Army National Guard Enlistment Regulations
Enlistment into the Army National Guard is governed by many of the same policies, criteria and regulations to those of the regular Army. These criteria exist in order to maintain a ready and capable reserve force that is being asked to increasingly perform many of the same tasks as the active duty Army.
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Age
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You must be at least 17 years old and no older than 41. While there may be cases where the maximum age can be waived, this is generally not possible due to the high physical demands placed on soldiers regardless of their military occupational specialty (MOS). If you wish to join at the age of 17 you need parental consent.
U.S. Residency and Citzenship
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If you hope to enlist, you must hold at least a U.S. residency. Unless special programs are in place for critical skills and professionals, those without at least a "Green Card" will be unable to enlist. Additionally for certain jobs such as intelligence that requires a security clearance or are otherwise sensitive in nature, U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
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Health and Fitness
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Another criteria is that you be in good health and possess general physical fitness. While the fitness aspect can be rather flexible given that physical conditioning will be conducted at basic combat training, the ability to do at least a minimum of push-ups, sit-ups and running two miles is necessary.
Those who have had many medical issues in the past or who currently suffer from health issues that are debilitating in any way, will usually not be allowed to enlist. This includes extensive broken bones, problems with joints or knees, a history of cancer, HIV infection and many other issues that would make it problematic to serve and perform highly physical tasks under stress for potentially long periods of time.
Additionally, enlistees must meet certain basic height and weight standards that are also factored in as part of overall health and fitness qualifications.
Moral standing
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You must demonstrate "good moral standing," meaning that you have no history of immoral or unethical behavior. This is deemed necessary given the high standards expected of soldiers, who may be asked to take a life or make the ultimate sacrifice. Those who have criminal convictions such as misdemeanors and felonies are usually barred from enlistment unless it can be shown they have taken steps to reform. Even those with excessive debts and financial delinquencies may be barred if they have not taken steps to remedy their situation.
Education
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Enlistment into the National Guard usually requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Those who are 17 years old and still in high school may join under what is generally called "split option," where one half of basic training is done in the summer of the junior year and the rest after graduation. For those seeking to become commissioned officers further educational requirements such as a bachelor's degree are usually necessary.
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