STORM2K

Our 23-year-old daughter has seen the mess from Katrina and is inspired to join the N.G.

Issue #1

If she joins will she have a choice about where she would be deployed to? I am concerned that she may think (or even be told) that she would get to go help with the disaster, but would be deployed another place.

Also, is there a training program that lasts XX number of weeks? If she goes through with it, would the disaster relief effort be over by the time she could be deployed.

I have to believe that the guard units get their orders from the commanders, and the individual units (and the individuals with it) go where they are commanded to go.

Are there still deployments to the middle east being made?

I want her to go into this with full information, and without any misconceptions.

Issue #2
Nicole is a single parent of a son, with full custody. This raises serious questions for Theresa and I. She asked us to keep him if she would be deployed. I have to believe that the children and youth agency would send our grandson to live with his father. He's not a lowlife or anything, and is fairly responsible. The two of them just decided to go their separate ways. If this is the case, our daughter would cool to the idea real fast. We feel that however she is inspired, her primary responsibility is for her son.

Any input would be appreciated.

In the military you go where you are sent, no questions allowed.

Are there still deployments to the middle east being made?

Yes.

Can't answer your other questions right now. If she did go to Iraq, she wouldn't be doing combat MOSs, but it could still be dangerous. Make sure you tell her that.

I asked my husband and he informed me that she will have to go to regular army basic training which is about 11-12 weeks and then go on to training in her speciality which differs in time depending on what "field" she chooses. Something else to keep in mind-the National Guard is like all other branches of the military-she will have to sign up for 2 to 4 years. It's a long commitment to make with emotions alone.

Hope I helped a little.

Sorry I couldn't help with the question about the little one.

Marty's son, JR, was in the Air National Guard and was one of the first to be sent to Iraq. They go where the government tells them they are needed. They do sign up for 4 years and have to report for reserve training once a month when they are at home. It is very possible that Nicole will be sent to Iraq and not to NO after training. They do go through "boot camp". JR was stationed in San Antonio, TX for I think 8 weeks.

Nicole might want to look into becoming a volunteer for the Red Cross. I know that there are alot training sessions being set up by them right now for new volunteers.