MSG C. Mickle, Maryland National Guard (former 1SG for Recruiting)
Research other MOSs available in your unit and state for future opportunities.
FROM: MSG T. Johnson, Georgia National Guard (former Retention NCO)
- Start looking at options no less than one year out from ETS.
- Find out who your unit’s Retention NCO is and make an appointment to talk. Don’t wait. Be proactive.
- If you are considering leaving the Guard, find out if there are options to remedy your objections/obstacles (professional or personal).
Final Takeaway
Avoid assuming changes cannot be made. There may be a program or option that addresses your concerns. Always ask questions before making a decision.
By Contributing Writer MAJ Kevin Roland
