How to Join the National Guard

The National Guard traces its roots to 1775 when the Minutemen ran to the defense of liberty at Lexington and Concord. Today, thousands of Americans remain ready to serve their country through their membership in the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• Computers
• Spiral Notebooks
• Career Counseling
• Academic Counselings
• Pens And Pencils
• Internet Explorer
• Internet Explorer
• Online Career Search
• Desert Storm: Original Air Footage Videos
• U.S. Army In Action Videos
• The Wild Blue Yonder: The USAF Video

1. Make your decision to enlist only after reviewing your options carefully.

2. Use the Internet. No better resource exists to learn about your opportunities in the National Guard.

3. Examine your attitude toward the military's ultimate purpose - defending our national interests through warfare. Every soldier, including the noncombatant, is dedicated to that purpose.

4. Remember that, while the National Guard plays a vital part in the nation's defense, it also is called upon to serve during civil emergencies and natural disasters.

5. Discuss your interest in the National Guard with someone who is serving or has served in the Guard, such as a relative or friend.

6. Listen closely to their personal experiences.

7. Understand that enlisting in the Guard means a minimum of one weekend a month and two weeks a year away from family and friends.

8. Remember, too, Guard members are subject to call-up with little or no notice.

9. Visit a National Guard recruiter at your local community armory or at an Air National Guard installation.

10. Take notes.

11. Ask for literature.

12. Remember, recruiters have quotas, but you have a right to all the information you need to make an informed decision.

13. Make sure you clearly specify your desire to seek assignment to a particular military occupation specialty. Choices will include combat arms, combat support, combat service support, military police and intelligence, communications, medical and administrative/personnel.

14. Ask what must be done to assure assignment to preferred training.

15. Remember, you must pass physical tests and a drug screening.

16. Be prepared, too, for a criminal background check.

17. Make no legal commitment until you're absolutely sure of your decision to join.

Tips & Warnings

• According to official records, "The Army National Guard has units in 2,700 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Air National Guard has 88 flying units at more than 170 installations nationwide."
• Your basic training and advanced training can be split over two summers so that you can continue your education schedule without serious interruption.
• You can be successful in the National Guard by approaching every assignment with the idea of doing your best.
• Rapid promotion comes only to those who work hard.
• The National Guard offers money for your college education through the Montgomery GI Bill. Some states will even pay 100 percent of your tuition costs if you enroll at a state university or college.
• The National Guard strives to be a drug-free environment. Expect regular drug screening.
• The Army National Guard is based in the community. You can join your local unit or a unit in a nearby community. Air National Guard units are generally headquartered at U.S. Air Force bases and airports.
• You must have parental permission to join the National Guard at age 17. You can join at that age and take basic training during summer vacation between your junior and senior years.

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[imakillerr]

on 4/17/2009 If you live in Indiana, you can always call my recruiter. His name is Sergeant Mills and he's the best recruiter I know! His number is [phone].

[kojak911]

on 2/24/2009 check out http://www.goarmyrecruiting.com to learn more about this exciting job!

[SgtDavis]

on 5/17/2007 The Air National Guard is very simular and as a recruiter for the New York Air National Guard I appreciate the differances in the Army & Air National Guard. As a prior member of the Army National Guard Im amazed at the differant positives and negatives between the 2 services. Hardcore warrior type people tend to go Army not realizing that the Air National Guard has some very specialized Units like pararescue and combat control. Find out more by calling me at 518-344-2455 or emailing me at [e-mail] AGR Jobs can be found at www.agrjob.com and military videos are always fun to watch at www.militaryvideos.tv

on 11/22/2005 Inital Training is with regular Army, whcih are active duty personnel. If you have a desire to strive for perfection and truly believe in the tasks at hand, you may want more. After I enlisted with the National Guard and rec'd training, I wanted nothing more than to stary with the active duty military. However, my contract obligation was initially to the National Guard. If you are young, high speed, fully motivated, in shape and have some smarts, then consider active duty. You will receive more training opportunities different schools and it tends to be more professional. In closing, educate yourself by spending a drill with the National Guard, and if you can, try to spend a day shadowing an active duty soldier and make your assessment from there.