Currently have career, but want to enlist....some help would be great

[blueline605]

I am currently a police officer and have been for 3 years. I have always had in the back of my mind that I would enlist someday. Im looking for anyone else in my situation and any help they could offer. (i.e. financial cut backs, family obligations, and whatever else you can think of) Thanks alot.

[bburgi]

Do you have a family? The biggest hurdle you need to cross is getting your immediate family's approval. My wife is my biggest supporter, and without her behind me there's no way I could do this.

Financially, you will still have your regular job most of the time, so you just need to make sure you plan for a possible pay cut during training & deployment. I will net slightly more money during basic training due to the army Housing Allowance, so that's something you need to look into.

I thought about joining for years before I finally did. Once I took that step I've never been happier. If you've had the idea in the back of your head for a while, I would highly recommend going for it.

[FusionWhite]

Im in the same boat as you. I told my wife I wanted to join and she was completely against it. We decided to discuss it again in the future and I hope to convince her. But like you said her biggest arguements against it were the time away from family and financial cut backs.

The best way to approach the financial aspect of it is that the loss of income while in basic/AIT will be temporary and then you'll be brining in more money (extra pay for drills etc). Its a sacrifice now for the pay off down the road. Approach it like that and see what happens.

[shutterm4]

There will be some financial loss during your IADT, but as far as your job goes, they are required to give it back to you once you complete training.

[Raekwon24]

I just went through all this with my wife.

step 1. Make sure that you explain how joining the guard is a selfless act and that you want to do something great for a great country.

step 2. Find out your pay, housing allowance, and separation pay. Show that your part of the bills will be covered.

step 3. Make sure that she understands that you will only be away for a small portion of your lives together. A life time is long and 6-12 months away is short compared to that. Make sure that you show her she will get phone calls often and letters.

step 4. The comment "What if you get sent to Iraq and get killed, 3500 soldiers have been killed over there" needs to be addressed firmly and with confedence. Simply state "Over 3500 soldiers were killed everyday in world war 2" This will work wonders.

Your children if you have any will think it is "cool" that you will be a soldier.

[andrew.tischner]

I can understand your problems with the finacial as that is always hard to get around. But if you get a shorter MOS (job field) and basic you can cut your time away from work down.

The military experience might help you at your job (ie promotions retirement and such)

Do not worry your self with deployments and such, if they happen they happen I honestly do not believe that should ever deter someone from joining.

But if you need to talk to someone close by please give me a call.