18 years old and want a CHL. Eligible? (National Guard)

[Hunter12]

I meet all the requirements for a CHL other than not being 21. However I have heard some people say that National Guard members can get a CHL even if they're 18 years old, for free even. Is this true? If so then hallelujah

[JP171]

yes you may do so. however if your CO won't sign the paperwork your stuck Pirvate

[jkurtz]

I was 20 when I got my CHL. I was active duty at the time, not National Guard, but nothing required a signature from anyone in my chain of command.

[Hunter12]

I was 20 when I got my CHL. I was active duty at the time, not National Guard, but nothing required a signature from anyone in my chain of command.

Neat, so all I need is a CAC card and I'm golden?

[gljjt]

I was 20 when I got my CHL. I was active duty at the time, not National Guard, but nothing required a signature from anyone in my chain of command.

Neat, so all I need is a CAC card and I'm golden?

I don't think it is legal to copy a CAC card. Use your current LES.

[jkurtz]

I was 20 when I got my CHL. I was active duty at the time, not National Guard, but nothing required a signature from anyone in my chain of command.

Neat, so all I need is a CAC card and I'm golden?

It 6 years ago when I got mine, so I don't remember exactly, but I believe all I needed was a copy of my ERB in order to prove service.

[Hunter12]

I was 20 when I got my CHL. I was active duty at the time, not National Guard, but nothing required a signature from anyone in my chain of command.

Neat, so all I need is a CAC card and I'm golden?

It 6 years ago when I got mine, so I don't remember exactly, but I believe all I needed was a copy of my ERB in order to prove service.

OK. How exactly do I get these documents? I haven't shipped to basic/AIT yet (start in july) and don't have a CAC card, although I am trying to figure out the process of getting one.

[JP171]

I was 20 when I got my CHL. I was active duty at the time, not National Guard, but nothing required a signature from anyone in my chain of command.

if you don't want to go thru the shooting portion you have to have a signed qual sheet, do NOT make a copy of your CAC unless you want an Article 15, use your LES

[ELB]

...
OK. How exactly do I get these documents? I haven't shipped to basic/AIT yet (start in july) ....

I came in through a different route than you, but in my experience the military will instruct you in detail on how to get your CAC and other documentation once you get to your first reporting station. I am guessing you have signed the enlistment documents, and are waiting on your slot? You can check with whoever you signed up with, recruiter or whoever, but if it were me I would get through basic at least and then pursue the LTC.

One other hint from an old retired military guy -- SAVE a copy of every document they give you, from your enlistment papers to your medical records, every thing. Have electronic ones printed out periodically to catch updates. You have no idea where you will end up in 20 years, whether you stay in or not, but those documents come in handy from time to time, and it is a lot easier to pull a copy out of your safe deposit box than to try to track them down in the military archives years later! you will be busy, but mail them home to your parents or someone else you trust and have them put in a safety deposit box.

Good on you for signing up, and good luck.

[ScottDLS]

Oh yeah, and like they told me 32 years ago when I filled out the forms....write clearly...if they misspell anything or get it wrong it's easier to just consider the mistake your new name or birthday or whatever...

[ELB]

Oh yeah, and like they told me 32 years ago when I filled out the forms....write clearly...if they misspell anything or get it wrong it's easier to just consider the mistake your new name or birthday or whatever...

True story, told to me personally by the man involved - he was one of my subordinates: He joined the USAF in the early 60s, and his last name was Oaks. But when he got to Lackland, his entry paperwork somehow had it "Oakes." He said he pointed out to his TI "that's not how my name is spelled." He said his TI barked back at him "WELL IT IS NOW!" He was just a very young country boy from the mountains of West Virginia and didn't feel like challenging it any further.

He completed his enlistment as "Oakes", and when he joined the federal civil service immediately afterward he kept the spelling because all his military paperwork had it that way. He retired from civil service around 2000 or so still as "Mr. Oakes."

Oaks or Oakes, he was the most dedicated, selfless civil servant I ever ran across, a very fine man.

[jkurtz]

I was 20 when I got my CHL. I was active duty at the time, not National Guard, but nothing required a signature from anyone in my chain of command.

Neat, so all I need is a CAC card and I'm golden?

It 6 years ago when I got mine, so I don't remember exactly, but I believe all I needed was a copy of my ERB in order to prove service.

OK. How exactly do I get these documents? I haven't shipped to basic/AIT yet (start in july) and don't have a CAC card, although I am trying to figure out the process of getting one.

You can access your ERB through AKO. I am pretty sure you want actually have one until you are in basic though.

[JP171]

Jkurtz he can't get into an AKO account till he gets his CAC. I think he is done for now and stuck like chuck

[jkurtz]

Jkurtz he can't get into an AKO account till he gets his CAC. I think he is done for now and stuck like chuck

I enlisted under the Delayed Entry Program. My recruiter, or MEPS (I don't recall) created me an AKO account. I wasn't able to sign on with a CAC because I didn't have one, but I could access it using my .mil email address and password. Since I hadnt actually done anything yet, I didn't have an ERB or anything else to view, but I could sign on and use the email feature. Since the OP is doing National Guard rather than the active component, he may attend drills prior to his BCT date. If so, he may receive a CAC before going anywhere. In that case, he probably still won't have an ERB, but may be able to use a memorandum from his CO on official letterhead. Ultimately, I think his best bet is to just wait until after he finishes BCT and AIT.

[Hunter12]

Thank you all for your help. I have a better understanding of where I'm at right now. So as it stands, I cannot get a CHL until I get an ERB or LES in which I need an AKO for, and to get that I need a CAC card. An arduous process for sure but that's the gist of it right?