Intro
Discover the advantages of the National Guard over Reserves. Learn how National Guard beats Reserves in terms of deployment, training, education benefits, career advancement, and veteran preference. Find out why the National Guard is the preferred choice for many military personnel, offering more opportunities and support for a successful military career.
Serving in the military is a significant commitment, and there are various branches and roles to consider. Two popular options for those who want to serve part-time are the National Guard and the Reserves. While both provide valuable service to the country, there are key differences between the two. In this article, we will explore five ways the National Guard beats the Reserves.
Difference in Mission
The National Guard and the Reserves have different primary missions. The National Guard is a dual-mission force, meaning it can be called upon to serve both state and federal missions. In times of natural disasters or civil unrest, the National Guard can be deployed within their state to provide support and maintain order. On the other hand, the Reserves are primarily focused on federal missions, providing support to active-duty troops during times of war or national emergencies.
Training and Education Benefits
The National Guard offers more comprehensive training and education benefits compared to the Reserves. National Guard members can take advantage of the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program, which provides education assistance for up to 36 months. Additionally, the National Guard offers the State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) program, which helps members pay for college tuition. The Reserves also offer education benefits, but they are not as extensive as those provided by the National Guard.
Education Benefits Comparison
- National Guard: MGIB-SR program and STR program
- Reserves: MGIB-SR program only
Job Opportunities and Career Advancement
The National Guard offers more job opportunities and career advancement possibilities compared to the Reserves. National Guard members can serve in a variety of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), from infantry to healthcare. The National Guard also provides more opportunities for advancement, with members able to move up the ranks and take on leadership roles. The Reserves, while offering some job opportunities, have limited career advancement possibilities.
Job Opportunities Comparison
- National Guard: Over 150 MOS options
- Reserves: Limited MOS options
Deployment and Activation
The National Guard has a lower deployment and activation rate compared to the Reserves. National Guard members are typically deployed for shorter periods, and their deployments are often within their state. The Reserves, on the other hand, can be deployed for longer periods, and their deployments are often overseas.
Deployment Comparison
- National Guard: Shorter deployments, often within state
- Reserves: Longer deployments, often overseas
Community and Camaraderie
The National Guard provides a stronger sense of community and camaraderie compared to the Reserves. National Guard members often serve alongside fellow community members, building strong bonds and a sense of pride. The Reserves, while providing some sense of community, often have members serving from different parts of the country, making it harder to build close relationships.
Conclusion: National Guard vs. Reserves
While both the National Guard and the Reserves provide valuable service to the country, the National Guard beats the Reserves in several key areas. From its dual-mission capability to its comprehensive training and education benefits, the National Guard offers a more well-rounded experience for its members. Additionally, the National Guard provides more job opportunities, career advancement possibilities, and a stronger sense of community. If you're considering serving part-time in the military, the National Guard is definitely worth exploring.
National Guard Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided valuable insights into the differences between the National Guard and the Reserves. If you're considering serving part-time in the military, we encourage you to explore the National Guard and its many benefits. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don't forget to share this article with others who may be interested in serving their country.