Posted on May 14, 2022
What is it like to be a commissioned officer and NCO in the National Guard?
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I'm still currently in AIT, and have a 6 year contract in the Guard. I'm still unsure if I'll re-up or not and even stay for the 20 years for a retirement check. But I know it's possible for me to reach E-5 by the end of my contract. I just don't know whether I want to go the NCO route, or commission as an officer. I just want some insight on what it could be like for either side. I know it's MOS dependent and unit dependent, but I thought I could at least get some insight to it. I'm currently in AIT for 25U, and want to get as much information as possible to help put me in the right direction.
Posted in these groups: 
OfficerNew Hampshire ARNG
Career Counselor
Career Advice
25U: Signal Support Systems Specialist
OfficerNew Hampshire ARNG Career Counselor Career Advice 25U: Signal Support Systems Specialist
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 24
What's it like being an NCO in the Reserve and Guard? Think of it like you're herding 50 cats to get 200 tasks done in 2 days...sometimes 3 days. And then there is all of the extra work you have to do outside of Reserve/Guard Weekend duty that needs doing before the next Duty weekend comes around. That's usually unpaid. It's a tough challenge, but a rewarding one.
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Suspended Profile
I co-sign on this.
MSG David Densmore
I concur. I'll add that the higher the rank, the more extra time entailed, and it's the same for officers.
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As an NCO in the guard I can tell you it is one of the most rewarding and frustrating things in my life. I absolutely love leading and developing soldiers and watching them grow in their military and civilian careers. I actually started the packet and process to go to OSC; but decided to shadow a few officers prior to get a good understanding of the role... I never completed the packet and focus all my energy on becoming a better NCO instead. I found that I like receiving the intent and executing the plan; rather then designing the plan. I give officers a lot of credit, but in my civilian side I am an executive; the last thing I wanna do when I come to drill in sit around planning training missions, etc. If will all depend on you, your commitment and what you want to spend your time doing. I have always served in "lite" combat line units; so I only have that perspective to share. Best of luck to you, and enjoy the ride!
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PV2 (Join to see)
This is the kind of perspective I'm looking for so thank you! Being at drill before I went to basic was where I truly thought about being an NCO and staying on that route. The Drill Sergeants and cadre there were really helpful in preparing me the best they could, and showing me what life could be like in the NG. It made me want to be them to do what they've done for me. From my previous job experience in retail working full time and having to run a department for a day or even a week gave me a small leadership role experience and I enjoyed it. While stressful at times, it was fulfilling. I get the feeling from what other NCOs have said, the two are similar in that regard.
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Suspended Profile
I’m actually planning dropping an OCS packet after my deployment. Like you, I enjoy executing but I want to be a planner.
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I sure hate to burst your bubble, but you are not going to walk into a pension at 20 years of service in the Reserve Component. You will earn yourself a retirement check, meaning around your mid 60s you will collect a check for your 20 or more years of service in the NG. Only 20 years of Active Duty qualify for a pension at 20 years.
Of course, if you already understand that, then you can calculate if it's worth it to you or not.
If you want to be an officer then go for it. If you want to be a warrant, do that instead. If you want to be at the front line of personally leading, developing, and mentoring Soldiers, then be an NCO. Do whatever you feel called to do. You don't want to be an officer? You can resign your commission.
In six years when your contract ends, whatever you decide will be hidden from you now. You'll be a different person with different needs and desires. Just set yourself up to be able to take advantage of all opportunities. Get your education, do college, jump on Army Schools, and volunteer for everything. When the opportunity comes you'll be ready for it
Of course, if you already understand that, then you can calculate if it's worth it to you or not.
If you want to be an officer then go for it. If you want to be a warrant, do that instead. If you want to be at the front line of personally leading, developing, and mentoring Soldiers, then be an NCO. Do whatever you feel called to do. You don't want to be an officer? You can resign your commission.
In six years when your contract ends, whatever you decide will be hidden from you now. You'll be a different person with different needs and desires. Just set yourself up to be able to take advantage of all opportunities. Get your education, do college, jump on Army Schools, and volunteer for everything. When the opportunity comes you'll be ready for it
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CPT Lawrence Cable
They suggest that at some time in about every administration. I have still never seen them do anything to the retirement system that didn't Grandfather in those on the original plan, it is part of the enlistment contract.
What percentage actually stay to retirement? I've seen everything for 8% to 20%. I don't think I have ever come across any hard numbers. The Blended system that is current was designed to have something for those that don't stay for a full 20 besides cutting the percentage you get on defined benefits.
What percentage actually stay to retirement? I've seen everything for 8% to 20%. I don't think I have ever come across any hard numbers. The Blended system that is current was designed to have something for those that don't stay for a full 20 besides cutting the percentage you get on defined benefits.
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CPT (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) You CAN earn a regular retirement in the ARNG, just have to get an AGR gig, or be really good at stringing together FTNGD tours. Additionally, in the Guard Title-32 Fed-tech positions are another reason many guardsmen stay in for a career 20 or more as most of those positions require being in a drilling status as a guardsman to stay in the position (and those also come with a pension after 20 or more years on the job).
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SFC (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see) you can earn a regular retirement with enough Active Duty time. You can even request Sanctuary to come on active duty in order to retire. The meat and potatoes of my MOS is calculating service for pay and retirement.
This is a 25U PV2, he's not asking about AGR or spending the next 30 years on and off activation and ADOS. Junior Soldiers don't know the difference between a retirement and a pension. I often have Soldiers who believe they will leave the Regular Army, join the NG and draw a pension at 20 years. It's a common misconception
This is a 25U PV2, he's not asking about AGR or spending the next 30 years on and off activation and ADOS. Junior Soldiers don't know the difference between a retirement and a pension. I often have Soldiers who believe they will leave the Regular Army, join the NG and draw a pension at 20 years. It's a common misconception
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CW4 Ronnie Lindsey
NCO’s are the backbone of the Army. I took an appointment to CWO2 at 18 years of service. Loved the WO route but was more involved as an NCO. To be effective at any rank or position requires commitment and initiative……and that means doing work other than drill time.
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