Anybody have an opinion about Guard -vs- Reserves?

DUECSON · Nov 4, 2006

Cryst06 · Nov 4, 2006

Just some thoughts if you care to answer? I have none. :-)
Pam

The main difference between the Guard and the Reserve is who they report too. The Reserves belong to the Federal Gov't and all their units are support in nature. The Guard is the modern day militia, belonging to the state as well as the Federal Gov't. The Guard has combat units in addition to its support and can be called up by the state in emergencies.

newbered · Nov 9, 2006

the reserves have a great deal more to offer for RN's. the guard (in my experience, at least. i'm by no means an expert) is very restrictive in openings: you have to get into a medical company, and those are few and far between.

PMFB-RN, RN · Nov 13, 2006

Just some thoughts if you care to answer? I have none. :-)
Pam

*** The benifits are much better in the reserve. For example the reserve offers health insurance, the guard does not.

Meco · Feb 3, 2007

The Guard is very limited for nurse. In the reserve you can specialize in many different areas, in the guard you do not specialize... all nurses are considered med-surg nurses and are basically used as clinical nurses. One thing to considered is that the Army National Guard can get you into a PA (Phisician Assistant) program if that interests you. With a PA degree you can then specialize and even compete with CRNA in the OR if that interests you. My friend works in the ER in my Town and makes well over six figures as a PA in the ER. The sign on bonuses are equal. Right now they are offering $30K sign-on and $50:cheers: K student loan repayment incentives. I am currently pursuing the Army Reserve NC, my packages is just about complete and I have already passed the MEPS portion. I anticipate being commissioned soon!!!