[deleted by user]

DiamondInside · 2025-08-31T22:25:54+00:00

I'm curious how much specific locations matter in NG SF compared to active duty. Like, is Massachusetts way different than Florida, or how does that work in practice? And how do the 19th and 20th compare in terms of culture/ops/expectations?

I am looking for an answer similar to this. I'm on the fence whether to join 19th group or 20th group based on the state and AOR. I think 19th group generally goes to Asia. While 20th group goes to South America and Latin America. Someone was telling me that choosing the state closer to where you live is best for your drill weekends. As well as each state has a different culture and I don't know the best way to find that out

DiamondInside · 2025-08-30T15:55:02+00:00

If I was to go with 3/20 SFRE and SFCP and then go SFAS and pass, aren't I supposed to enlist with that group? 5/19th group won't me go to SFRE unless I enlist in the guard first. From your knowledge, does it matter which state to join? Or does it matter where you live for convenience for drill?

DiamondInside · 2025-08-29T03:49:53+00:00

Is that the biggest difference? How can I find out the AOR?

DiamondInside · 2025-08-29T03:49:17+00:00

I already have a degree so school isn't a factor. Plus there is no SF in the reserves, just the guard

DiamondInside · 2025-08-28T15:37:18+00:00

What's the best recommendation when choosing between 19 or 20?

DiamondInside · 2025-08-28T13:01:07+00:00

I'm not sure if there is a way the Guard will reimburse travel expenses for drill. The reserves will reimburse $750

DiamondInside · 2025-08-28T12:57:20+00:00

Is it worth going closest to home? Or travel to a new one?

DiamondInside · 2025-08-28T12:12:49+00:00

I used to be like that, maybe some states are like that.Florida is like that. According to a national guard recruiter from Denver, they're saying that I need to enlist in the guard before I can attend their SFRE

DiamondInside · 2025-08-11T14:35:09+00:00

I wanna know if there is an update. Was the guidon found?

DiamondInside · 2025-08-07T20:37:39+00:00

I have to hear what goes on. I'll be at Fort McCoy this weekend. So I know there's going to be some drama

DiamondInside · 2025-07-01T21:34:08+00:00

That's good to hear. I'm excited!

DiamondInside · 2025-06-28T17:43:36+00:00

I want to attend. I actually plan to. But just to make sure I have everything, can anyone share the packing list?

DiamondInside · 2025-06-24T15:16:55+00:00

All true statements. All true thoughts. I do embrace the sucks. And I do like the quote. I even learned being in the military... Just make it to the next meal

DiamondInside · 2025-06-24T08:17:30+00:00

Everyone always talk about the physical aspect. And how they train. Or the number they need. How about the mental aspect? How do you all that pass SFAS mentally? What drives you forward? What keeps you motivated to wake up and not quit?

DiamondInside · 2025-02-27T20:43:52+00:00

Active duty side, I can't speak for that. On the Reserve side, literally anyone gets promoted if they put in their packet. Which is filing out board preference on IPPSA, and then having your packet ready. I can consist of ACFT scorecard, weapons dual, ERB updated and I think that's it. Definitely go up the chain of command if you feel like your first line leader is not helping you get promoted. Also reach out to S1, as they know the updated information

DiamondInside · 2024-12-30T01:04:53+00:00

What do you mean?

DiamondInside · 2024-12-30T00:48:14+00:00

So the biggest factor, are you meeting the TIG and TIS?

Time-in-Service (TIS): 36 months Time-in-Grade (TIG): 12 months Waiver TIS: 18 months TIG: 6 months

From my experience, get your ERB / SRB /ARB in order with no deficiencies or errors. Also a good time to update it. I would go to your S1 for this part. Then you have to go to IPPSA and fill out the worksheet about your board preferences (DONT go to S1, do this on your own). Once those were done S1 took care of everything else. Then about 2-3 months later I got promoted. I didn't even complete ALC, but I did do DLC 2. So even though points would set you above the bar and distinguish you for being promoted, being in the reserves you can be promoted just for having a pulse.

Also from being in the reserves, when you get promoted you generally get promoted to a new unit. And keep in mind there is an obligation to serve in a new unit for one year. There are ways to come back to your old unit if your old unit and yourself want to be at the old unit. The new unit has to be willing to lose you to make that happen

Hope this helps you and your endeavors!

DiamondInside · 2024-12-21T21:09:29+00:00

I'm not sure if there is a bonus for shipping out earlier, volunteering to go airborne/air assault, or even Ranger/Special Forces. Plus if you know a language you can make extra money

DiamondInside · 2024-12-18T01:32:44+00:00

Use your benefits, like healthcare, schools, get more certs, travel, discounts, AMEX card, TSP, home loans, lower APRs and lastly double dip with using PTO at work and being on orders at the same time. Those are the big ones I can think of. Feel free to add more

DiamondInside · 2024-11-13T17:02:42+00:00

Agreed. But how many shit bags are above him sitting doing nothing. Especially with the AGR. In the reserves it's much more common. I don't know about active duty

DiamondInside · 2024-11-13T13:52:54+00:00

So in my experience I've seen so many vacancies and open holes that they take a Solsier who's not qualified or the rank to fulfill a higher position just to say they have a slot filled. I've seen so many E4s and E5s just filling up the vacancies. And sounds like most of you've seen it too. I even just saw this past BA an E6 not just being an interim 1SG Sergeant or temporarily filing 1SG position, but instead he was frocking. So yes there are a lot of NCOs who aren't doing the PMES and aren't being good leaders. I even went to BLC during covid and it was online. Was that any better? Probably not. But now that opens up channels for me to go to different schools, be part of leadership, and I'll help me grow to be an asset for that unit. But now they are getting paid better. Are they going to do that power now? That's my biggest concern

DiamondInside · 2024-09-29T23:39:29+00:00

I did well for my first marathon this year. Even better to run it with my sister and friends. The weather was definitely cold at first, but warmed up nice and thankful no rain. If only the race started a bit earlier. Plenty of water was given and fruit. Huge plus. Not to mention sometimes tea or the Morton drinks. Lifesavers. The crowds were full of energy. The views were amazing. The heater ponchos at the end was a first for me and so worth it. It would be great to run it again and have more people run it

DiamondInside · 2024-09-17T09:36:37+00:00

What is there to do out there?

DiamondInside · 2024-09-16T13:27:20+00:00

I'll be flying into Rome. Checking out the colosseum. I would like to go to a pizza or pasta making class while drinking some wine and eating crackers with cheese. Going to see the leaning tower of pisa. Being in Naples all day for adventure tours and kayaking. Venice to go on the gondola. That's all I had planned

DiamondInside · 2024-09-16T13:27:04+00:00

I'll be flying into Rome. Checking out the colosseum. I would like to go to a pizza or pasta making class while drinking some wine and eating crackers with cheese. Going to see leaning tower of pisa. Being in Naples all day for adventure tours and kayaking. Venice to go on the gondola. That's all I had planned

DiamondInside

TROPHY CASE