"A first for me - Interview for an Army job" Topic

Well, I just got the call. I have an interview on Thursday for an full-time position with the Illinois Army National Guard. The NCO that called told me to wear ACUs and bring a copy of my resume.

I'll punch up the resume tonight, maybe get a haircut, perhaps tomorrow.

I'm looking forward to the job as it will mean much more money for the family (about twice what I'm making now) plus health insurance for me and my daughter (wife has it through her work). Plus, if I stick it out for a mere 15 years, I'll be able to get a full-time Army retirement starting at age 48. Not shabby, if'n ya ask me. Also, I'll still drill with my unit on weekends.

Main downside is an hour and a half commute one way. Right after I got married I made the same drive to not sell cars, as my darling bride and I say. So the payoff is definitely better. Any good military history on CD out there?

So, fingers crossed. I hope I'll be able to report back soon that I have more money for miniatures.

Well, good luck. Keep us informed!

I don't know about Illinois but in Texas there is usually a lot of competition for full-time National Guard slots both in the officer and enlisted ranks so it doesn't suprise me that much that they are doing civilian-style interviews to select personnel.

Dave

By the By … GOOD LUCK!!

So you know, it's an ADSW slot, but my First Sergeant tells me the office I'm applying for is "a springboard to AGR."

ADSW or Active Duty Special Work is for occasions when the governor tells the AG that he wants the guard to do stuff and the AG can't just create permanent jobs out of thin air. Thus ADSW. Good news, it's a good way to get active duty pay and benefits. Bad news, you're on orders from 30 days to a year and are not technically permanent. But most offices are able to cut new orders for those personnel who kick ass and need to stick around.

AGR is Active Guard and Reserve and is a permanent position. Usually these are support positions in units, eg. supply sergeant, training NCO, personnel NCO, etc. Sometimes there are other jobs at state level.

I had a "Temporary Technician" job while I was in the Air National Guard back in 1998. I was given the position as we had several people transfer out of the shop, specifically so I could get enough experience to apply for an AGR position that was supposed to open up the following year.

Unfortunately, the boss of the shop was a real jerk, and it quickly became obvious to me why so many guys had transferred out of the shop, so when the temporary tech job ended I didn't apply for the AGR slot…

But, I did get some assistance writing my resume from a couple of the Tech Sergeants in the shop – if you have any buddies out there who are currently in AGR positions, ask them to look over your resume, see if you've got the pertinent keywords in there.

Good luck!

Good luck!

I tried to get a civilian job with the Army. I had an interview and everything, but it turned out that budget cuts precluded opening the position. I was told to apply to a contractor, but I don't want to work for a ed contractor. I want to work for the Army.

Don't major in psychology, unless you can get a Ph.D. in neuroscience.

Good luck, I'll be rooting for you.

Here's hoping you get to be a full time part-timer.

I have an equivilent position here with the Canadian Army Reserve, and while the pay and benefits are nice, beware of the hidden pitfalls. My favourites are "other duties as required" and the annual two to three month trip to a training base to support courses. Still, when you sign up, you take the good and the bad.

As you are already on contract, does this mean you are higher on the deployment list?

SMc.

Good luck…and let us know if you have to wear a tie!

smc sez:

As you are already on contract, does this mean you are higher on the deployment list?

The AG for Illinois has just released a policy stating that Illinois Guardsmen will only deploy as part of their units. My unit just got back from Iraq in June, so is not likely to go anywhere anytime soon (I hope). I was not with the unit in Iraq as I joined the unit while it was still deployed.

My full-time job (if I get it) is a stay in the state kind of deal, except for the potential for conferences and the like (I hope). It will, however most likely involve going all over the place in the state.

More details (and good news) to follow (I hope).

Tie unlikely, I'm interviewing in ACUs.