How to Become a Commissioned Officer in the Army National Guard
There are many avenues to becoming a commissioned officer in the Army National Guard. The life of a citizen solider, or a guardsman, offers an exciting experience, good benefits, and development in various career fields for anyone who aims to serve his country, state and local community. The National Guard can be activated by the president of the United States in times of war or in international operations. At the state level, it can be activated by the governor in times of emergency or civil unrest.
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Instructions
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Contact a recruiter by visiting your local recruiting center or filling out an online form on the National Guard's website (see Resources). Your local recruiter will contact you promptly, discuss your interests, answer your questions about joining the guard and ensure you get the information you need.
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After establishing interest in joining the guard, you will undergo preliminary screening and testing to assess your eligibility. This process involves passing a medical exam, security clearance, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).
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Start Basic Combat Training (BCT). BCT is a nine-week training course that develops new recruits into soldiers. The course focuses on team-building, Army traditions and weapons and field training. Candidates who have completed ROTC, have prior military experience or graduated from a U.S. military academy do not have to attend BCT. After successfully completing BCT you will advance to the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC).
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Attend Officer Candidate School (OCS). This, the first phase of BOLC, is an intensive leadership training course that challenges you mentally and physically. OCS can be completed through one of three routes: the state OCS, the National Guard Bureau Accelerated OCS or the federal OCS. Candidates who have completed ROTC, graduated from a U.S. military academy or have a direct commission do not have to complete OCS.
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Complete Field Leadership Training, the second phase of BOLC. This involves training in a field environment executing drills in areas such as foot marching, weapons training, land navigation, confidence building, and nuclear, biological, and chemical operations. This course is designated for a time frame of six weeks and will take place at Fort Benning, Ga.; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Knox, Ky.; and Fort Sill, Okla.
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Get specialized. The third and final phase of BOLC is branch training. This phase aims to train a candidate in a variety of different specialized fields, including military intelligence, chemical corps, special forces, infantry and aviation. When this is complete, you've earned your commission as a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard.
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References
Resources
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