A better question is, 'should I go guard directly or spend a few years active duty then go guard', might be a better question. They all have their pros and cons. You can go regular service for 3 or 4 years, USN, USA, USAF, USMC, USCG and then go guard or reserves when you get out. I spent 7 years Navy, mostly submarine service then got out to go to school, went to college and joined the guard where I spent the next 17 years doing weekends, alotta weekends as a small arms instructor and fire support team leader, and annual training. If you don't know where you are going the service is not a bad decision. If you don't like living out in the rain, snow and weather then consider USN or USCG and maybe USAF. Cleanest living is USN by far :laugh3: best travel too... I retired from the guard in 99.
Go in the local guard unit, hmmm, I'd see just when they are scheduled to be rotated to the mid east before signing on. Otherwise it may be a couple of years before you have the opportunity for any schooling outside basic and AIT. Once you sign up you have made your commitment, just be sure you are willing to fulfill that commitment. Personally, I have a 19yo son who I am pushing to finish school before he goes in whatever service he chooses and my 18 yo daughter has just started expressing interest in the Navy after she gets her degree [almost fell over when I heard that but you'd have to know her to understand or have seen the movie 'private benjamin']. Good luck in whatever you decide and if you have any questions feel free to email or pm me. Our local army recruiter was not happy when he found out I was retired, he then had to be alot more honest when he was trying to sell my son.
