How to Get Into the Army National Guard

The National Guard offers enlistees benefits similar to those for active-duty soldiers.

Joining the Army National Guard provides you with military experience on a part-time basis. Army National Guard enlistees are required to dedicate one weekend per month plus two weeks each year for duty. This allows time for your career and other endeavors. Joining the National Guard has certain requirements, and you must be physically and mentally prepared to handle the challenge.

Instructions

1. Ensure that you meet the requirements to join the Army National Guard. The Army National Guard requires you to be a minimum of 17 and a maximum of 34 years old. If you are under 18, you will have to receive parental consent before joining. You must have a high school diploma or GED and cannot have any major criminal convictions on your record.

2. Contact a recruiter in your area who will help you to join the National Guard. A recruiter can be located by accessing the National Guard's website and inputting your Zip code or other contact information. The recruiter will answer any questions and respond to any concerns you may have and will prepare you for the testing and physical requirements.

3. Prepare for and take the ASVAB. The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a test that measures your proficiency in math, reading comprehension, vocabulary and other areas. Your score determines career eligibility and acceptance into the National Guard. Purchase a study guide for the ASVAB so you can score as high as possible. The better your score, the more jobs that will be available to you.

4. Visit a MEPS (military entrance processing station) to obtain a physical. The MEPS may collect blood and urine samples and perform hearing and eyesight testing. The physical exam is to make sure that you are able to adapt to the military environment, perform your duties and finish boot camp training. The physical also will check for any potential diseases that could place other soldiers at risk. The ASVAB may be taken here if you have not taken it already.

5. Speak with a National Guard representative who will discuss your job options. Then you are ready to enlist, which means you take an oath to join the Army National Guard. After enlistment, you may be given a date to go to boot camp, which is training to prepare you for the transition from being a civilian to a soldier.

References

• Militaryspot: Join the National Guard
• Militaryspot: Process National Guard