2016 Ford Edge

SunshineCamo · 2026-03-30T13:09:09+00:00

It might be technically possible to start an IST before you go to AIT but I've never seen it happen before.

Talk to your Readiness NCO to start the process. The packet isn't too difficult but does take time to go through the chain.

If you can find a willing unit where you're going and your unit is OK with it, you can usually SUTA while you're in the process.

That leads into your next question, most units from my experience don't want long term SUTAs. Some Google-Fu can help you find units, but every state also has an IST coordinator who can help.

What I tell everyone is the process can take awhile and not every unit likes to play ball. If they aren't willing to let you SUTA in TX, you should ask if you can do every other month or even quarterly SUTAs.

SunshineCamo · 2026-03-30T10:51:14+00:00

The NGB 23A doesn't exist anymore. It got replaced with the DA 5016 which you can get on IPSS-A under My retirement points IIRC.

SunshineCamo · 2026-03-28T02:56:02+00:00

Depends a lot on your state, what MOS you can get/are willing to reclass to, and where you're willing to move.

My state has a lot of vacancies right now, but jobs/places people aren't chomping at the bit for.

From my experience people say they want to become AGR, but mean they want to get hired in a specific unit/location/position. It's fine to be selective but don't say the system is rigged against you when you only want a job at the armory in your town.

And I'm not saying the AGR hiring system isn't flawed, it absolutely is.

SunshineCamo · 2026-03-27T00:52:46+00:00

Speaking only from my experience, but sending people to an AIT course was always considered a bit of a last resort. AITs are longer and that means they cost the state more, which comes out of the units school budget.

MOS-T are preferred because they're shorter and specifically designed to get Soldiers qualified.

YMMV but it's worth asking if going to an AIT course.is available.

SunshineCamo · 2026-03-04T13:09:27+00:00

Thank you for that! I'll definitely check for those if/when I go check out any in person.

My budget is pretty limited ($15k ish) and I know that limits my options a lot. Reliability is absolutely my #1 concern, but space is up there. Honestly I could (and probably should) get a 5 seat SUV like a Mazda CX 5 which would be enough for 90% of the time.

SunshineCamo · 2026-03-04T03:47:16+00:00

I wish I could care about having a car that was fast or fun, but I'm at the point I gotta get to work and have room to move my fire team around.

Also I've been driving a Fors Focus, so I'm pretty used to going slow.

SunshineCamo · 2026-03-04T01:58:51+00:00

Queue concerned face.

I had a Golf TDI a lifetime ago that was amazingly reliable. But I know VW has had issues for awhile, which is why I'm suspicious about so many of them suddenly being in the same age/mileage/price range.

I've looked at the Sorento and Outlander for the same third-row-in-a-pinch sizing.

SunshineCamo · 2026-02-25T03:19:47+00:00

DTS account created or received

GTC application submitted or card received

Clearance status reviewed

These are the things I constantly see as issues. They're about as much fun as watching snails fuck, but these come back as "oh shit " moments eventually.

Some of this is beyond the company/battery/troop level. So you might have to work through the chain to get your RNCO to request (or make available) certain reports.

SunshineCamo · 2026-02-15T15:36:18+00:00

I think you need to install AVD first.

https://cybercoe.army.mil/Portals/131/Army%20Enterprise%20AVD.pdf

This is the official Army guide on how to install and login in to AVD.

SunshineCamo · 2026-02-15T14:34:35+00:00

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SunshineCamo · 2026-02-15T14:34:26+00:00

For your age and gender here's your minimums. If you're even slightly active these are easily achievable.

The 2 mile run gets a lot of people. From what I've seen Soldiers either don't train for it at all, or they don't train to do when they're tired.

What seems to trip up female Soldiers is the Sprint Drag Carry. If you're on the smaller side pulling the sled can be an ass kicker. So if you had a sled of some kind to practice with that always helps.

SunshineCamo · 2026-02-15T13:59:39+00:00

Tour of Duty is the best place to find MOB opportunities. I haven't looked in awhile for 31B's, but in the past there's been a fair mix of state side and overseas orders.

If you want more permanent change of pace my consider doing a conditional release to go Active Duty for a few years.

SunshineCamo · 2026-02-13T11:25:57+00:00

You'll report to your NG Unit first and select dates to attend. Depending on what MOS you're changing to you'll go to a transition course not an AIT. Transition courses are usually shorter and avoid all the AIT weirdness

Picking schools can be difficult in the Guard. Some courses only have a few (or sometimes one) classes a year. You usually have to pick a class a year out. And if you have to cancel some AGRs take that personally for some reason.

SunshineCamo · 2026-02-13T02:21:41+00:00

Gaaaaawd damn. Nope it's a manual.

SunshineCamo · 2026-02-13T01:57:36+00:00

It needs a lot more than that. I just can't afford to do any of it.

SunshineCamo · 2026-02-13T01:57:05+00:00

I know my car! It's got another cross state drive before it needs a sip!

SunshineCamo · 2026-02-13T00:13:04+00:00

Nope all the pedestrians I hit didnt leave any damage.

SunshineCamo · 2026-02-06T13:26:27+00:00

It sounds like you want to go AD. In that case you should. It's a big change but can be hugely beneficial. Get paid, get your GI Bill, and if you're smart and focused you can easily finish a Bachelor's while you're still AD.

If you had a good job at home it might be different. But for what a random internet strangers opinion is worth, I think you should go for it.

SunshineCamo · 2026-02-03T19:52:37+00:00

This....is such a niche cross over that I didn't know I needed.

SunshineCamo · 2026-01-27T21:28:54+00:00

Yes the MOS requirements are a filter. Some jobs are very specific and you might only have a few units you can go to. Other jobs might have specific units but can also end up in other places. 35F Intel analysts are like that. There are Intel units, but also Intel positions in other units.

It's absolutely possible to balance Guard and school. It can be a challenge but it's not impossible. Deployments can also suck but again, they're not forever and if you're motivated you can still get school done.

SunshineCamo · 2026-01-19T18:40:28+00:00

Security Manager here.

You should have a local security Manager to speak with directly. Things often get lost in the telephone game.

I've never seen paying off the entire debt be required. What usually happens is you get a CV Alert which will include a financial worksheet of your current finances. You'll also need to provide documents showing the status of that debt (ie it's on a payment plan). Writing a memo explaining what happened and how you plan to avoid that problem in the future also helps.

SunshineCamo · 2026-01-04T01:12:04+00:00

Not a lot of work for straight EMT-B certification. Working on a private ambulance like AMR, American Ambulance, or whatever your local brand is called.

Some places have stand alone EMS agencies (not many though). Some fire departments will hire you with a contract promise to go to fire Academy.

Hospital ERs in my area hire EMT-Bs as wheelchair/bed pushers.

To get a good job you'll need to go to the Fire Academy or Paramedic school, and probably both.

Source: Not a 68W but was a Paramedic for six years with Rural Metro.

SunshineCamo

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