CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Ga., Jan. 27, 2012 – When Sgt. Jose Castro joined the Puerto Rico National Guard in 1995, he chose 91 Juliet (chemical equipment repairer) as the military occupational specialty (MOS) for his career.

Sergeant Castro’s desire to join the National Guard began at an early age. Having always wanted to serve, he took advantage of an opportunity that arose in Puerto Rico. In 2000, Castro moved to Georgia and now continues his career as a 91 J with the 138th Chemical Company.

“The armed forces always got my attention,” Castro said. “At that moment in time I needed a different feel for the work, and it seemed like a good time to join the Guard.”

Castro, who lives in Bartow County, says he thought the job sounded interesting. Originally, he was offered three different MOS opportunities, and ended up choosing 91 J because of the experience he would gain working with the many types of equipment.

“I love my job because I’m always learning new things and doing something different,” Castro said. “There is such a wide variety of equipment with which to work.”

Castro received training at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. It was during this 13-week training that he learned how to fix, maintain and operate the equipment with which he would be working.

“I took extra classes to help me understand the equipment as much as possible,” Castro said. “By educating myself about what I was working with, I helped ensure a safe and easy transition into my career with the Guard.”

He admits his work can be intense at times due to the nature of the equipment and the importance of its role in properly decontaminating and protecting his environment.

Normally, Castro’s MOS has four or more people working together in a unit, but at the moment he is currently working on his own. While he enjoys his work, he hopes to one day become a warrant officer, a goal he says stems from his desire to continue learning as much as possible and grow in the Guard.

“I always take any opportunity to advance in my career and learn more every day,” Castro stated.

Along with the on-the-job training he received, his career with the 138th has also taught him how to adjust his civilian life to the situational changes that accompany a career with the Guard.

“I learned how to manage these different types of situations, and by multitasking I am able to complete my job duties and handle any situation effectively,” Castro said.

Castro likes to tell people who are interested in his work to keep an open mind about what they are doing, and grow as much as possible.

“Educating oneself as often as one can is a great way to continue growing, both at work and in the civilian world,” Castro said. “My job is a real benefit to myself as well as others, and I take pride in knowing my work helps with the overall mission of the Guard.”

Story and photos by Ms. Desiree Bamba

Public Affairs Office

Georgia Department of Defense