National Guard
I went through this once before, (tried to join the army, almost got in, then some strange panic set in and I quit) but I would like to be in the military. And, currently, my plans for college
were completely changed. Would anyone recommend the national guard and if so are there any tips for "surviving" basic for me? I mostly like to be isolated, have trouble making friends,
and I can be fairly slow (occasionally I even freeze up) when given tasks. Any extra information you feel would help is appreciated, I'm having quite a bit of trouble deciding.
And to mention, I am currently in a relationship of two years, and my girlfriend is very upset by the idea of me needing to be gone. As am I, to some degree.
A list of pros and cons would be most helpful, but I am really looking for personal experience based advice. Thank you in advance.
_________________
I like humanity, as an idea.
I realize that you like the idea of a military lifestyle, but based on the traits you described, I think this is an unrealistic goal for you. In every branch of the military, you have to work with other people, sometimes a lot of other people. This is a problem for people who prefer to be alone. You have to work at the pace needed to get the job done, not at your own, slower pace. And freeze ups hold up the work.
All of this is also true for other service jobs as well, such as police, firemen, and EMTs. Most jobs are that way. Perhaps you should consider some time of self employment, where you will be able to work at your own pace, and only take on the amount of work you can handle.
_________________
If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.
Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured, or far away.--Henry David Thoreau
I am the same way and i am very close to joining the guard right now. You need to decide what you want out of it whether you want the money and just try it out in a sense or you want them to pay your college. If you really want to try it then go for it just make sure you are good to go and strong before you go to basic. I wana join for the structure and dicepline along with the benifets and college. You may get deployed but in the end they have to bring you home eventually and they pay you every time you are in uniform. I look at it this way i am only alive so long and i want to experience what i can while i can. You put a lil work in now and bare through the pain the rewards will be vast. Is just up to you in the end.
The National Guard or any other branch of the military is no place for a person who wishes to avoid people because you are surrounded by people all the time. I served in both the Navy and the Army National Guard and from the day I entered I found myself surrounded by people. If you have any phobia like that you need to get over it. You will also, need to get over the fear of being undressed infront of others because often, particularly during basic training you will need to shower with lots of other people. My coping mechanism for that was to pretend that I was the only person in the shower and that no one else could see me. I guess people who are shy should not apply unless they get over it. If you get over the shyness it is a great career with good benefits, pay and a chance to travel. I got to visit Europe and some other places I would never have gone had I not enlisted. ![]()
