5 Ways Join National Guard

Joining the National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging career path that offers a wide range of benefits, including education assistance, career training, and the opportunity to serve your country. If you're considering joining the National Guard, here are five ways to get started:

The National Guard is a unique branch of the military that allows you to serve part-time, typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year, while also pursuing a civilian career. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to serve their country but also have other commitments, such as family or work obligations. With its rich history and diverse range of career fields, the National Guard is an excellent choice for individuals looking to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Joining the National Guard can also provide you with valuable skills and experience that can be applied to your civilian career. Whether you're interested in healthcare, engineering, or communications, the National Guard has a wide range of career fields to choose from. Additionally, the National Guard offers excellent education benefits, including tuition assistance and the GI Bill, which can help you pay for college or vocational training. With its flexible schedule and numerous benefits, joining the National Guard is an excellent way to serve your country while also advancing your education and career.

Understanding the National Guard

To join the National Guard, it's essential to understand what the National Guard is and what it does. The National Guard is a reserve component of the US military that is made up of citizen-soldiers who serve part-time. The National Guard has two main components: the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. Each component has its own unique mission and career fields, but both share the common goal of serving and protecting their communities.

The National Guard is often called upon to respond to natural disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires, and to support military operations overseas. National Guard members may also be deployed to support homeland security missions, such as border security and cybersecurity. With its diverse range of missions and career fields, the National Guard is an excellent choice for individuals who want to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Benefits of Joining the National Guard

The benefits of joining the National Guard are numerous and include education assistance, career training, and the opportunity to serve your country. National Guard members are also eligible for a wide range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement benefits, and access to on-base facilities such as gyms and commissaries. Additionally, National Guard members may be eligible for state-specific benefits, such as tuition waivers and job protection.

Meeting the Basic Requirements

Basic requirements for joining the National Guard

To join the National Guard, you must meet certain basic requirements. These requirements include being a US citizen or permanent resident, being between the ages of 17 and 35, and meeting certain physical and medical standards. You must also have a high school diploma or equivalent and score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.

The ASVAB test is a multiple-choice test that measures your aptitude in various subjects, such as math, science, and language. The test is used to determine your eligibility for certain career fields and to identify your strengths and weaknesses. To prepare for the ASVAB test, you can study online or take a practice test at a local recruiting office.

Choosing a Career Field

Once you've met the basic requirements, you'll need to choose a career field. The National Guard has a wide range of career fields to choose from, including infantry, engineering, and healthcare. You can research different career fields online or speak with a recruiter to learn more about the options available.

When choosing a career field, consider your interests, skills, and long-term goals. You should also consider the level of education and training required for each career field, as well as the potential for advancement and deployment. With its diverse range of career fields, the National Guard is an excellent choice for individuals who want to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Enlisting in the National Guard

To enlist in the National Guard, you'll need to visit a local recruiting office and speak with a recruiter. The recruiter will guide you through the enlistment process, which includes taking the ASVAB test, undergoing a physical exam, and completing paperwork.

You'll also need to choose a career field and enlistment option. The National Guard offers several enlistment options, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Army National Guard's Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) program. Each option has its own benefits and requirements, so be sure to research and understand the terms of your enlistment contract.

Officer Candidate School

If you have a college degree or are pursuing a degree, you may be eligible for Officer Candidate School (OCS). OCS is a training program that prepares you to become a commissioned officer in the National Guard. To be eligible for OCS, you must meet certain requirements, such as having a bachelor's degree and meeting certain physical and medical standards.

OCS is a challenging and rewarding program that provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to lead and serve as a commissioned officer. The program typically lasts several months and includes training in leadership, tactics, and military protocol. With its emphasis on leadership and development, OCS is an excellent choice for individuals who want to advance their careers and make a difference in their communities.

Training and Deployment

After enlisting in the National Guard, you'll attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). BCT is a 10-week training program that teaches you the basics of military service, including first aid, map reading, and combat skills.

AIT is a training program that teaches you the skills you need for your specific career field. The length and content of AIT vary depending on your career field, but most programs last several weeks or months. After completing BCT and AIT, you'll return to your unit and begin drilling one weekend a month and two weeks a year.

As a National Guard member, you may be deployed to support military operations overseas or to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. Deployment can be challenging and requires a high level of physical and mental fitness. However, it also provides you with the opportunity to serve your country and make a difference in the world.

Staying Fit and Prepared

To stay fit and prepared for deployment, you'll need to maintain a high level of physical fitness and attend regular training exercises. The National Guard offers a wide range of fitness programs and resources to help you stay in shape, including gym facilities and fitness classes.

You'll also need to stay up-to-date on the latest military protocols and procedures, which includes attending regular training exercises and drills. With its emphasis on fitness and preparedness, the National Guard is an excellent choice for individuals who want to challenge themselves and make a difference in their communities.

Gallery of National Guard Images

National Guard Image Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of joining the National Guard?

The benefits of joining the National Guard include education assistance, career training, and the opportunity to serve your country. National Guard members are also eligible for a wide range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement benefits, and access to on-base facilities such as gyms and commissaries.

What are the requirements for joining the National Guard?

To join the National Guard, you must meet certain basic requirements, including being a US citizen or permanent resident, being between the ages of 17 and 35, and meeting certain physical and medical standards. You must also have a high school diploma or equivalent and score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.

What career fields are available in the National Guard?

The National Guard has a wide range of career fields to choose from, including infantry, engineering, and healthcare. You can research different career fields online or speak with a recruiter to learn more about the options available.

How long does it take to complete Basic Combat Training (BCT)?

Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a 10-week training program that teaches you the basics of military service, including first aid, map reading, and combat skills.

Can I join the National Guard if I have a college degree?

Yes, you can join the National Guard if you have a college degree. In fact, the National Guard offers several programs for college graduates, including Officer Candidate School (OCS) and the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) program.

In conclusion, joining the National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging career path that offers a wide range of benefits, including education assistance, career training, and the opportunity to serve your country. If you're considering joining the National Guard, we encourage you to research the different career fields and enlistment options available and to speak with a recruiter to learn more about the process. With its diverse range of career fields and numerous benefits, the National Guard is an excellent choice for individuals who want to make a difference in their communities and beyond. We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with us and to learn more about the National Guard and its mission to serve and protect our nation.