[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 11B Questions (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 10/31/2007 12:21:03 PM EDT
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Ok, let the flood gates open. As some of you have advised and posted in my other thread (ARNG versus Army Reserves) you will know where I am coming from. I am 43, I run 3-6 miles daily (alternate 3-6 5 days a week), in 2 minutes I can do about 90-100 push ups (depends on the day) and can average 18 hanging pull ups, I frequently spend many sub zero (-17) degree weeks camping in the north with just a bivy and my pack, as well as some desert adventure in California. So I am setting the background for my question that I am pretty good shape fro an old man  Now next week I go to MEPS for my Army National Guard Physical (12 years prior service) and I chose to be an 11B, some have said what are you doing?? That I am old it will kill me, so what can I expect as an 11B, I will not be going to BCT I will be going to WCT (Warrior Transition Course) What can I expect? I have a hard time believing that all the 11B's in the National Guard are young Studs waiting to climb mountain after mountain with a 80 pound ruck on their back...Marines yes.. That last comment was not a attack on anyone in the Guard so PLEASE don't anyone misconstrue my comments.. I just want to make sure I am not biting off more then I can chew...I mean I have a desk job now (IT) and I really want to get to do something a little more active, I spoke with the 25B at my local unit and he said he likes his work but would rather be out doing field work with everyone else. So let me know how bad it will be or how good, keep in mind I am speaking from the perspective of a 11B in the National Guard... Thanks |
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I'm a 38 year old 11B Iowa ARNG. Former USMC 16 year break in service. You sound like you are in a lot better shape than I am. I've been in the Guard for 3 years now, been deployed to Iraq, and finally passed my pt test last month. I haven't seen anything in my time in the ARNG that was too strenuous. I'd much rather be deployed than have to drill every month. I didn't have to go to WTC so I can't speak about that. Just have to remember that this isn't active duty. A lot of the admin crap has to be done on drill weekends. Doesn't leave much time for anything else. |
Thanks for the encouragement...yes the USMC does not need to go to WTC, I think they know you guys have been trained well in BC. Thanks again! |
It's a National Guard thing. When I enlisted, I had 19D on my contract. I did that for 2 years until my unit transitioned to light infantry. Now, all the 19D's are going to 11B reclass at Ft. Robinson. I was 0311 in the USMC so I don't have to reclass. 
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I was looking at 19D but there is not a unit close enough to me and many I have spoke have warned me that at first it may seem like it is not a problem to drive 3 hours to your unit but after a few trips it will get old and as an E5 (can't keep my E6 with try one program) I would be required to meet earlier then muster for planning.. |
Yes saw that...I am to old for that...43 can't go there I don't think.. |
| I think you made an excellent decision! the guard is what you make of it. sure there may be b.s. that goes along with it but as long as you maintian your integrity and not become a "guard bum" you should be fine. (I am artillery) but serve with and alot of 11b soldiers. I served with NG 11b's overseas and I would definitly say that the NG 11b's are no less 11b than active duty. guard guys love this shit and put their whole heart into. good luck! OORAH/HOOAH! |
You'll be fine. I'm 36, and I went back in after a 13 year hiatus three years ago. I was not, and am not, a PT stud (in fact, you're in a lot better shape than I am) and I can hang and bang with the kiddies. The little skinny fuckers can run faster than I can, but I can ruck twice the weight twice as long, albeit not as fast. You're in better shape than most. |
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Your physical fitness is probably equal to or better than 70% active army and 90% range for guard. I will have some peeps jump on me for that but with my experience I think it is true. The reason I suggested 20th Group is 'cause its fun stuff. You will go to Airborne school and with your IT background you could easily move into a MI slot after some school. We just had a guy around your age and fitness level make it through selection. Just something to think about. |
| I went back in 19th SF Group at 42. I retired as a 19D at 55 with 24 years of service I stayed in perfect condition, was in the All Army Combat matches for 9 years so I say go for it. (I got chubby after I retired and am finally getting the gumption get back in shape) Stay active after you retire. |
Your percentages may be a little high, but your point was accurate. 38 yo 11B. |
Had a guy in my BT/AIT/OSUT class who was going straight into the SFNG out of WV or Virginia. You can go straight into it but if you dont make it, I'm not sure what exactly they'd do with you... And you'll be fine joining, hell, most people in my unit only do enough to pass the PT test with some room to spare. We got guys that dont even do PT who pass the PT, younger guys too. NG Infantry, straight leg, for the most part is alot of sit around and wack it. If you are mechanized or have vehicles, you'll go do that for a weekend. Once we start back up on the Bradleys, we'll go drive them around for a bit, do some maneuvers and all that jazz. Yay for us. 
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Hmm. I wonder if they changed this recently. I'm going back in soon and was told that I need to go to WTC to be deployable since I had a 13 year break in service. I was active duty 11B. |
They have an 18x enlistment option, but I'm not sure if it applies to PS, or just non-PS. You can enlist directly into SF. Doesn't mean you'll be SF, just that you're guaranteed a shot. You can also enlist, then go to a local SF unit's try-out twice a year. |
We had a guy last year before we deployed, had a 20yr break in service from the Marines...came back in as E5, no questions asked. 
