Military
Army National Guard
Seeking camaraderie, adventure, and career or education opportunity?
Being a member of the NY Army National Guard is not just about a paycheck or national service - Its about protecting your state and being of service to your local community.
If you want to serve, but you would rather do so at home than internationally, enlisting in the New York Army National Guard could be an excellent experience for you.
There are more benefits that you could experience as a member of the NY Army National Guard. Contact a local recruiter in your area to learn more.
With a wide variety of careers, opportunities, and benefits for you, your family, and your community, joining the NY Army National Guard could be the best decision that you ever make.
To gain an education, start or advance a career, and to become more than you ever thought possible, consider joining the NY Army National Guard.
What is the College First Enlistment Option?
The NY Army National Guard College First program is an enlistment option that can ensure that you are protected from deployment for up to two years upon arrival at your Guard unit if you are actively enrolled in college.
It’s true – if you are a high school graduate or a senior in high school you may have the opportunity to enter the NY Army National Guard and then attend college without worrying about a federal mobilization or deployment.
Restrictions to the Program
The College First program offers an excellent benefit to those that are qualified for this opportunity. With that in mind, there are certain restrictions that must be considered:
Prior-service applicants are not permitted
You must score at least a 50 on the ASVAB exam
You agree to complete all Initial Active-Duty Training in immediate sequence
Attend Basic Combat Training and then…
…Immediately attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
No Split Training is permitted
Must be accepted to an accredited college or university within 90 days of completion of AIT and actively enrolled on a full-time basis and participating in classes within 180 days of AIT completion
These are the basic restrictions to consider. It is important to speak with the NY Army National Guard career and education specialist, as there may be additional restrictions at various times.
The Benefit
By enrolling in the College First program, maintaining a GPA higher than a 2.0, providing official transcripts for each semester within 30 days of its completion to the Battalion Readiness NCO, and attending drill weekends and staying in good standing with the NY Army National Guard, this benefit will be guaranteed for you up to two years.
College Credit for Military Service
There are a lot of people who choose not to serve in the military for one key reason: They think entering the NY Army National Guard will delay them getting their college degree and getting started on the career that they are actually looking for.
The good news is that this is not an accurate statement; there are plenty of schools out there that will award you college credits for your time in service, to include Basic Combat Training (BCT), Advanced Individual Training (AIT), and any advanced or specialized trainings that you receive.
Do you always get Credit?
We have all heard stories about how soldiers are promised college credit for serving and then it does not happen. This can be the case if the soldier or veteran is not diligent in ensuring that their experience in the military transfers in the way that they expect. Depending on the school, this can be as easy as submitting your military transcript to the college administration; these credits can transfer if you are working with a school that has a strong connection with serving those who have served.
That being said, there is a specific path you should follow when you are looking to enroll in college and want your military service to count for you:
Ensure that you are attending a veteran friendly school
Go to CollegeTransfer.net to get an idea of what transfers over to the college credits
As an aside, make sure that the field interests you
Ask your NY Army National Guard career specialist for information on what your military training should be worth
Double-check what you are told by looking up the MOS (job) code at a few schools to make sure that what you are told is in line with what is expected
Taking these steps can help ensure that you know exactly what you are going to get. The good news is that most veteran-friendly colleges will offer you 5 credits for BCT alone, and this is before your AIT is considered.
For anyone that is interested in the medical field, there is the MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) 68W, more commonly known as the Combat Medic.
Between BCT and AIT the soldier will commit 26 weeks to training (10 for BCT and 16 for AIT), and there are schools that will award the soldier as many as 40 college credits for this half a year of training. When you consider that an Associate of Science in Health Science degree is a 90-credit course (for the school used in this example), this means that you made up nearly half of the degree program, and you got paid to do so.
When you consider that you get paid full-time status while on training, you get paid in two ways for attending BCT and AIT. In the case of the 68W MOS, it goes as follows:
You get paid $10,170 for the 6 months of training
If you were to have to pay $371 per credit hour, you would save $14,840 in costs. This does not count any savings on tech fees, books, and other extraneous costs related to education
In this instance you earned, between actual pay and educational savings, almost $25,000. When you consider that this will likely leave you with 10 classes to complete, and you can complete two classes per term, you can complete the associates degree within just another year.
