Entry 2 - Staying Fit
Joining the military improved my physical fitness by a landslide. The workouts we did showed me what my own personal workouts were missing—cardio. While my sit-ups and push-ups were on target, I could only run two miles and could barely pass my run portion of the Physical Training test.
We did a lot of cardio in Basic Training. We ran almost everywhere, always keeping our heart rates elevated. At the time I did not enjoy the intense training, but it has led me to my current hobbies: half-marathons and triathlons.
After Basic ended, I knew I would have to find a way to keep off all of the weight I lost. I began running in some local 5ks and worked up to some 10ks. Eventually, though, I wanted more of a challenge. I happened to pick up a Runner's World magazine, and I began reading about marathon training. I decided to run a half-marathon. I applied with the local Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training (TNT) in Birmingham, AL. TNT hooked me up with a local marathon coach, who gave me a training schedule that prescribed a daily amount of running until the day of the race. It was also a fundraiser for the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma, and I raised $1,800. My new sport allowed me to combine community service and my newfound love of running.
I trained hard for the next three months, and on Feb. 14, 2010, I ran my first half-marathon at the Mercedes Marathon/Half-Marathon event in Birmingham. I finished in 2:09:17. I was so happy I was able to run my event nonstop. Constantly passing others along the course was great motivation, and I consider this race one of the greatest accomplishments in my life so far.
After this achievement, I wanted to do something even bigger. I started reading Triathlete magazine and became very intrigued with triathlon competitions. I decided to train for the Sprint Triathlon at Callaway Gardens, GA. I began running and swimming, and I purchased a road bike to begin cycling. The training was intense, and I asked anyone with triathlon experience for advice. I completed my first Sprint Triathlon on June 19, 2010. I lagged a little in the swim, but I aced the run and bike legs!
I really enjoy pushing myself in these competitions, and I continue to train for half-marathons and triathlons. I hope I will remain injury-free and always be motivated to continue on this journey of physical fitness that the National Guard inspired me to start.
Entry 1 - Why I Joined the National Guard
I have always enjoyed helping people, and it has always been gratifying to see others happy. As a teenager, I volunteered at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Tuskegee, AL, for four summers. Talking to the Veterans was a very positive motivation. I realized that something as simple as saying “Hi” or bringing them ice water made them happy.
After realizing how much I enjoyed the hospital area and how rewarding it felt to help others, I decided I would follow in the footsteps of many of my Family members and attend college, seeking a nursing degree. After two years in college, my scholarship ran out, and I was tired of working minimum-wage jobs. I remembered the military training I had in high school when I participated in ROTC, and I decided to call a recruiter. I was told the military would pay for college, and about all of the other benefits!
Since I was already headed in the medical direction, I chose to become a 68W Healthcare Specialist. While attending RSP, I volunteered at a local fire department for six months as I completed my semester before heading to Basic Combat Training. I became CPR-certified and gained a lot of experience dealing with diabetic patients, blunt trauma, accidents and so forth.
While working as a volunteer firefighter, I experienced the death of my first patient about three days before I was scheduled to head off to Fort Leonard Wood, MO, for Basic. The experience of working with that patient was saddening, but it also helped me realize I would do well in this field. Despite the distractions and the pressure, I was able to perform my duty to the best of my abilities.
These are the reasons that I was motivated to become a 68W and truly put my best foot forward. I love helping people, and this job allows me to do exactly that!
Your total enlistment period will be eight years, but you can serve as little as three or six years, and spend the remainder in IRR (Individual Ready Reserve).
Learn moreAbsolutely. Your Guard service is only part time—just one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year.
See how the Guard helps with school.Recruits need to meet certain standards of height, weight, age, fitness and education in order to enlist.
Learn about the Guard's eligibility requirements.Yes. Guard members can be mobilized to protect and defend America in battle domestically or overseas.
Learn more about about training.MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing Station, METS stands for Military Entrance Testing Site.
Learn moreThe Guard is a military branch that serves both state and federal governments, at home and overseas.
Find out more about the Guard.Guard pay is based on your rank and the number of years you've served, along with incentives like hazardous-duty pay.
Contact a representative to learn more.Your pay depends on a few different factors, but you won't make less than $183 for every weekend you drill.
Find out more about Guard pay.Different states may offer commissioning bonuses for critical skill positions. Please check with your local Guard representative for current bonus information.
Learn more about becoming an officer.Yes, you will be paid for every day you work.
Find out about Annual Training pay.There are different ways to become an officer. If you’re heading to college, the ROTC program is the way to go.
View how to become an officer.The training period varies for each job.
Learn moreFor certain career specialties, particularly medical professions, the Guard will reimburse student loans.
Contact a Guard representative.Find jobs in your area on our Job Board.
Learn moreIn two major ways: getting promotions and activating retirement benefits.
Learn more from a Guard representative.If you've completed Army or Marine Corps Basic Training, you won't need to repeat BCT. Most other prior service personnel will need to attend BCT (except USAF and USN Special Operations personnel). Your recruiter has details.
Talk to a Guard representative.Yes, provided you can complete 20 years of total military service by age 62.
Learn more about retirement benefits.As a National Guard Soldier, you get good pay and great benefits, and continue building toward a military retirement—while serving your country in a part-time status.
Learn moreYou are eligible for this benefit only once in your career. Once it has ended, it cannot be reinstated, even with a new enlistment contract.
Learn more.Your Chapter 1606 GI Bill benefit is suspended while you are AGR. You may need to extend your enlistment to have it reinstated once you return as a traditional drilling Soldier.
Learn more.Eligibility for Chapter 1607 is based on Title 10 Active Duty periods. The Border Mission is Title 32 and not considered a mobilization eligible for Chapter 1607.
Learn more.If you are released from Active Duty prior to completing 90 days due to an illness or injury in the line of duty, you will receive Chapter 1607 benefits at a 40 percent rate.
Learn more.You cannot receive payment from more than one benefit program at a time.
Learn more.Your estimated total for the first year.
*DetailsPlease understand that these calculations are only estimates and that a recruiter will have the most up-to-date information about benefits.
Because of the broad range of pay options, the Pay Calculator does not apply to Medical Professional Officers.
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