Is the National Guard worth it if I don’t go to college
Hello so basically I want to serve once I’m out of high school and that time is approaching quickly and my dream job when I get out is to be a firefighter in the civilian world but I’m having a tuff time deciding if the NG is worth it or just doing AD instead.
I think I’ve finally decided that college isn’t the route for me and I know many believe college is a job guarantee but for firefighting it doesn’t really need it. Most people join the national guard to have the time to go to school and pay it off. But during my time in the NG I was thinking of enlisting and once I’m done with training go for my emt and go to paramedic school. The reason for this is because here in California those are tremendous certifications to have that can help you a lot in getting a firefighter job. I at least want to volunteer with the guard to deploy at least once for 90+ days to get full benefits like AD. I know I’m able to become a firefighter in the army but we all know that’s a rare job to get. So if I become a combat medic I’ll get my emt. But if I become a firefighter I’m able to get my fire 1 and fire 2. (Not 100% sure) So please lmk what would be the best decision to make. But in conclusion Is the national guard worth it if I don’t go to college?
Posted Mar 14, 2026, 3:24 AM UTC