How often will I have to attend training?
What will I do during a training weekend?
What about high school activities that fall on training weekends?
What does basic training consist of?
What jobs are available in the National Guard?
How long is my job training?
What qualifications must I meet to join the Army National Guard?

How often will I have to attend training?
National Guard members are required to attend one training (drill) weekend each month and one annual training period (usually two weeks in the summer) each year. Weekend drills usually consist of attending on Saturday and Sunday, but can occasionally include reporting for duty on Friday night.

What will I do during a training weekend?
Whether an infantry unit, combat engineer unit or the Army Band, each unit will train with a mission in mind. Examples could be a mechanic who would perform maintenance on vehicles and equipment, or a Soldier training in the electronics field. There are also opportunities to cross-train in other fields.

Each weekend may consist of different training exercises. During annual training, everything you learned during the past year is tested.

What about high school activities that fall on training weekends?
The Guard understands there may be events you will need to participate in while you are in high school. The most common is high school sporting events. The Guard welcomes high school athletes because of the examples that they set. Not only will the members be drug-free, but they are also great team players who are goal oriented.

As with any job, a member needs prior approval from his or her supervisor for time off...that's it!

What does Basic Training consist of?
A new Soldier without prior military experience will attend nine weeks of Basic Combat Training (BCT). He or she will also attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to learn his or her job specialty, lasting five to thirteen weeks on average.

There is no experience quite like Basic Training. Although it is not as shown in the movies, Basic can be the most challenging, yet most rewarding period of your life. Most Soldiers returning from Basic Training will tell you that they actually enjoyed it.

Mixed in with the yelling and the screaming, there will be many things you truly enjoy. You will attend classes on military history and rank structure. You will learn how to properly shoot the M16 service rifle and throw hand grenades. Drill sergeants will teach you how to march like a Soldier and how to properly wear the uniform. The most important thing you will learn is how to work as a team. Those are just the starters.

You will be proud of your accomplishments when you graduate from Basic Combat Training. Your family and friends will notice the change in you. That change is forever!

What jobs are available in the National Guard?
The Army National Guard offers a large selection of specialties (MOS's) ranging from infantry to band member. Different MOS's have different qualifications, and your recruiter can help you determine which MOS would be best suited for you. Click here to view a list of MOS's.

How long is my job training?
The length of your job training (the National Guard calls it Advanced Individual Training or AIT) depends on the job specialty you choose. Typical class lengths range from 5 to 16 weeks.

What qualifications must I meet to join the Army National Guard?
The Army National Guard is like most employers; it places certain qualifications on those who wish to join. Because of the unique and often demanding aspects of the National Guard, applicants must meet strict qualification standards. They include the following:

Age – Applicants must be between the ages of 17 - 42. Persons with prior military service may be able to enlist at an older age.

Physical – Applicants must be able to pass a physical examination. Certain medical conditions may disqualify the applicant. All applicants must also undergo a drug test.

Citizenship – Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.

Moral – Applicants must disclose their past criminal record. Certain offenses may be disqualifying.

Education – Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students currently in their junior or senior year of high school may enlist conditionally with the understanding that they will complete high school and receive a diploma.

Aptitude – Applicants must obtain passing scores on Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.

Other qualifications may apply on a case-by-case basis. Your career counselor will be able to answer specific questions regarding your qualification.

TOP