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somebody gave you bad info. |
If you don't mind me asking, were you already tabbed or did you go to selection at 42?? |
Good question... |
I don't beleive ex-army need to go to WTC, I know for a fact Ex-marine do not...but I have heard that some ex-army depending on the lapse of time from their last active duty go to WTC....ask a on this forum if you like, there is a WTC instructor there that answers a lot of questions WTC Questions P.S. +10 to Martlet, he has helped me IMMENSELY through this process!! |
Eh. I was there two years ago in January. It wasn't that good at all. Sorry to burst your bubble. AND the chow is expensive. |
That's cool. The mess hall I had to eat in was pretty expensive. I got it all back in per diem, though. They must have a different dfac for shake and bake students. |
Shake and Bake school. Shake and Bake Chicken = Take chicken and pre-mixed seasoning and put it in a bag. Seal Bag. Shake for 30 seconds and it's done. Shake and Bake School = Take a soldier and a remote camp. Run the soldier through 2 weeks of abbreviated training. Presto, MOSQ |
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Also from what I am learning the 2 week 11B MOSQ school is actually integrated into 2 of the 4 weeks of WTC. My CSM says that if you go to MOSQ for two weeks there is really no point in going to WTC to learn how to march etc..and be pushed in PT. They are trying to see if WTC in Mandatory if I have been to MOSQ school at Robinson, this way I can skip around the WTC process. So we shall see. I scored a 288 (312 on extended scale) on my recent APFT (self administered) So I think I can skip the trying to learn how to PT portion of WTC |
For the 11B course you eat at the DFAC within marching distance and it sucked. It was the worst part of the whole thing. You will have fun if you approach it with the right mindset. |
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I am looking forward to it so I think my mindset is fun fun fun...I LOVE hard physical training so I hope there is at least some of that taking place there!! I do wonder what the weather will be like in Arkansas during January to February 
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Sounds like you have the right mindset and with your pt I would imagine you will be fine. And I wouldnt worry to much about being a 11b in the NG. Drill weekends are more boring than anything. Like was said previously there is a lot of admin shit that gets done. Hardly any physical activities take place. I am in a 21B unit so it might be a little different but not much. And you will be way above average on the PT test for the guard. IIRC the last PT test we took about 40% of my PL passed and that is a pretty damn good precentage for the two units I have been in. I think about 25% of the company passed. And we are considered one of the best companies in IN. We are the QRF for the whole state. My last drill weekend: Saturday 1st form.-0730 pt test for those who failed previously- 0745-0945 Initial counselings and hip pocket training-0945-1130 Lunch-1130-1230 refresher on Demo.-1230-1430 how to evaluate a casualty class-1430-1520 Final Formation-1530 Sunday 1st from.-0730 briefings (Care of family when deployed, OPSEC, etc). 0735-1100 Christmas party-1130-1500 released-1500 |
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Thought I would update from my first post... Had my PT test this past drill weekend and I scored a 293...Got a Patch for it...I was pretty happy...actually I was very happy as being 43 it was a good feeling, though i was disappointed in my sit ups everything else was great! Old guys can still hang....
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DAMN DUDE!! You kicked ass. Youl'l do great. |
| My story is probably more extreme than most. I am 53 y/o & was in the 82nd Airborne from '78-81 as a medic, then the Guard for a year. After a 25 year break in service & a lot of waivers, I came back. I reclassified as a 11B & completed MOSQ in October. It was a great course run by the Michigan Guard. Physically I was up for it. I was the oldest soldier in this state to complete MOSQ in Infantry. This week I am leaving for Ft Bragg to mobilize to Afghanistan for 1 year. Everyone within the Guard has treated me with great respect. At first they thought the recruiters were pulling a joke but after passing the PT test (only a 214) & going to school they knew I was serious. I wanted to do this & have got my wish. |
What unit are you with? Iv'e been trying to go with a unit there? Am currently on standby with aunit from NY? |
John, your a bad ass! Hopefully HHC will aprove my letter and I'll be joining you soon! Sgt Bell |
yea I would be interested I am former Marine infantry and security forces (five jump chump )4 years active 10 year break in service and just did one year in the Guard as a 45B.I am trying to get back into the Marine Reserve and it's taken 6 months of dicking around and I am about fed up. I was told that the SF guard unit is in chicago area. I would love to be their small arms repair guy! or some other support role. I love the Marines and all but I have heard it takes up to a year for prior Marines to get back in. I'm 32 and in the best shape of my life and can still pull a 1st class PFT: 20 dead hang pullups, 100 crunches in 2 minutes, and 3 mile run average 20 minutes. |
Wow, that is outstanding! You must be a hard MF!  Best of luck, stay safe. |
THERE ARE NO "EX" MARINES!!! Were just Marines presently assigned to the Army!!! Semper Fidelis!! |
You are going to have no problem but you may want to think about your health in 5-10 years especially after a few deployments..... |