National Guard Questions and Answers for Parents

Do you have a child who is interested in joining the National Guard? As a parent you have the right to be concerned. While you want to encourage your child it is only natural to be concerned if he/she is interested in joining the military.

Parents who want more information on the National Guard can click here to request a free packet. This will help you better understand the Guard and how your child will fit in.

Just like anything, you will feel better about your child?s decision to join the National Guard once you have more information.

Below are common questions asked by parents:

How long will my child serve in the National Guard?

With many different enlistment options this is a difficult question to answer. Generally speaking, the total enlistment period is eight years. For example, your child may service actively for three years and then finish out their term in the Individual Ready Reserve.

It is important for your child to speak with a recruiter about each and every enlistment option. Remember this: most National Guard service is completed one weekend a month along with two weeks throughout the year.

When will my child leave for training?

Upon enrolling in the National Guard it takes at least two weeks for all the paperwork to be processed. For this reason, among others, it could take anywhere from two weeks to a full year for your child to leave for training.

If their ship date is more than a month away they are required to attend Recruit Sustainment Program ? this is a weekend long course that is attended once per month until the start of Basic Training.

Basic Training is a 10 week course that focuses on both mental and physical training. During this time recruits develop Soldier skills as well as values that will help them succeed in the Guard.

Will my child be deployed?

The National Guard serves on both the state and federal level. For this reason, your child could be deployed at some time during their enrollment. That being said, this is far from guaranteed. When needed, National Guard units are sent overseas. Fortunately, all troops in the Guard receive the training necessary to serve their country.

Why would my child choose the National Guard instead of another branch of the military?

This is a matter of personal preference. Some people are interested in the National Guard, while others consider the Army, Navy, or Air Force.

The main benefit of becoming a member of the National Guard is that your child has a good chance of training and serving in their local community. When you add in the education and career benefits of serving in the National Guard, it is easy to see why your child may choose this branch of the military.

Can I stay in touch with my child during Basic Training?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. All trainees are kept extremely busy during their 10 week training course. For this reason, there is no time to communicate with family members or friends via email or telephone. Of course, if an emergency comes up and you need to contact your child you can do so via email, telephone, or mail.

These are a few of the most common questions asked by parents of children who are interested in joining the National Guard. If you can think of any others, your child should be able to get an answer for you.

While it is good that you are concerned with the choices that your child is making, don?t attempt to talk them out of joining the National Guard. This is a great way to serve the country while taking advantage of a variety of benefits that will better their life now and in the future.