• 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
  • USM Shop
  • GI Bill
  • VA Loans
  • Military Scholarships
  • Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities in America

The Basics of the National Guard

May 12, 2011 By admin

Joining the National Guard is a big decision. While thousands of people make this choice every year, many shy away because they are unsure of what they are getting into. To ensure that you make the right choice it is essential to learn more about the basics of the National Guard.

For more information on the National Guard, click here to request a free information packet.

Serve your State and your Country

As a member of the National Guard you are in the unique position of serving and protecting both your state and your country. The main difference between the National Guard and other military branches is that members of the Guard are just as likely to serve at home as they are overseas.

For example, local emergencies often times call for the help of the National Guard. This can include anything from floods to wild fires and other disasters. When outside help is needed it is the National Guard that is called in for assistance.

Those who are called overseas may be forced into combat, but will most likely focus on other details such as training locals, building schools and other facilities, and acting as basic support for other branches.

In short, you never know where the National Guard is going to take you. The only thing you are sure of is that you will definitely serve locally, and may be deployed overseas at some point in time.

National Guard History

Did you know that the National Guard has been in existence since 1636? This makes it the oldest branch of the military. At the time, the Guard was comprised of everyday citizens who were willing to protect their town from outsiders.

Of course, things have changed over the past 350+ years. In today?s National Guard, soldiers hold down a job or attend college while training.

Your Commitment

If you decide to enlist in the National Guard you can choose to serve 3, 6, or 8 years ? the choice is yours. Generally speaking, your training consists of one weekend per month and two weeks a year. Those who choose 3 or 6 year enlistments will spend the rest of their time in the Guard in the Individual Ready Reserve. This means you do not train with a specific unit, but may be called upon at anytime to serve ? most likely in the event of a local emergency.

How to Learn More about the National Guard

Even though you may be more excited than ever about joining the National Guard, you need to make sure you get all your questions answered before making a final decision.

Click here if you want to receive a free National Guard packet.

For more specific questions, schedule an appointment with a local National Guard recruiter. This gives you the opportunity to discuss any questions, concerns, and other details that have been on your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

While every potential member of the National Guard has his or her own questions, there are some that are asked time and time again.

They are most often based around the following categories: Joining the Guard; National Guard Pay; Career and Job Skills; and Prior Service.

National Guard vs. Other Military Branches

Some people find that joining the National Guard is the perfect choice for them. Others are on the fence and need more information. Finally, there are some who want to consider other branches of the military, such as the Army, Air Force, or Navy, before making a final decision.

Although the National Guard has a lot to offer it is unique when compared to other branches of the military. You must make sure you are comfortable with everything from the enlistment period to your responsibilities and many other details in between.

These are some of the basics of the National Guard. If you are interested in more information you can receive detailed answers from a recruiter.

Filed Under: Top News

[related_posts_by_tax format="thumbnails" limit_posts="100" image_size="sidebar-thumbnail" public_only="true" posts_per_page="6"]

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gideon says

    May 15, 2011 at 5:26 pm

    i would like to join that

Primary Sidebar

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

Must Read: The Truth About The ASVAB Test Prep From The Man Who Wrote The Book

Kim Lengling

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

The Moving Wall: Women Who Paid The Ultimate Price For Their Country

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

Hire Military Veterans

Which Companies Are Most Likely to Hire Military Veterans?

July 30, 2018 By Ben Ehinger

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

Footer

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

Recent

  • Apache Attack Helicopter Pilot: To Maintain a Watchful Eye, “Above the Best”
  • A Few Benefits You May Not be Aware of As a Military Child
  • Experts Predict Artificial Intelligence Will Transform Warfare
  • Autobiography Compares Living Faithfully With Navy SEAL Training (BUD/S).
  • The Unraveled Pandemic Of Navy SEAL Posers

Search

© Copyright 2021 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.

​Tips
Discounts
News

​

​

Join the USMilitary.com Newsletter Today!

By subscribing you agree to our terms & conditions

x