Do I stay in or get out ?

[Pnutlife]

I need some life advice I am at a crossroads right now. I am currently a chamberlain college nursing student about to start nursing classes here in a few months. I work full-time on the night shift and I need the money to get by. I am also in the Army National Guard for the last 6 years.

I am struggling with if I should stay in the guard or not. The only real reason I want to stay in at the moment is the student loan replacement program. I don't currently qualify for any of the other benefits because of pt. The better part of me wants to get out because I feel like I just can't commit to the Army to be a good soldier at this point. I can't find the time in my day to work out as much as necessary for pt test. I am also really worried about the amount of time the guard has and will take me out of school. I feel like I am being spread way too thin and I don't want nursing school to be the ball that is dropped. I am right at the point where I need to make the decision to get out or stay in. I am also very torn because someday I'd like to go back in with my FNP and be an officer but I am worried if I get out now it will hurt my chances. What do I do? Is there a way to balance it all that I just am not getting? Or should I focus on nursing school and sacrifice for school because, in the end, it is my goal?

I'd really appreciate advice from people who have been in my shoes.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

It sounds like something has to give. I was active duty, not ANG, but I can tell you that when I direct commissioned into the Army Nurse Corps, there were many prior service folks who were selected to commission too — leading me to believe that prior service is in one's favor! The Army will always be there, and I am sure they would welcome the return of a good soldier when you are ready. Thank you for your service. :)

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

Pixie is right for the most part that the services like to recruit prior service for officers. But there are times which they will not accept prior service. Then it would not matter if you are still in the NG or not. The one issue with still being in the NG when you attempt to commission is if you have a jerk for a CO and will not sign your release to commission. It doesn't happen often but it does dependingon the unit, your MOS, and deployment schedule.