- The Army National Guard offers training to enlisted personnel once they have completed nine weeks of basic training. According to NationalGuard.com, personnel interested in pursuing a medical role may choose a Military Occupational Specialty in one of 15 medical categories. The amount of time spent in Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for each position varies from four to 52 weeks, with that time spent both in a classroom and in the field.
- Each medical specialist position serves a different role within the National Guard. As a branch of the military, the overriding function and duty for all guardsmen is to serve and defend the country. National Guard medical specialists do this by providing the relevant medical care and services to active duty troops and other National Guardsmen.
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Medical specialists serve in a number of capacities and venues. Medical facility-based specialist roles---where personnel will help sick or injured soldiers, at times when Army doctors aren't available---include operating room, patient administration, medical logistics, medical laboratory, radiology, preventative medicine, health care or respiratory specialist, according to NationalGuard.com.
Roles are also available in optical laboratory, pharmacy, dental, mental health or nutrition care, with specialists providing preventative treatment and supplies or on-going services. Animal lovers can pursue training as veterinary food inspection or animal care specialists, working with "government-owned patrol dogs, ceremonial horses, sled dogs and sea mammals," says NationalGuard.com. In many such roles, personnel who excel may become advanced level specialists, leading to supervisory and teaching duties. - When deciding which Army National Guard medical specialist job would work best for you, consider the level of training required. For example, after completion of basic training, an additional 19 weeks of Advanced Individual Training is needed to become an operating room specialist. A nutrition care specialist is required to spend nine to 14 weeks in AIT, which includes instruction in food preparation. To become a radiology specialist, it takes 46 weeks of classes and training on radiology equipment. The more intense and technical the duties are, the longer and more rigorous the training period.
- Being an Army National Guard medical specialist can prepare you for a civilian career when you end your term of service. For example, operating room specialists can become physician's assistants, medical assistants or medication aides. Nutrition care specialists can enjoy post-military careers as chefs, meat cutters, butchers or bakers, says NationalGuard.com.