When you consider that an associates degree is a two-year degree, you also may have just saved yourself six months of time, and you gained valuable experience that makes your more attractive as a candidate when applying to civilian jobs.
And don’t forget…
While serving in the guard you still draw drill pay for your one weekend a month of service (minimum of $238 a month), and you can get the GI Bill ($397 a month), and you may qualify for the GI Bill Kicker (up to $350 a month). You also can get tuition paid for by the NY Army National Guard, meaning that you can get paid to earn your degree while gaining valuable experience that make you more attractive to future employers.
Ready to kickstart your career and education? Contact your NY Army National Guard career specialist and get started on your path to greatness!
New York Army National Guard: MOS Highlights
Culinary Specialist (92G)
TLDR; Many people think of military service, and they immediately think of Infantry, Artillery, or other combat related MOS positions. There are many jobs in the New York Army National Guard that are more support-oriented, such as the Culinary Specialist (or Food Service Specialist). This position involves food preparation, maintenance of equipment used in the kitchen, and adherence to specific recipes and food safety protocol as indicated by command.
Joining the New York Army National Guard can offer a large number of benefits and opportunities. It is important to not just think about the benefits, but to think about a position that would be interesting to you. In this email series we will define different MOS opportunities that exist in the Guard so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your future.
The Culinary Specialist
The Culinary Specialist, sometimes called a Food Service Specialist, will cook and prepare food in accordance with different recipes that are within New York Army National Guard regulation and are ordered by the command team. This position will involve standard cooking practices, such as boiling, frying, and baking, and these professionals will also learn how to properly manage a kitchen and maintain essential equipment for safety and food preparation
Time Commitment and Requirements
Like with any position, you will need to take the ASVAB and obtain a certain score to be qualify for this MOS. The minimum requirements are as follows:
AFQT Score of 31
OF Score of 85
The candidate must also have normal color vision and be able to complete Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT), for a total of 18 weeks of full-time training.
Additional Military Opportunities
This position sets up the enlisted soldier who is interested in advancing their career to become a Food Service Technician (922A) if they are interested in pursuing a Warrant Officer career path in the New York Army National Guard.
Civilian Jobs
The role of 92G prepares you for a number of different civilian roles related to food preparation of ordering. While you might cook or work in a kitchen, you have just as much opportunity ordering supplies and managing storage:
Culinarian
Personal Chef
Food Safety Manager
Executive Chef
Certified Culinary Educator
Head Chef
When it comes to these roles, some of these may require a certification. The good news is that the AIT for this position offers some credit towards 17 different nationally recognized certifications that are in-demand for this profession.
Job Outlook
Most civilian positions that require the qualifications in question are related to food preparation in some capacity, which has an expected 10-year growth rate of 25% from 2020. This is a high number, and when you consider the number of restaurants and executive food preparation or catering facilities and business that exist, there is strong opportunity for civilian employment. The pay for these positions outside of the military have a wide range, but by the time that someone has five years’ of experience in this field, they can expect a median pay of over $53,000 per year on top of the excellent job outlook.
Ready to Serve?
Don’t forget that the New York Army National Guard has a number of other benefits for serving. While this position helps with civilian opportunities, remember that the New York Army National Guard can also offer:
Free College Education and the Montgomery GI Bill Benefit
Low-cost Health Insurance
Credentialing Assistance
A Part-time Paycheck
Access to low-interest, no-money-down mortgage services
Opportunities for Community Service
If being a 92G in the Guard appeals to you, reach out to a career counselor today to find out how you can Go Guard!
New York Army National Guard: MOS Highlights
UH-60 Helicopter Repairer (15T)
TLDR; When many people think of the US Army and the New York Army National Guard, they immediately think of the elite combat MOS opportunities and those positions that are in direct support of these missions. An example of this is the 15T, UH-60 Helicopter Repairer (Blackhawk Mechanic). These professional soldiers ensure that the Blackhawks stay in the air and the missions that are performed by these aircraft can be completed.
Joining the New York Army National Guard can offer a large number of benefits and opportunities. It is important to not just think about the benefits, but to think about a position that would be interesting to you. In this email series we will define different MOS opportunities that exist in the Guard so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your future.
