A few questions about the National Guard?

A few questions about the National Guard?How tough is boot camp/basic training in the National Guard? Should I quit smoking if I decide to enlist? And how long is basic training?

Once I enlist, how long will it take for me to actually start?

Are National Guard units still being sent to Iraq?

Any other info you think might help me would be greatly appreciated.
Also, is it possible to switch branches (Guard to Marines e.g) and how difficult is that to do?

lconnor65
You will go through basic training with active duty and reserve soldiers. It isn't that bad if you are in shape and can deal with the mental head games.

Quit smoking I heard it isn't allowed in basic anymore.

Basic is 9 weeks. Plus 3 to 5 days at reception.

Depends mostly on your school date. You can drill with your unit before you leave for basic.

Yes and you deal with state emergencies.

Do plenty of research to make sure you want to join the military.

You can try to switch branches when your initial contract is up. However getting back in as prior service might be hard.

EDIT: To Ray I'm in a reserve unit that is folding the flag and we had several soldiers trying to go active and they didn't let it happen. Not sure what the regs are for it and if guard might do it different or not.

Ray
lconnor's answer was right except the very last part. If you are in the Guard (or any other Reserve component, probably), and you want to switch to an active duty component, they are obligated to release you to the active duty unless there is a pending mobilization. The process is basically, you have the responsibility to support yourself and if you can't find work outside the Guard part time, you can't support yourself. There are other time issues as well. After you graduate from Basic and AIT you have to wait at least six months before requesting a release.

Edit: That's messed up... the unit was disbanding and they still wouldn't let guys leave? Maybe the command had/has a major mobilization they wanted to task people on? Sounds like they were just screwing with people. Sucks.

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