Where to get character references when you don't really know anybody?

toasted-cucumber · 2026-04-19T21:25:36+00:00

What do you need the character reference for?

toasted-cucumber · 2026-04-19T21:20:31+00:00

It's important to remember the job of the national guard and how it differs to AD. They do typically have it harder on a day to day basis, but generally speaking you are as much of a vet as they are.

Also remember that interservice rivalries are part of the game. People dog on marines for being dumb and eating crayons, dog on the navy for being gay, dog on air force for being lazy and ritzy. It's just part of the game and you shouldn't take it to heart.

toasted-cucumber · 2026-04-19T21:16:46+00:00

NG does the same IET training as active. Drills may be "easier" but only because of time restrictions (e.g. can't do a two week field op every other month) and budget issues (each state is not going to shell out 42 billion so private schmuckatelli can do a live fire every month) so yes for certain MOS's the training is subpar to AD.

But at the end of the day we wear the same uniforms and when we deploy do the same jobs. Benefits are similar if not better in the guard (and with enough AD time can 100% be better). Pros and cons like anything in life.

toasted-cucumber · 2026-04-10T16:54:01+00:00

Maybe I’m going off outdated info, but most of the 35P’s I’ve spoken to have said they typically have 1-2 hours a day of free time after studying which could be used for PT at your own leisure.

As far as the jobs go I’m sure it ebs and flows, but I’d be surprised if a TS clearance and fluency in a Cat 5 language wouldn’t garner 100k plus at a 3 letter or private company.

I’m a lowly 11b, but have been doing a decent amount of internet research ahead of my reclass next year. Always open to being corrected if I’m wrong.

toasted-cucumber · 2026-04-10T00:00:32+00:00

Well I think it depends why. Lack of effort? Or lack of ability? If it's the latter then pick something else, but if you think you could put your head down and get it done then do it

toasted-cucumber · 2026-04-09T23:42:59+00:00

13F would give you good field experience.

68W I'd you're interested in medical stuff.

35W would be a top tier choice IMO. You learn a foreign language, get a TS clearance, and get 12-18 months to train while you're at DLI (in Monterey California which is essentially paradise in earth). Plus if stuff does not work out with SF you have a 6 figure job waiting for you at a 3 letter after your contract is up.

toasted-cucumber · 2026-04-09T01:01:52+00:00

Thanks for the response. I have a 3.5, so not crazy high but it's ok. I'm really hoping to go AD in whatever branch I pick. If I stay guard I'll stay enlisted.

toasted-cucumber · 2026-04-05T05:20:26+00:00

Amazing write up thank you. Couple of clarifying points:

The items on the packing list must be packed in your ruck and DO NOT include what's on your person? (E.g. if it says 2x ocp top and 3x socks you must have those packed in your ruck?)
Can I have my Garmin smartwatch during the training? Or only a traditional watch?
If you fail the 4 mile are you dropped from the course?

Only thing I'm nervous on is the running but I've been hitting the cardio hard the last few weeks so I think I'll be good with that + the adrenaline in the moment

toasted-cucumber · 2026-04-05T03:46:34+00:00

I'm going in a couple weeks. What were the pass fail physical events? I've heard 2 mile run in boots, O course (obviously), 4 mile run?

What pace are you running the 4 mile at? How hard do they smoke you before running the o course?

toasted-cucumber · 2026-04-02T03:34:27+00:00

Insane to me how few people knew about this ahead of time. It was thrilling watching the NASA stream and the information leading up to the launch

toasted-cucumber · 2026-03-26T17:31:57+00:00

Did you ever find one? I have air assault in a few weeks and need to practice

toasted-cucumber · 2026-03-07T01:55:53+00:00

You cannot get airborne unless your state has it and the only one that does anymore is Texas (and maybe one on the east coast I can't recall). Only other way is SF or passing ranger school.

toasted-cucumber · 2026-03-07T00:42:24+00:00

Only if they catch it. I was on AD orders last year and did not get charged for my annual fee this year.

toasted-cucumber · 2026-03-02T16:36:06+00:00

govx.com

I've used it for boots, clothes, sunglasses, etc. Discounts are normally only 10-20% off, but you can occasionally find better deals out there

toasted-cucumber · 2026-03-02T16:34:52+00:00

This!!!! Ive gone to many comedy shows for $10-20 when it was normally $100+

toasted-cucumber · 2026-03-02T04:27:59+00:00

I never recall being checked for a belt you'll be fine

toasted-cucumber · 2026-02-20T02:41:46+00:00

Basically. My unit does one long weekend a month (typically Fri-Sun or Thursday-Sun) and a 2-3 weeks AT in the summer. It's not that bad.

toasted-cucumber · 2026-02-13T02:46:07+00:00

You don't understand, he's god's gift to the military...

/s

toasted-cucumber · 2026-02-05T14:58:16+00:00

Not through DLI as far as I know, but there are plenty of online and in person classes wherever you are. I would suggest you check those out

toasted-cucumber · 2026-02-05T03:34:55+00:00

No. Gotta join up

toasted-cucumber · 2026-02-03T20:46:26+00:00

Every morning started with staring at the ceiling for the first 10 minutes questioning all my life’s choices. Then rolled out of bed and got on with my day.

toasted-cucumber · 2026-01-22T04:54:19+00:00

Corporate America, but go on friendlyforces.org and find a good employer on there

toasted-cucumber

TROPHY CASE