Three Important National Guard Career FAQs

It is one thing to be interested in the National Guard. It is another thing entirely to get involved with the career path that you are truly interested in. There are multiple career opportunities within the Guard, some of which are going to be better for you than others.

Regardless of who you are, it is important to speak with a National Guard recruiter about available career opportunities. This is the best way to not only learn more about the Guard, but to ask any questions, pertaining to career options, that may be on your mind.

Below are several common National Guard questions, all of which are related to career choices:

How do I become an officer in the National Guard?

There are several ways to accomplish this goal. If you are a college student, for example, you can get involved with the ROTC program. If you are already enlisted, your best bet is to attend Officer Candidate School.

Note: if you have special skills, such as training as a chaplain or attorney, you may qualify for direct commission.

How long will I have to train for my National Guard job?

This depends on your chosen field. Some careers only require 6 to 9 weeks of training. However, there are those that call for training of one year or longer. This is a point to discuss with your recruiter, ensuring that you don?t select a job that requires training that you are uncomfortable with.

Is there an age limit for becoming an officer?

If you want to become an officer in the National Guard there are age requirements to be aware of. You must be at least 18 years of age but no older than 41. There is one exception. If you work in the medical profession, you can be as old as 60 and still qualify.

Do you have any other career questions regarding the National Guard? If so, your recruiter can address these questions while helping you move forward in the best way possible.