Could a National Guardsman live in Germany?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 10:56:44 -0400

This question is purely speculative, and largely for “entertainment” purposes.

Could a National Guardsman live in Germany? For example, say SPC. Jones is independently wealthy (500k per year) but wants to continue serving in the Army Guard in his home state of Nevada, would it be possible (in other words, permissible) for him to permanently reside in Germany? I know that foreign contacts and foreign travel can affect security clearance, but what is that the case in an ally nation? Of course, SPC. Jones would have to fly back to Nevada once a month to drill, and would have to be ready to fly and report for any state emergencies. It’s a silly scenario, I know, but it came up in a conversation with a German language classmate recently. Thank you!

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jun 28 at 2019 10:59 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 10:59:39 -0400

I don't believe there is a requirement to live where you serve.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2019 11:00 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 11:00:26 -0400

There a few reserve units in Europe for those who want to continue drilling. We also have many Soldiers Guard and Reserves in temporary orders (less than 365) in Europe.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2019 11:28 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 11:28:00 -0400

Theoretically, yes, a guardsman can live "anywhere" as long as they make it to drill.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2019 12:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 12:57:31 -0400

Plenty possible. Logistically it would be a nightmare though. And filing the taxes for it might be a headache. Had one guy in my current unit live in Canada and drive down for MUTAs. Didn't really cause any waves until it came time to send AWOL notifications, as that needed to go registered due to international. We even have some people fly in from a few states away. For some the Guard is just for fun and continuing to play guns with friends, so a 4 (or day in your question) hour plane/car ride isn't anything outside the norm for them.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2019 7:08 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 19:08:55 -0400

You can live where ever you'd like provided you can make movement to drills/missions/deployments/activations as it does not matter to the contract you made with that particular state. However, living outside of the country (as you have said) does matter with certain MOS's (such as those in military intelligence) that require security clearances. In those circumstances, your chain of command has to approve you living in another country and you need to continually report it on any security investigations/re-investigations so its not "unreported foreign travel." Additionally, countries of concern at a specific time (such as China & Russia) would generally be off-limits to live in unless--as already stated--you receive permission, however countries like that you would be unlikely to receive permission for. If you opted to live outside of the country while in a cleared MOS without permission, you would not only risk losing your security clearance, but could be brought up on UCMJ charges (or state UCMJ equivalent in guard Title 32 status) for failure to obey orders.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2019 12:35 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 00:35:18 -0400

No. He is to server the state he or she took their oath in. There use to be, and still think there is, a requirement that you live in the state you are a national guardsman. The Reserves are different. s long as you could respond to a call up in 24 hours, you can serve in a reserve or active unit within the Continental US or an assigned unit overseas.

Response by CWO4 Brook Kelsey made Jun 29 at 2019 1:03 AM

CWO4 Brook Kelsey — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 01:03:48 -0400

Unfortunately no! Transfer to either the active duty Army or Reserves.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2019 10:09 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 10:09:27 -0400

Living in a foreign country would have to be worked out on a cases by case basis with your unit and your state G-1. We have officers on the brigade staff who live out of state and I've had Soldiers I know who lived out of state for the last 26 years I've been in. There are always special circumstances. Knew a serving SSG, whose contractor job had him in Bagram and Kandahar year round. He did drills every 6 months and then AT was attached to 1 of those drill sessions.