What advice do you have for someone who justed signed up to be an infantryman in the NJ National Guard?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 11:51:01 -0400

As stated I signed on to be an infantryman with the NJ National Guard. I'm looking for the best tips and pointers you guys can give me. I'm used to being in a support MOS, and am expecting a significant change to how combat arms runs things. What should I expect?

Response by SPC(P) Timeo Williams made Jul 26 at 2020 12:25 PM

SPC(P) Timeo Williams — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 12:25:09 -0400

It looks like you're coming from Active Army to the Reserves/Guard.

This is highly dependent on the unit you're assigned too, but don't expect military customs, ext to be anywhere near as prevelant as in AD. You may even see overweight soldiers that have no place being there.

However, you will meet guardsmen that come from a variety of backgrounds and skills completely different to their MOS.

As an infantrymen, expect to be among the first called for natural disasters, riots, ext.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 26 at 2020 1:50 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 13:50:36 -0400

Get a hold of a Tactical SOP which covers maneuver, offense, defense, react to contact.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Jul 26 at 2020 5:33 PM

CPL Douglas Chrysler — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 17:33:15 -0400

Learn and work hard. Follow orders and respect your equipment.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Jul 26 at 2020 5:39 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 17:39:30 -0400

Go to Ranger school. They will teach how to be the best Infantryman you can be.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2020 5:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 17:42:48 -0400

I think you're already ready, just in asking the question. Get proficient in everything that is required, class work will give you the insight, then you'll have to take it from there, "All the Way".
Once 11-Bush, aim high, I did as a PFC, get the EIB.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2020 8:13 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 20:13:15 -0400

There is a ton of opportunity right now in the ARNG. As an AGR BN Training Officer I have more schools money than I can spend. If you have aspirations of Air Assault, Pathfinder, Ranger, etc. now is the time to go.

As far as a culture shock, its heavily unit dependant. Its been my experience that discipline is pretty tight in Combat Arms units. We've discharged the majority of the HT/WT and APFT failures in my BN. The support units are typically where I've found the stereotypical Guardsmen at. I'm sure there are ate up infantry units too though.

Finally, be prepared for the challenge of managing two careers. You will be expected to maintain your fitness on your own. As you progress in rank there will be an increased amount of time you'll need to spend outside of IDT to be successful. Finding the balance between your day job and the ARNG will be key to your overall success in both of your careers.

Response by COL David Turk made Jul 27 at 2020 1:57 PM

COL David Turk — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 13:57:15 -0400

I don’t know specifically about the New Jersey NG, but it’s been my experience that politics plays a larger role in National Guard units at the lower level.

Response by SGT Russell Wickham made Jul 27 at 2020 6:36 PM

SGT Russell Wickham — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 18:36:14 -0400

So much is going to be unit dependent. Some units are so lazy you'll sit around doing a month's worth of paperwork in a weekend and nothing else. Some will take advantage of every opportunity to train and do all the Hooah you'd expect from a line combat unit. Some will fall in the middle. Military customs and courtesies were a lot more relaxed in my unit because we were civilians 28 days a month and played soldier the other two. As an E5 I had a 1sg asking me for advice dealing with troops. Huh? Never saw anything like that in the active army, even when in headquarters working side by side with Top.

A lot more is up to you in the guard. You have to train to stay in shape. There's not going to be some NCO there holding your hand or goading you on. You have to practice individual drills on your own. It's not going to hurt you to get a weapon similar to your service weapon (if you can), and drill with it. You're not going to get the range time and drills you would get on active duty, and if you want to be proficient, it's up to you in the guard.

Finally take advantage of everything they make available schools wise.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2020 5:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 17:03:33 -0400

SPC McGrath, having served for over 21 years in the Infantry I can tell you this..Make sure you have the right size boot..and they are broke in as the Infantry does a lot of walking, running, & road marches...Make sure you always take care of your feet !! Change your socks daily..have foot powder. Now..be in good physical condition as its long hours most days, Find you a buddy to watch out for each other, Drink fluids - stay hydrated..its hot . Exercise daily..run, pushups, situps. Listen to you supervisor & leaders. Stay safe. By the way...I really loved the Infantry..made some life long friends..some know more about me than my family...you will understand that down the road.