u/Succotash1497

Hi all, prior Infantry/Recon Marine looking to switch over to the Army to finish out my service (not on active duty). I'd like to get in with a good group of soldiers who contribute to a worth while mission while also keeping a healthy boundary from my civilian professional life. I'm struggling with the idea of going right to a guard infantry unit where I can enjoy the tactical side of life a bit longer (simply because its fun) but I'm also attracted to the flexibility and "chart your own course" type of atmosphere the Reserve seems to offer. I just have no idea what Army Reserve units look like or what the tempo is compared to the Guard. I'm not looking to sign any bonuses or binding contracts, just looking to enjoy the last 6-7 years of service, maybe go TDY or deploy one last time or attend some interesting schools before I close out my 20. Any insights from those who've experienced both sides would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Why is it that when I’m out on a weeknight at a local pub or at a brewery on the weekend it seems like everything’s turned into an open air daycare where parents let their kids run free for hours as if it’s an after school program. I constantly see parents with toddlers and little kids in the same bar at these ridiculous hours as if it’s become normal for every pub/brewery to be this family hangout well into the night. Before people flip out, I understand a Saturday, mid-day get together amongst friends, or if it’s a family restaurant with a bar area, but at 10pm?! Yall should be in bed, why have we as a society eroded the lines between what should be respected as an adults only establishment and those places that are designated specifically for kids and families. We should not be striving to make every place a TGI Fridays, that is the wrong direction folks. My parents generation would’ve never brought us into a bar on a weeknight, let alone kept us up that late as a 5 year old on a school night. That was their space, for them to do their thing without us. It’s not like there is less space or things to do for kids, I’d argue it’s the opposite, there are more than ever. It really comes down to a selfish decision to think “people won’t mind, they’ll think it’s cute,” no let me brood in peace over a pint instead of trying to talk over your kids tantrum while dodging your strollers for seating.

Prior Recon Marine and infantryman looking to come over the Guard specifically to join a sniper section and get back to the things I love; shooting long guns and being in the field with the boys. I'm curious if someone could describe the process of getting to a sniper section from gen-pop 11B status and how that all works. I spent years in a grunt STA platoon and sure its very similar from a screening standpoint, but Army units and processes are currently in a different language to me at this point. I'm not a school trained 0317 but interested to go to the schoolhouse and pursue the B4 identifier given the opportunity. Any insights would be appreciated.