The UH-60 Helicopter Repairer
At its core, the UH-60 Helicopter Repairer is the Blackhawk mechanic. Those who select this MOS will learn how to safely maintain and troubleshoot problems related to these aircraft, ensuring that the New York Army National Guard is able to continue its mission in any environment. This will involve removing, installing, and repairing subsystems and working with engines, mechanical controls, and other aircraft components.
Time Commitment and Requirements
Like with any position, you will need to take the ASVAB and obtain a certain score to be qualify for this MOS. The minimum requirements are as follows:
AFQT Score of 31
MM Score of 104
The candidate must also have normal color vision, and there must be no personal history of drug or alcohol abuse on the part of the candidate. This position will require 25 weeks of full-time training between Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT).
Additional Military Opportunities
Those who are looking for additional responsibility and opportunity may move to the Warrant Officer chain through this MOS by becoming a 151A Aviation Maintenance Technician.
Civilian Jobs
The role of 15T prepares you for a number of different civilian roles related to mechanics and avionics. The experience that someone acquires working on repairing Blackhawks can also be applied to repairing other fixed-wing aircrafts or standard vehicles. Some of these jobs are:
Aircraft Mechanic and Service Technician
Small Engine Repairer
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Machine Assembly
Vehicle Systems and Safety Inspector
When it comes to these roles, some of these may require a certification. The good news is that the AIT for this position offers some credit towards at least 54 different nationally recognized certifications that are in-demand for this profession.
Job Outlook
Depending on the interests of the soldier and the civilian career that is selected, there are a number of different career options that are available, each with a slightly different outlook. For example, an automotive technician can expect to earn $44,000 - $45,000 per year while an aviation technician has a job growth rate of 11% with a starting salary of over $66,000.
Ready to Serve?
Don’t forget that the New York Army National Guard has a number of other benefits for serving. While this position helps with civilian opportunities, remember that the New York Army National Guard can also offer:
Free College Education and the Montgomery GI Bill Benefit
Low-cost Health Insurance
Credentialing Assistance
A Part-time Paycheck
Access to low-interest, no-money-down mortgage services
Opportunities for Community Service
If being a 15T in the Guard appeals to you, reach out to a career counselor today to find out how you can Go Guard!
Coast Guard Academy
In spring and summer 2024, there will be a tours with a possible boat rides with weather and operations permitting. There will be a pizza lunch served. Those Junior or Senior Students who appear will be given a free tee-shirt.
Click on the link to register.
US Coast Guard Tour & Boat Ride (google.com)
FAQS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CRITERIA
Is it difficult to join the Coast Guard?
Our qualification criteria is similar to other military branches. You must meet this criteria, as well as undergo a “whole person” evaluation. Your recruiter will work with you to complete a variety of forms to validate your eligibility.
Qualification Criteria:
• Be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien
• Be between the ages of 17-31 (if no prior military service)
• Have a high school diploma
• Pass the ASVAB with a minimum score of 36
• Meet height/weight and medical standards
• Have no more than three dependents (spouse and children)
• Pass a military entrance medical exam
• Pass a background check
• Pass a credit check
• Think of your meeting with your recruiter as a job interview.
• The evaluation may include but is not limited to your attitude, professionalism, honesty, respect, communication ability, work ethic and volunteer spirit.
Where do I get more information?
Visit GoCoastGuard.com for more general information about us.
To contact a recruiter:
• Call your nearest recruiting office.
• Email your nearest recruiting office.
To protect your privacy, do not send Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or health related issues or concerns through email!
• “Chat Now” with a Coast Guard chat recruiter.
• “Apply Now” to begin the screening and application process.
TRAINING
How long is basic training?
Basic training is eight weeks and is located at Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, NJ.
What are the minimum physical fitness requirements to graduate?
You must be able to perform the following to graduate from recruit training:
• PUSH-UPS: (in 1 minute) Male: 29 | Female: 15
• SIT-UPS: (in 1 minute) Male: 38 | Female: 32
• 1.5 MILE RUN: (minutes) Male: 12:51 | Female: 15:26
• COMPLETE SWIM CIRCUIT: Jump off a five-foot platform, swim 100 meters and tread water for 5 minutes.
Do I have to know how to swim?
YES. It is important to note that if you are afraid of being in, on, or near the water, you are not eligible to join.
Should I do anything before I go to basic training?
