• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

US Military

  • Branches
    • Army
    • Navy
    • Air Force
    • Marine Corps
    • Coast Guard
    • National Guard
    • Air National Guard
    • Find A Recruiter
  • Find A Recruiter
  • Military Benefits
    • GI Bill
    • VA Loans
    • Military Scholarships
    • Military Friendly Colleges
    • Money
  • Jobs
    • Military Pay Chart
    • Veteran Jobs
    • Civilian Jobs
  • VA Loan Rates
  • Military News
    • Top News
    • Benefits
    • Careers
    • Education
    • Featured Columnists
      • Larry Fowler
      • Scott Ostrow
      • Kim Lengling
      • Dr. Sasha Toperich
      • Rick Stewart
  • GI Bill
  • VA Loans
  • Military Scholarships
  • Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities in America

How to Join the National Guard

April 4, 2011 By admin

Just because you have an interest in joining the National Guard does not necessarily mean that this is the best decision for you. Even if you know you want to serve your country, there are other branches of the military to consider.

For a better idea of what the National Guard has to offer, click here to request additional information.

Do I Qualify?

Before you decide that the National Guard is right for you, it makes good sense to determine if you are eligible to join. The last thing you want is to get excited, just to find that you are not qualified to join the Guard.

To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Be between the age of 17 and 35. The only exception to this rule is if you have prior military experience, or a specialty skill such as attorney, chaplain, or medical professional.

2. Be a United States citizen.

3. Be a permanent resident alien.

4. Meet medical requirements, including height and weight.

As a member of the National Guard you need to be in top notch shape. This includes falling within the acceptable height and weight range.

Education Requirements

In addition to physical and age requirements, there are education requirements to be aware of. Most states require that you have at least a high school diploma, or that you are on track to graduate on time.

Note: every state has its own requirements for education. Check with a local National Guard recruiter for more information on your state?s education requirements.

Do you know anything about Split Training? In short, this allows you to join the National Guard while you are still attending high school. Along with this, there is also a GED program that gives you the chance to earn your GED so that you are able to enlist.

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery

Before joining the National Guard you are required to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test ? there is no way around this. This test measures your skills in eight areas including electronics, word knowledge, math, science, and mechanics among others. The main goal of this exam is to help you find the National Guard career that is best for you.

What do I do now?

If you are still interested in joining the National Guard and feel that you qualify, there are a few more things you need to do.

1. Get in touch with your local National Guard recruiter. During this time you should be thinking about what you want to ask your recruiter and how he/she can help you make the best decision at the present time.

Just because you meet with a recruiter does not mean you have to join the Guard. This is an informational session during which you can learn more about yourself and the opportunities that lie ahead.

2. If after meeting with a recruiter you still think the National Guard is right for you, it is time to schedule a time to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery exam. While most people hate taking tests, this is one that you should enjoy. It will give you the chance to learn more about yourself, while getting a better idea of which career path suits you best.

3. Enlist in the National Guard. Once you are 100 percent sure that this is what you want to do, it is time to sign your enlistment papers and move forward. You are getting close to finishing the process, but still need to take care of a few more details. These include: scheduling a physical exam; deciding on a ship date for your Basic Combat Training; deciding on a career/job; approve any bonuses that come along with your job selection; and take the Oath of Enlistment.

4. Recruitment Sustainment Program. The day that you leave for Basic Combat Training is based on your job selection. You may ship out in a couple of weeks; you may ship out in a few months. Until you ship for training you are required to attend Recruitment Sustainment Program one weekend a month. This will teach you more about the structure and rules of the National Guard. Along with this, you will start your classroom and fitness related training.

5. Time to leave for Basic Combat Training. Soon enough your ship date will arrive and you will be well on your way. After 10 weeks of training you will realize that you are a better person, both mentally and physically. From here, you will move onto Advanced Individual Training based on your career path.

Once you go through all these steps and your training is complete, you are ready to serve your country. On top of this, you will be working a job that suits your personality and interests ? how many people can say that?

If you have a strong interest in joining the National Guard you should find this information interesting. Once you are ready to make a commitment, follow the steps above.

In no time at all you will be proud of your status as a new member of the National Guard!

Filed Under: Careers

Recent Posts

  • How Was Military Time Created And Why?
  • The Best 5 US Military Bases In The World
  • Congrats To Recent Graduates And Is The Military A Great Place For Young People Today
  • The Best Jobs in the United States Army
  • Top 5  Military Home Loans for Active Duty Service Members
VA Loans

Primary Sidebar

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE

USMilitary.com is a privately owned website and is NOT AFFILIATED (or endorsed) with the U.S. GOVERNMENT, U.S. ARMED FORCES, or DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS

USMilitary.com Career Guide

Sign up to receive USMilitary.com email updates and to hear what's going on with all military branches!

Featured Columnists

Larry Fowler

Larry Fowler is the publisher of USMilitary.com Network one of America's premier privately owned

Autobiography Compares Living Faithfully With Navy SEAL Training (BUD/S).

Scott Ostrow

Lt Col (Dr.) Scott A. Ostrow retired from the Air Force in September 2005 and has been teaching

Congrats To Recent Graduates And Is The Military A Great Place For Young People Today

Kim Lengling

Kim Lengling is a Air Force Veteran whose passion is to help support veterans and their

This Memorial Day: The Knock On The Door

Dr. Sasha Toperich

Dr. Sasha Toperich is the Senior Executive Vice President at Transatlantic Leadership

Sarraj’s Dangerous Dance With Power

Rick Stewart

Rick Stewart is a former United States Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE)

Announcing American Patriots Unsung Magazine

Nathan B. Nelson

Capt (ret) Nathan B. Nelson is the Director of Military Affairs for the 1st Congressional district

Three Critical Considerations for Every Veteran Prior to Leaving Active Duty

Laquan Daniels

Laquan Daniel is a military recruiting expert with over 17 years of specialized experience in the

Important News For Military Transitioning Veterans

Veteran Buzz

High-Paying Jobs for Military Veterans

5 High-Paying Jobs for Military Veterans

July 2, 2018 By Ben Ehinger

High Paying Jobs Not Requiring a Degree

June 28, 2018 By Ben Ehinger

7 Best Military Careers That Lead To High Paying Civilian Jobs

June 10, 2018 By larryf

VA Loans

Footer

  • Advertise With Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Write For US
  • Link to Us

Recent

  • How Was Military Time Created And Why?
  • The Best 5 US Military Bases In The World
  • Congrats To Recent Graduates And Is The Military A Great Place For Young People Today
  • The Best Jobs in the United States Army
  • Top 5  Military Home Loans for Active Duty Service Members

Search

© Copyright 2022 USMillitary
Web Design by Goebel Media Group


THIS IS A PRIVATE WEBSITE THAT IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, U.S. ARMED FORCES, OR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES HAVE NOT REVIEWED THIS INFORMATION. THIS SITE IS NOT CONNECTED WITH ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY.