Army National Guard Officer Career Management Advice

Serving as a part-time military officer in the Army National Guard is a very fulfilling experience. In my opinion, this is the best of both worlds, because you can continue to civilian careers and serve their country too. I've personally known many officers who are able to have a successful career in civil and military career. Although it can be difficult to manage the two, I think it's worth it.

The key to a successful freelance career military officer to know what you want to achieve. It really comes down to the question "What are your goals?" Even if you do not know exactly what you want, I think we should set some kind of career goal. You can always change or modify your goals later. Remember, "not to plan is planning to fail." Do not be someone who does not know where they want to go. Set goals and move forward.

by Stephen Covey once said: "Begin with the end in mind." I think some of the best career advice I can give you. Listed below, I'll give you an easy career path to follow. It has been prepared for M-Day National Guard officers.

For example, if you want to serve 25 years as an officer and retired with the rank of Colonel, here is an example of what you should do.

Second Lieutenant: You can expect to spend 18 months in this range. You will need to go finish his officer basic course and spend time as a water manager.

Lieutenant: You'll spend at least 24 months in this range. If you do not have a graduated yet, get it finished as soon as possible. You should end his time as manager of water and get some company Executive Officer and Battalion staff. If you can get enrolled in the captain's career course early, you should.

Captain: Most officers get promoted to captain at around 42 months of service. You'll probably spend 4-7 years as captain. During this time you finish your career commander course and spend 18-24 months as company commander.

Major: You should get promoted to the rank somewhere around 10 year of service as an officer. You should spend 4-6 years as a Major. In this range, you want to be a battalion XO and Battalion S3. If possible, try to take some time brigade headquarters too. Make sure you have completed secondary level education course, also known as Ile.

Colonel: After spending 4-6 years as a Major, you should be picked to Lieutenant Colonel. In this range, you want to complete a successful battalion command. I want to serve as the brigade XO.

Colonel: After spending 5-6 years as a LTC, you should be picked to Lieutenant. Your key to success is to have a successful Battalion Command, a Master's degree and be enrolled in the Army War College. As a colonel, you want to serve as a brigade commander for 24 months.

Achieving goals is a very manageable when you break it down into baby steps. Knowing what you need to realize, ahead of time, puts you in a great position to manage their careers better. When you know what jobs you have, what school you attend (and when) and when you expect to be promoted, it seems like a lot simpler for you.

Remember, nobody cares about his career and much more. When it comes down to it, you are your career manager. And you can make excuses, or you can make things happen. It is entirely up to you. So, do yourself a favor and spend a little time determines what you really want a military career. Begin with the end in mind, and then do your backward planning. Good luck!