YES. After you enlist and prior to going to Cape May, your recruiter will provide you with a copy of the Helmsman guidebook. Study it in its entirety; paying particular attention to the list of items you cannot bring with you. Memorize the General Orders and practice the Position of Attention. In addition, prepare yourself for physical fitness training. If you smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco, you should consider a tobacco cessation program, as you will not be able to do either during training.
BENEFITS
What are the benefits of joining?
Education Benefits
The Montgomery GI Bill will help you pay for college or technical training. You may also qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (benefits have increased substantially). You can use it at colleges, universities, trade schools, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and flight schools. To see what programs are currently approved, go to gibill.va.gov.
Health Care
Free comprehensive medical, dental, and eye care for you and your family.
Life Insurance
You have the option of selecting up to $400,000 in life insurance at a minimal cost. You can also purchase economical life insurance for your family.
Paid Vacation
You will receive 30 days of paid vacation per year.
Included Tax-Free Income
• Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
• Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
• Uniform allowance (enlisted)
WHO WE ARE
What is the U.S. Coast Guard?
The U.S. Coast Guard is one of the five armed forces of the United States and the only military organization within the Department of Homeland Security. Since 1790, the Coast Guard has safeguarded our nation’s maritime interests and environment around the world.
What would I be doing?
There are many enlisted active-duty job fields you can choose from. Our 11 official missions include:
• Port & Waterway Security
• Drug Interdiction
• Aids to Navigation
• Search & Rescue
• Living Marine Resources
• Marine Safety
• Defense Readiness
• Migrant Interdiction
• Marine Environmental Protection
• Ice Operations
• Law Enforcement
Does the Coast Guard have officer opportunities?
YES. Find out more about the Coast Guard Academy, Officer Candidate School (OCS), Direct Commissioning Programs, and the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI), by searching “active-duty” or “reserve officer” opportunities at GoCoastGuard.com.
USCG RESERVE
What opportunities are in the Coast Guard Reserve?
The Coast Guard Reserve is a force of nearly 8,100 specially trained people who serve the Coast Guard one weekend a month and two weeks a year. In the Coast Guard Reserve, you can continue both your civilian career and education while serving part-time.
Reservists work alongside active-duty personnel, performing the same missions and jobs.
What are the qualifications to join the Reserve?
Generally, qualifications are the same as active duty except you can be between 17 and 40 years old.
What is a drill?
A drill is a period of inactive duty for training scheduled for the performance of personal training, military training or unit training. Most units schedule drills over one weekend each month, but you also have flexibility to spread drills throughout a month.
How many different jobs are in the Coast Guard Reserve?
There are many different enlisted reserve ratings you can choose from. Find them by searching “reserve opportunities” at GoCoastGuard.com. Aviation ratings are not open to reservists.
Does every Coast Guard unit offer part-time reserve opportunities?
NO. Some units only have billets for active-duty personnel. Reserve opportunities are available in many locations but are job and geography
specific. Generally, the candidate should live within 100 miles of their unit.
Chat or contact a recruiter at GoCoastGuard.com to learn more.
CSPI: COLLEGE STUDENT PRE-COMMISSIONING INITIATIVE
Through the U.S. Coast Guard’s College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) scholarship sophomores and juniors can receive:
• Competitive salary
• Up to $3600 monthly salary while in school
• Up to two years of tuition, fees, and books
• Paid medical and dental insurance
• 30 days annual paid vacation
• Summer leadership training
To learn more, chat or contact a recruiter, visit GoCoastGuard.com
CULINARY SPECIALIST (CS)
In the Coast Guard, food is about more than subsistence and nutrition — it’s about morale and camaraderie — and it’s the job of the Culinary Specialist (CS) to execute it all. CSs undergo ACE accredited culinary training at the USCG culinary school in Petaluma, CA, which prepares them to cook cuisine and operate kitchens in a variety of units all throughout the U.S. Culinary Specialists get to master their craft while learning the professional side of dining management, including leadership, budgeting, ordering, equipment management, along with menu planning and execution.
Culinary Specialists are eligible for some of the best benefits in the Coast Guard. • ACE accredited Culinary Specialist (CS) School – transferable credits to most colleges in country.
