This is a throwaway account because I'm too much of a coward to post this on my main, but man, do I feel like a loser.

For context, earlier this year, when I was 18 (I'm 19 now), I signed a contract to become an 11B in the National Guard. And fast forward recently, I got sent home from Fort Benning on a medical REFRAD for a previously disclosed condition. As I had to get medical waivers to join.

And here's why I feel like such a loser. Because the truth is, I exaggerated my medical issues to get sent home. I mean was genuinely having problems with my condition, but I made them seem worse than they actually were because I wanted out. The reason I wanted out is because I realized I didn't really want to be there anymore, and honestly, I don't think I joined for the right reasons in the first place.

- Growing up, I always wanted to join the military because of how much it was glorified in school, advertisements, and the media I consumed. I also wanted to prove to my family that I was a "real man" and, as stupid as it sounds, have something to flex about to other people. I know those are dumb reasons to enlist, but I guess that's what teenage insecurity and immaturity do to you.

- I also started regretting my MOS choice. I scored pretty well on the ASVAB (mid-70s), but instead of picking something that could actually benefit me in civilian life, I chose infantry because I wanted to be some "gun-carrying, war-fighting tough guy." Looking back, I feel like an idiot for that.

- On top of that, I enlisted in pretty bad physical shape. And while I didn't really mind getting smoked, I was constantly worried about being the worst guy at basic and embarrassing myself.

- But honestly, the biggest reason was that I just missed my civilian life. I missed being home, having my freedom, and doing the things I was used to. Being there made me realize that I wasn't ready to give all that up. And I think that's what it really comes down to. When I enlisted, I was lost in life and didn't know what I wanted to do with my future. Everything seemed pretty bleak, and I thought the military would give me some direction. So, I rushed into a major commitment without really thinking it through.

Now I'm back home, and I have to talk to my RSP staff to figure out whether I'm getting fully discharged or if they're going to try to send me back. Part of me is relieved to be home, but another part feels like a complete failure. And I guess I just needed to get this off my chest because I haven't really been honest with anyone about it. And I feel like messed up big time because I do want to be in military, and feel like if I had just waited 1 or 2 years to get in better physical & mental shape I wouldn't have done this.

Im in the NG and we are scheduled to go to NTC next year. I have a joe thats currently in a semster based college, that has informed me that when we leave cuts off his last month. He has also said that he would have to retake the whole semster if he were to go and has asked for help.

Currently we have submitted a suta for him explaining his situation as it would derail his future livelihood. But there is a good chance it will be denied.

Is there anything else I can do for him? I thought about submitting a CORNEL packet but that may not work.

Any advice would be appreciated. Doesnt seem right to have his life pushed back a year just for training.

I’m currently attending RSP as a 74D, I initially signed up for the bonus, but now I realize I wasn’t ready to server for 6 years. Is it still possible for me to change my MOS and service time?

I’m currently still in college, and I’m wondering how often does reserved guard deploy? Because I’ve never really thought about the risk of deployment until now, my recruiter told me that I won’t be deployed during my time in the guard, but I’m not so sure now. Also, are these deployment voluntary?

So I’m not really sure what to do from here lol, I am the only supply specialist at my unit and as you can see from the title my NCO resigned from his position and is reclassing. I’ve been at this unit for a year now and have not been taught jack shit about my job because my sergeant sucks at teaching. Now I’m waiting on a new supply sergeant but honestly questioning whether or not I should reclass.

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First Infantry Music Orchestra. LMAO THIS MF SHY GRIZZY SIZZZLLE FIZZLE BUBBA BACK TO IT. 1776 Cool Sounding Word. SHSHSHSH

Dude that selective service though!!!! 0

Hello everyone,

Does anyone in the Illinois National Guard know if the ING Grant covers professional degrees? As far as I am aware, it covers undergraduate and graduate degrees, but I am not sure whether that includes professional degrees such as a PharmD.

Good morning guys, I’m 35 years old haven’t been to school in over 15 years, I went last week to take my test and scored a 15, I was wondering what would you guys recommend to study and get a much better score I really want to be able to pass so I could go in a serve my country. I really want this man. Any help will be appreciated.

Enlisted as a 12Y in the guard. In Columbus. Will be in a unit that grants me a TS/SCI. What should I expect? Any opportunities that I can take advantage of? Thank you.

Just enlisted Thursday in the army national guard. I have my first drill this weekend. What should I expect. Kinda nervous but also excited. I was told since I’m shipping out in November that it will be Red/blue phase.

Also I’m shipping to Ft Sill. Any insight on how it compares to the others.

Hi all, I am trying to enlist in the Army National Guard and i have only one bump in the road and that is my history of being on mental health medication. I am a 22 F, in Michigan, and in college, about to graduate in a year, and I went to MEPS in July of 2026 and medically and physically, i am all good. it is my history of being on medication.

I was on anti anxiety and depression meds for like 4 years and just got off of them January of 2026, so i have been off for around 7-8 months and it has been going great. Respectfully so, they want me off of them for 2 years, so until January of 2028. My recruiter says I can try for a waiver and psych eval in January of 2027, which would be great and I could definitely pass that and get letters of rec, but how much is the likelihood of then accepting me being off medication for a year?

Appreciate any feedback!

I just got denied during an interview because they saw that I was in the national guard. My work experience on my resume is from ADOS orders.
Interviewer saw I had national guard experience and said that it would not work because of the whole being gone for 2 weeks. She said “you have the work experience but we don’t think it would work”.

What do you even do in a situation like this?

Kind of a rant kind of not
I’ve been deployed for a while . I don’t have super long left but I’m hitting a rough patch. I honestly just want to go home. My unit is on some real stupid shit and I don’t mean operationally. Hella cliquey with the officers who do some retard maxing with bad conduct but everyone looks the other way. If a junior enlisted were to do that behavior they would be crucified (mind you I’m an officer as well) The amount of people I’ve seen cheat on their spouses is nuts but I guess morals disappear in places like this. I’m well over the halfway point but it feels like this shit Is never ending.

I left a great civilian job and kind of got forced to come (didn’t want to be that guy that dodged a deployment). I’m having a hard time seeing everyone back home advance at work and I’m stuck. For those of you have deployed before, when does it get better? Or does it get better? When did you start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel?

Buddy of mine, E4 type, wants to go forward, doesn't care where (rent is due). He's been rocking it at his unit and taking state missions where he can get them but wants to finally take the plunge. Problem is Florida barely deploys OCONUS. As someone who isn't in the Guard, I remember seeing a steady rotation of Nasty Girls while I was deployed and not all of them were native to whatever state they were with. Seeing as you guys don't really use ToD, how do you find these gigs? His readiness NCO is apathetic af and leadership can't seem to point him in the right direction.

Can swap .mil emails in DMs for OPSEC if needed. Thanks!

I am surprising my husband with a shadow box for Christmas. I used his D—214 to research what it would need. I tried to order it starting with his enlistment in RA, up to his National Guard duty, then his active deployment. If there is anyone who would know, I would love your opinion. I want it to be as accurate as possible.

I go to basics in April, and I’ve been thinking getting a bob to avoid all the hair mess everyday. Would it be a good idea if I’m at Lwood? Is it strict over there?

I know this isn't the reserves, but if anyone in the NG has info on this too, I'd appreciate it!