You’ve been thinking about joining the National Guard. That urge for camaraderie, service, and adventure keeps calling your name. But where do you start? How do you know if it’s right for you? Take a deep breath. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision about enlisting in the National Guard. You’ll learn the benefits of serving part-time close to home, the over 130 career options available, and how to speak with a recruiter to get your questions answered. By the end, you’ll feel empowered to decide if joining the Guard is the next mission to bring you pride and purpose. The first step? Keep reading.
Benefits of Joining the National Guard
One of the biggest benefits of joining the National Guard is gaining valuable skills and training. The Guard will provide you with training for your specific role, preparing you to serve the community. You’ll learn skills that translate to civilian careers as well. Depending on your role, you could receive training as a mechanic, pilot, engineer, medic, and more.
Education Opportunities
The National Guard also offers outstanding education benefits. As a member, you’ll have access to the Montgomery GI Bill, tuition assistance, and student loan repayment programs. The Montgomery GI Bill provides up to $50,000 to pay for college, graduate school, and vocational/technical training programs.
Healthcare and Insurance
National Guard members are eligible for low-cost or free healthcare insurance options, including TRICARE and TRICARE Reserve Select. These provide medical and dental coverage for you and your family. Life insurance is also available at a low cost.
Retirement Benefits
After serving for 20 years, Guardsmen are eligible for retirement pay and benefits. While part-time, you can earn points toward a retirement pension and access healthcare coverage and other benefits after leaving the Guard. You’ll also gain access to programs to help in your transition back to civilian life.
Serving in the National Guard provides so many opportunities to gain valuable skills, get an education, and secure important benefits for you and your family—all while serving your community and country. It’s a rewarding experience that will benefit you for life.
National Guard Enlistment Process Step-by-Step
If joining the National Guard and serving your community interests you, the enlistment process is pretty straightforward. First, you’ll need to fill out a contact form on the National Guard website for a recruiter to reach out to you. They’ll go over the opportunities available in your state and the benefits of enlisting.
Take the ASVAB
Your next step is taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery or ASVAB. This exam determines your qualifications for certain military jobs. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds. There are practice tests available to help you prepare. Once you’ve passed the ASVAB, you can move on to the medical screening.
Complete Your Medical Exam
At your military entrance processing station or MEPS, you’ll undergo a medical exam to ensure you meet the basic health standards for enlistment. As long as you’re in reasonably good shape, you should do fine. Let your recruiter know about any medical conditions you have ahead of time.
Choose Your Military Occupational Specialty
Now for the fun part – picking your military job or MOS! With over 130 careers to choose from, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue your interests and gain valuable skills. Discuss the options with your recruiter and see what matches your ASVAB scores. Some of the most popular choices include military police, mechanic, and truck driver.
Enlist and Begin Training
After completing all the required steps, you’ll return to MEPS to take the oath of enlistment. Once enlisted, you’ll begin military training before starting your new role. Basic training or boot camp teaches you Army values, physical fitness, job skills, and more. You’ll then move on to advanced training specific to your MOS.
Congratulations, you’re now a member of the National Guard! Through part-time service close to home, you’ll gain the pride that comes from serving your community and country.
Finding a National Guard Recruiter Near You
So you’ve decided to look into joining the National Guard. Great! The first step is connecting with a recruiter in your area. Recruiters are the direct link between you and enlisting in the Guard. They will guide you through the entire enlistment process, answer any questions you have, and help you choose a military occupational specialty (MOS) that matches your skills and interests.
Search Online
The easiest way to find a National Guard recruiter near you is to go to NationalGuard.com and enter your ZIP code. This will pull up the contact information for recruiting offices in your neighborhood. Give them a call and schedule an appointment to meet with a recruiter in person. They can walk you through what it means to serve in the Guard and determine if you meet the basic qualifications.
Check Local Armories
Another option is to check with National Guard armories in your city or county. Most armories will have recruiters on site at least part time who you can speak to directly. Stop by, let them know you’re interested in learning more about the Guard, and see if someone is available to chat. Even if a recruiter isn’t there when you visit, you can get contact information to follow up and set up a meeting.