• Money for college – Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Free College level exams for all military members
• Career and leadership opportunities
• Medical and dental care
• 30 days paid vacation annually
• Applicants with associate degree in Culinary Arts field receive $40,000 sign-on bonus. Applicants with no prior degree receive $20,000
*Four year commitment required
Fun Fact: The average starting salary for a Civilian Sous Chef is $35,000, whereas for a Culinary Specialist, it is $46,595.64 with health, education, and housing benefits
To learn more, chat or contact a recruiter, visit GoCoastGuard.com
ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN (ET)
An Electronics Technician (ET) is responsible for installation, maintenance, repair, and management of sophisticated electronic equipment, including command and control systems, shipboard weapons, communications receivers and transmitters, data and voice-encryption equipment, navigation and search radar, tactical electronic detection systems, and electronic navigation equipment. ETs work and support large and small shops, communications stations, and all major cutters.
Coast Guard members are eligible for some of the most competitive benefits available. Here are just a few:
• Competitive salary
• 30 days paid vacation annually
• Immediate responsibility
• Excellent retirement plan
• Valuable leadership and management skills
• World-class training and experience
• Money for college – Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Tuition assistance
• Medical, dental, and eye care
• Low-cost life insurance
• Access to worldwide military flights for travel
• Military discounts at participating retailers
To learn more, chat or contact a recruiter, visit GoCoastGuard.com
MARITIME ENFORCEMENT (ME)
Maritime Enforcement (ME) specialists, grounded in knowledge and skills pertaining to law enforcement and security duties, can be expected to be assigned the challenging duties of Maritime Law Enforcement, Anti-terrorism, Force Protection, and Physical Security. MEs spend their time protecting America’s ports, waterways, and interests at home and abroad, as well as providing unit-level training in these fields.
Coast Guard members are eligible for some of the most competitive benefits available. Here are just a few:
• Competitive salary
• 30 days paid vacation annually
• Immediate responsibility
• Excellent retirement plan
• Valuable leadership and management skills
• World-class training and experience
• Money for college – Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Tuition assistance
• Medical, dental, and eye care
• Low-cost life insurance
• Access to worldwide military flights for travel
• Military discounts at participating retailers
To learn more, chat or contact a recruiter, visit GoCoastGuard.com
For Enlisted Job Fields - GoCoastGuard.com
US Merchant Marine Academy
We would like to inform you about virtual admissions Q&A sessions for students interested in attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), one of the five federal service academies that include West Point, Annapolis, Air Force, and Coast Guard academies. Like all federal service academies, students receive full tuition, room and board, and books at no cost.
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Who: All interested students and guidance counselors
What: Virtual question and answer session. This will be the perfect opportunity to learn about the admissions process and what it’s like to attend USMMA.
To register for an upcoming Wednesday session, please use this link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Federal service academies are not for everyone but we encourage those students looking to serve their country and accept a demanding academic schedule to apply. Like all federal service academies, there is no application fee for USMMA.
Our rigorous four-year academic program is highlighted by the Academy’s Sea Year experience. Through this unique program, every student gains real-world leadership experience working aboard commercial and military ships sailing to ports around the world during three academic terms. Our students pursue a degree in one of five majors offered through two academic departments: Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation.
Graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy earn a Bachelor of Science degree, a U.S. Coast Guard license, and a commission in the U.S. armed forces. Our graduates have an option to work as ship’s officers in the U.S. maritime industry or serve as commissioned officers on active duty in any branch of service.
More information about the Academy can be found here. The USMMA’s digital viewbook highlights Midshipman life, sports, sailing, academic programs, the unique year at sea training, and more.
Please contact CDR Mike Bedryk, USMS, our Director of Admissions, with any further questions.
We look forward to seeing you!
West Point
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Get Inspired
At West Point, you'll get more than a top-tier education and the world's best leadership training. You'll be inspired to reach your full potential by a community dedicated to growing character, achieving excellence, and serving the Nation.
More Than a College Degree
Receive world-renowned leadership training: Every West Point cadet gains leadership experience in the classroom, during military training, on the athletic field, and in cadet-run clubs or organizations.
Form lifelong bonds: Join a tight-knit, supportive community dedicated to serving others and the nation.
Experience exciting, developmental opportunities: From rappelling out of a helicopter to summer trips abroad with classmates, the exciting, developmental experiences available at West Point are numerous and varied.
Receive a fully-funded undergraduate education and begin a rewarding career: West Point graduates go on to be leaders of character in the US Army and beyond.