#1 Son enlisted in the Guard today

[richhodg66]

He's a military brat, joined the Marine Corps as an Infantryman right out of high school (literally, he hung up his cap and gown and we put him on a bus the next morning), finished his five years term last May, married and divorced along the way, got out without a plan really something we always counseled Soldiers not to do.

Anyway, he came back and did farm work which he was experienced at, but didn't pay much and serious long hours, went to work for a landscaping company, which was better, but really no opportunity for advancement now. So I talked him into reserve component which he spent a bit of time looking into (I teach JROTC, so know the recruiter almost like family).

So today, he swore in as a 91E, Allied Trade Specialist, basically machinist and welder. He wants to learn a trade, not interested in traditional college. He still has his GI bill, and this MOS gave a pretty decent bonus. No idea when he'll depart for AIT, but I hope it's soon. He's a good kid, always made good grades, lettered in cross country and swimming, Eagle Scout, etc. He was pretty angry and bitter a year ago, better now, I am so happy to see him do this after a year of what (to me anyway) looked like going absolutely nowhere.

I'm surprised at how happy this has made me today. I sure hope this leads to good things for him, and I think it will.

[Gunslinger1911]

Outstanding !

[Pipefitter]

First off, I want to thank him for his service to our country. Next I would implore him into looking into the union pipefitting trade if he shows any skills at welding. The national Plumbers and Pipefitters union has a "Helmets to Hardhats" program that gives preference to military members that want to join the welders/pipefitters trade. PM me and I can point him in the right direction. Certified welders in this trade can make well over $100k a year if they are willing to travel for work.

[woodbutcher]

Outstanding Sir.Thank him for his service for me.Wishing him the best for a great future.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

[Lloyd Smale]

you must be proud!

[lightman]

I would also like to thank Him for his service. And wish him luck in whatever he chooses. Those decisions can be tough unless you are one of the lucky few that know what they want.

[Gavetta]

wish him well

[MrWolf]

Sounds like he is moving in the right direction. Luck!

[Bareen]

So many people (in life, haven't seen it here) push college and bash tech school/trade jobs. Welders, plumbers, and electricians are in high demand in lots of areas, especially ones that actually show up and are hard workers. Sounds like he is headed in the right direction to being happy, wish him well!


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[lightload]

I'm happy for you. This young man will perform at a high level. You were there for him, an excellent example to set.

[RU shooter]

I wish him well . Another good career path is union equipment operator I know quite a few of them and they are constantly working OT as there is such a shortage of operators at the hall . The one fellow told me they are short at least 90 for this up coming road construction season . And they pay very well !

[fjruple]

Congrads on your son's choice. If goes the distance he could retire from the Reserves with a good second retirement check. I was in your position about 15 years ago. I being from a military family that dates back to the American Revolution have always serviced our country. My first "American" relative came to America as a Hessian mercenary and was captured at the Battle of Saratoga and stayed in America after the war was over. Needless to say I was very disappointed that my son would go into the military. I tried to convince him that the military was an excellent beginning to get his life together. Up to that point he thought life was one big rolling party to stay at home and live off of dad and mom. He only lasted one week in college and quit!! It was not his cup of tea. I told him that he has to make a living as dad and mom are not going to be around forever to live off of. He went to trade school to be a diesel mechanic and never looked back. He is a very good mechanic but has no sense of moving up and beyond. I told him that he should specialize in marine diesel mechanics as rich people would fly him in to fix their yachts and pay big money. I told him that he should think about being my age "60" and laying up under an 18 wheeler in the Winter time working on trucks. He got an excellent job with the US Navy working on marine diesels. I told him it is only a start!! He does regret not going into the Reserves or National Guard especially after seeing my retirement check and all of the benefits of doing 30 years of service.

I would like to thank you and your son for your service to our country.

[Hogtamer]

Good news dad, God bless you both. As for pipefitters input, I live near Augusta Ga and Ga Power is begging on the radio for welders/pipefitters for new reactor project at Plant Vogtle.

[richhodg66]

It looks like he'll be drilling with an aviation unit not far away. Id also guess he'll get pressed into service helping maintain their wheeled vehicles, guys seem to get informally cross trained a lot when necessary if they have the ability. I really hope it doesn't take them long to get him off to his AIT.

[bikerbeans]

Give your son my thanks for his service. The guard offers some great opportunities for advancement. My son enlisted in the air guard right out of high school. He took advantage of the college tuition offer the guard made and earned a 4 year degree in aeronautics. He now has almost 17 years in, all full time, and he will be promoted to major this summer and he gets to fly an f16. I hope your son has the same good future in his new career.

BB

[RED BEAR]

good on him. and thank him for his service in protecting this country. you should be very proud.

[RugerFan]

91E is fantastic MOS. I was always envious of the guys in the machine shop. The skills he'll learn will do him well in life.

[bluejay75]

Sounds like hes cut from some pretty good stuff. See if you can get him focused about going to a two year school to further the understanding of allied trades and manufacturing techniques.

Theres no reason to leave an incentive like the GI Bill on the table. The stipend pays as much as an active duty E5.

Apply for warrant officer school when he completes one year.

Bluejay

[texasnative46]

richodg66,

CONGRADS to your son.
(I spent 6+ years with the 3/144th Infantry as a Scout LDR, during my Army career.)

He might at least consider coming to TX & getting his certification in a high skill trades of his choice at one of the Texas State Technical Institutes. = Not only is that a great school but the ARNGUS will pay 100% of the cost.
(I know a little bit about TSTI because one of my 1st cousins graduated from their underwater welding course & he's "getting rich" working out in the Gulf.)

just my OPINION, tex