Navy Reserve to Army National Guard Questions (Education Benefits, Logistics, Funeral Honors, Officer Path)

Prior-service Navy, currently serving in the Navy Reserves, and I’m considering switching to the Army National Guard. My main interests are education benefits and getting into a logistics-related MOS. I’m also assuming I’d have to attend BCT if I’m correct?

A few questions:
How do Army National Guard education benefits compare to the Army Reserve?

Does the Guard / Reserve have opportunities similar to Funeral Honors Detail?

I’m working toward a degree and eventually want to commission as a Logistics Officer. What MOSs would best support that goal?

For those who have served in either or both, what are the biggest differences between the Army National Guard and Army Reserve when it comes to deployments, schools, promotions, and overall opportunities? AGR, switching back to AD, etc. etc.

Just looking for some real-world feedback since I’ve found a lot of conflicting information online.

Edit: I was curious if job availability is more flexible with the Guard or Reserve? I’m also located in Missouri St. Louis area.

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u/Thick_Ad_9124 — 4 days ago

Navy Reserve to Air Force Reserve Questions (Education Benefits, Logistics, Funeral Honors, Officer Path)

Prior-service Navy, currently serving in the Navy Reserves, and I’m looking at potentially switching to the Air Force Reserve. My main reasons are education benefits and the opportunity to work in a logistics-related career field. Also I’ll add are there a lot deployment opportunities? I would really like to go on some deployments during my career but I’ve heard mixed things that the Reserves doesn’t deploy that much and the Air National Guard does. I know the Navy has a lot but Navy Reserves doesn’t have any openings for the jobs I want and I’ve been waiting for a year now.

One thing I’m struggling to get a clear answer on is tuition assistance and education benefits. I’ve seen mixed information online, and I’m trying to figure out what educational benefits the Air Force Reserve offers beyond the GI Bill and how they compare to other Reserve and Guard components.

I also currently perform Funeral Honors Detail in the Navy Reserves and really enjoy it. Does the Air Force Reserve have a similar Funeral Honors program that members can volunteer for or participate in?

Long-term, my goal is to commission and become a Logistics Readiness Officer. I’m currently working toward my degree and am open to serving in a different enlisted AFSC while I complete school if it helps me get there. For those who have gone from enlisted to officer in the Air Force Reserve, especially in logistics, what career fields would you recommend and what is the best path to eventually becoming a Logistics Readiness Officer?

I know this post is a little all over the place, but I’m hoping to get some real-world answers from people who have experience rather than continuing to sort through conflicting information online.

Thanks in advance.

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u/Thick_Ad_9124 — 4 days ago

Cross-rating HM to LS

I’m currently an HM3 in the Navy Reserve and work as a civilian paramedic. While I enjoy being a Corpsman, I’d like to gain experience in a completely different field on the Navy side and am very interested in converting to LS. After several years of greenside time, I’m also ready for a change from the field environment and would like to learn the logistics and supply side of Navy operations.

I know that probably sounds crazy to some people, but after spending years in emergency medicine both in and out of uniform, I’m interested in broadening my skill set and trying something new.

The last time I spoke with my career counselor, I was told LS wasn’t accepting conversions. I’m not sure what the best path forward is from here. I’ve heard PRISE-R mentioned as a possible option, but I’m not very familiar with how it works or whether it would even apply in my situation.

Has anyone successfully made the switch to LS recently, or found another route when conversions were closed? Looking for honest advice, feedback, and any experiences you can share.

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u/Thick_Ad_9124 — 5 days ago

Can’t Cross-Rate to HM in the Reserves (Current IT)

Current IT in the Navy Reserves here. I recently came off active duty and have been trying to cross-rate into HM, but I was told conversions into HM are currently closed. I talked with the career counselor to see if there was any workaround, but he basically said they are not accepting conversions at this time.

I only have about 7 months left on my Reserve contract, so I’m trying to figure out what the best path forward would be if becoming an HM is still my end goal. Has anyone had success getting out and coming back in under a different rate, or is that unrealistic?

Just looking for honest feedback or advice from anyone who’s dealt with a similar situation. Appreciate it.

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u/Thick_Ad_9124 — 29 days ago

“John 15:13 and My Struggle With Faith”

Hey everyone, my name is Shane. I’ll be honest — I’ve struggled with my faith heavily over the last several years, especially after my grandma died.

When I enlisted in the military, I felt like I slowly drifted away from God. During that time, I watched my grandmother die from cancer, and it shook my faith harder than I ever imagined possible. I felt angry, hurt, confused, and honestly lost. I went down a dark path filled with pain and anger. In the moment it felt good to be angry at the world, but over time it only left me emptier and in even more pain.

I’ve lost other relatives too, and I miss all of them deeply, but losing my grandma hit differently. I still can’t fully explain why. Something about it changed me.

Over time though, I found myself slowly wanting a closer relationship with Christ again. I actually dedicated my tattoo leg sleeve to Jesus Christ and my faith. I have a large cross with John 15:13 in the center surrounded by roses, doves, and rays of sunshine.

Recently I was watching the Shawn Ryan podcast with Wes Huff, and they brought up John 15:13:
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

That verse has always hit me hard because of my military experience. I truly would lay my life down for my brothers and sisters. I would sacrifice myself so they could live, and that verse speaks to me on a level I can’t fully explain.

What’s strange is that despite all of this, I still struggle with my faith daily. Part of me feels like maybe life and the universe just happened by chance and God isn’t real. But another part of me feels the presence of God deeply, and I constantly feel conflicted between those thoughts. I even feel guilty for doubting sometimes.

I also found it interesting that my name, Shane, means “God is gracious” and comes from the name John. I don’t know why, but that felt meaningful to me when I learned it.

I honestly haven’t read much of the Bible yet, and I’d love recommendations on where to start. I’d also appreciate any wisdom, advice, or prayers from people who may have struggled with similar feelings.

Is it normal to wrestle with faith like this?

Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this. God bless.

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u/Thick_Ad_9124 — 1 month ago

I was curious what drill weekends are like and are there opportunities for deployments or assignments? Or if it is really based on your AFSC and what base you get assigned to? I would appreciate any honest feedback.

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u/Thick_Ad_9124 — 1 month ago