How to Enlist in the Army National Guard
The Army National Guard is an opportunity to serve your country while attending school or even working at another job. After you complete your training, expect to train two full weeks every year, plus one weekend per month. When the National Guard calls you to duty, you may find yourself helping flood victims in the United States or assisting with anti-terrorism efforts on the other side of the globe. The first step to enlist is to contact a recruiter. He can confirm whether you are eligible to enlist and discuss your options.
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Instructions
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Talk to a National Guard recruiter in your area. Your local recruiter can help you decide the best options for you and whether you qualify to enlist. If you are unsure how to find or contact your local recruiter, fill out the "Pre-Qualification Form" on the National Guard's website and request that a representative contact you. Filling out this form does not obligate you to join.
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Graduate high school or obtain your GED if you have not done so already. The National Guard can help you get your GED with the GED Plus Program. This allows you to enlist and earn your GED while you begin training.
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Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery exam. This 3 1/2-hour test evaluates your knowledge in eight different subject areas, including general science, electronics, word knowledge and mathematics. Take practice ASVAB tests to prepare for the exam. A high score an increase your opportunities for growth in the National Guard.
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Consult your local recruiter about the terms of your enlistment. A National Guard enlistment is always eight years. You may sign up to serve actively for either three or six years and opt to spend the rest of your enlistment in Individual Ready Reserve. If you are in IRR, you will no longer train with your unit, but you can be called upon to serve in an emergency.
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Undergo a physical examination. Your local recruiter can give you a list of doctors qualified to perform this examination for the National Guard.
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Select a military occupation specialty, or MOS, with the help of your recruiter. Think of your MOS as your job title within the National Guard. Specialties in aviation, logistics support, medical care and even public affairs are just a few of the jobs available.
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Sign your enlistment papers and confirm your ship date for basic combat training with your local recruiter.
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Take the National Guard oath of enlistment.
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Attend the Recruit Sustainment Program in the time you have left before basic combat training, which may be several weeks or several months. The Recruit Sustainment Program is a program to help prepare you for basic combat training. Spend your weekends at the program studying military terminology, training in drills and learning how to interact with ranking National Guardsmen. If you have enough time before basic combat training, you'll also start learning how to disassemble and assemble weapons, wear your uniform and train in tactics.
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Tips & Warnings
Potential National Guard recruits must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents between 17 and 35 years old without any disqualifying medical conditions. Special exemptions may be available for those older than 35 who have prior military service or certain skills.