Attend a Local Event
The National Guard participates in community events across the country like county fairs, air shows, and sporting events. Look for the National Guard booth or vehicle at these events, strike up a conversation with the recruiters there and get the information you need. Events like these are a great chance to see National Guard equipment up close and personal and really get a feel for what the Guard is all about.
The key is taking that first step to connect with your local National Guard recruiter. From there, they will guide you through the enlistment process and help determine if the National Guard is the right choice for you. It could be the start of an exciting new chapter of serving your community and your country.
Preparing for Your First Meeting With a Recruiter
Meeting with an Army National Guard recruiter is an important first step to joining. To make a good impression, dress in professional, conservative attire and arrive a few minutes early. Bring copies of documents like your driver’s license, birth certificate, and social security card. Be honest in discussing your background, interests, and reasons for wanting to join.
Do Your Homework
Before the meeting, research the National Guard’s mission and opportunities so you can discuss how you might contribute. Check out the 130 career fields and see what interests you. Learn about the benefits like healthcare, tuition assistance, and retirement. Know what you want to get out of service so you can ask the recruiter specific questions.
Be Upfront
Don’t hide anything about your background or health that could affect your enlistment. Be prepared to discuss any legal issues, medical conditions, or drug use. Lying or withholding information will only create problems later in the enlistment process. The recruiter needs an accurate picture of your history to determine which opportunities you may qualify for.
Ask Good Questions
This is your chance to get answers about what to expect from National Guard service. Ask about the enlistment process, basic training, career training, deployment opportunities, and ways the National Guard can help pay for college. Find out what a typical drill weekend is like and what the time commitment is outside of drill. Get details on any signing bonuses or incentives you may be eligible for.
Making a good first impression, coming prepared with knowledge, and asking the right questions will get your enlistment process started on the right foot. Be enthusiastic about serving your community and open to the opportunities the National Guard can provide. If at the end of the meeting you feel the National Guard is the right choice for you, the recruiter can walk you through the next steps to enlistment.
Frequently Asked Questions About National Guard Enlistment
Have you been thinking about joining the National Guard but still have some questions? Here are some of the most common questions people have about enlisting and what you need to know.
How long is my enlistment?
The standard enlistment period is 8 years, but you have options to serve for either 3 or 6 years on active duty and the remaining years in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). The IRR means you can be called back to service if needed, but otherwise you can live your normal civilian life. Either way, you’ll typically serve one weekend a month and two weeks each summer for training and drill.
What are the requirements to enlist?
To join the National Guard, you must:
- Be between 17 and 35 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED. In some cases, 15 college credits can substitute.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Meet basic medical, moral, and physical requirements
What benefits do I receive?
The National Guard offers many benefits for part-time service:
- Healthcare insurance for you and your family
- Tuition assistance and student loan repayment
- Life insurance
- Retirement pension and benefits
- Discounts and allowances at many restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues
Will I be deployed?
As a National Guard member, you can be deployed for state or federal missions, including combat operations overseas. However, the likelihood of deployment depends on your military occupational specialty (MOS) or job. Combat roles like infantry have a higher chance of deployment than support roles like administration or logistics. When not deployed, you serve part-time in your local community.
The National Guard offers the opportunity to serve your community and country while still living a civilian life. By understanding the requirements, benefits, and what to expect, you can make an informed choice about enlisting. Speaking with a recruiter is the best way to get your questions answered and start the process of joining this branch of the U.S. armed forces.
Conclusion
So there you have it. The National Guard offers a unique opportunity to serve your community and country while pursuing your civilian career or education. With benefits like tuition assistance, skills training, and financial incentives, you can achieve your goals while making a difference locally when disasters strike. If you’re seeking camaraderie, pride in service, and part-time military commitment, explore joining the National Guard today. Speak with a recruiter to learn more and see if it’s the right fit for you. Serving close to home while gaining transferable skills and experiences—the Guard opens up possibilities.