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At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the Army National Guard cheered on four of its Soldiers as they competed for medals. The outstanding Soldier-Athletes representing the United States included: Sergeant Mike Kohn (Bobsled), Sergeant Shauna Rohbock (Bobsled), Sergeant John Napier (Bobsled) and Sergeant Jeremy Teela (Biathlon).
Kohn, a member of the Virginia Army National Guard, and Rohbock, a Utah Army National Guard Soldier, went as members of the Guard's Outstanding Athlete Program, while Napier and Teela trained with the Army's World Class Athlete Program (WCAP). In addition, WCAP coach Sergeant William Tavares was a part of the Olympic team as the assistant coach for the men's bobsled team.
Sometimes exceptional athletes develop a passion for a sport that doesn't offer million-dollar paydays. But with the right support, they can still compete at the very highest levels. The Oustanding Athlete Program (OAP) allows Soldiers the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of Olympic greatness while serving their country in the National Guard. These Soldier-Athletes participate in the same initial entry training as all Guard Soldiers—including training in a
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS):
Guard speak for “your job.” Every job title in the Guard has a code, using a number and letter. For example, a Cavalry Scout is MOS 19D (19 Delta).—before being considered. Then, in addition to representing their country, they also serve as ambassadors for the Guard and its many outstanding programs.
The idea of supporting National Guard Soldiers for the Olympic Games originated during the Cold War, when the Soviet Union was using the Olympic Games to promote Communism and spread its influence across the world. The United States wanted to instead promote the ideals of freedom and democracy.
To better compete with the Soviet Union in international sporting events, the United States Army created the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), in which Soldiers with exceptional athletic abilities were allowed to train full time and compete in the Olympic Games. Since 1912, American Soldiers have been responsible for at least 131 of the Olympic medals awarded to the U.S.A.
During their competition season, Guard athletes spend most of their time training and competing in World Cup tournaments. During the off-season, OAP members assist with National Guard recruiting efforts. Soldier-Athletes tour the country educating the public about their Olympic experiences and the impact the Guard has had on their success.
Learn more about each of the National Guard Outstanding Athletes and check out their videos.
Your total enlistment period will be eight years, but you can serve as little as three or six years, and spend the remainder in IRR (Individual Ready Reserve).
Learn moreAbsolutely. Your Guard service is only part time—just one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year.
See how the Guard helps with school.Recruits need to meet certain standards of height, weight, age, fitness and education in order to enlist.
Learn about the Guard's eligibility requirements.Yes. Guard members can be mobilized to protect and defend America in battle domestically or overseas.
Learn more about about training.MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing Station, METS stands for Military Entrance Testing Site.
Learn moreThe Guard is a military branch that serves both state and federal governments, at home and overseas.
Find out more about the Guard.Guard pay is based on your rank and the number of years you've served, along with incentives like hazardous-duty pay.
Contact a representative to learn more.Your pay depends on a few different factors, but you won't make less than $183 for every weekend you drill.
Find out more about Guard pay.Different states may offer commissioning bonuses for critical skill positions. Please check with your local Guard representative for current bonus information.
Learn more about becoming an officer.Yes, you will be paid for every day you work.
Find out about Annual Training pay.There are different ways to become an officer. If you’re heading to college, the ROTC program is the way to go.
View how to become an officer.The training period varies for each job.
Learn moreFor certain career specialties, particularly medical professions, the Guard will reimburse student loans.
Contact a Guard representative.Find jobs in your area on our Job Board.
Learn moreIn two major ways: getting promotions and activating retirement benefits.
Learn more from a Guard representative.If you've completed Army or Marine Corps Basic Training, you won't need to repeat BCT. Most other prior service personnel will need to attend BCT (except USAF and USN Special Operations personnel). Your recruiter has details.
Talk to a Guard representative.Yes, provided you can complete 20 years of total military service by age 62.
Learn more about retirement benefits.As a National Guard Soldier, you get good pay and great benefits, and continue building toward a military retirement—while serving your country in a part-time status.
Learn moreYou are eligible for this benefit only once in your career. Once it has ended, it cannot be reinstated, even with a new enlistment contract.
Learn more.Your Chapter 1606 GI Bill benefit is suspended while you are AGR. You may need to extend your enlistment to have it reinstated once you return as a traditional drilling Soldier.
Learn more.Eligibility for Chapter 1607 is based on Title 10 Active Duty periods. The Border Mission is Title 32 and not considered a mobilization eligible for Chapter 1607.
Learn more.If you are released from Active Duty prior to completing 90 days due to an illness or injury in the line of duty, you will receive Chapter 1607 benefits at a 40 percent rate.
Learn more.You cannot receive payment from more than one benefit program at a time.
Learn more.Your estimated total for the first year.
*DetailsPlease understand that these calculations are only estimates and that a recruiter will have the most up-to-date information about benefits.
Because of the broad range of pay options, the Pay Calculator does not apply to Medical Professional Officers.
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