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Q: Does the Guard pay for education loans?
A: For certain career specialties, particularly medical professions, the Guard will reimburse up to $50,000 in student loans (some medical and dental specialties may be eligible for even more). Your recruiter will have the most current information.
- Medical - $240,000
- Chaplain - $80,000
- Enlisted - $50,000
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Q: How do I become an officer?
A: There are different ways to become an officer. If you’re heading to college, the ROTC program is the way to go. If you're already in the enlisted ranks, you can attend Officer Candidate School. And candidates with special qualifications, such as attorneys, chaplains and medical professionals, may be eligible for direct commission.
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Q: How long will I have to train for my Guard job?
A: The training period varies for each job. Some schools take as few as 4-9 weeks, while other more specialized or critical jobs take up to 64 weeks. For Special Forces, training is even longer.
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Q: Can I become a helicopter pilot through the National Guard?
A: There are a couple of ways to become an aviator, depending on your military or civilian status. Both require that you qualify and complete Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) and Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) through the U.S. Army. You need to be at least 18 years old, and not have reached your 33rd birthday by the time of selection.
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Q: Is it possible to enlist and go straight into flight school?
There's not a direct path toward becoming a helicopter pilot. Ask your recruiter about openings in an aviation unit, and check out the necessary steps to become eligible for flight training. These include taking the Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test (AFAST) and attending Warrant Officer Candidate School before beginning a year-long flight training course.
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Q: If I'm already in the Guard, how can I become an aviator?
A: You'll want to contact your commanding officer, and start your Warrant Officer Flight Packet. Typically, a candidate must be a Sergeant (E-5) or above to become a warrant officer, but you may qualify as a Warrant Officer Flight Training Candidate. Check out the Warrant Officer Applicant Guide.
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Q: What are some of the main qualifications for warrant officer aviators?
A: In addition to having completed Basic Training Basic Training:
Basic Training (BT) is a 10-week course of intense physical and mental training, during which recruits develop essential Soldier skills, discipline and values., you'll need to be at least 18 and not older than 33; have completed high school or your GED; score 90 or above on the Alternate Flight Aptitude Screening Test (AFAST); possess outstanding leadership qualities; provide Security Clearance and meet or exceed physical and eyesight standards. -
Q: As a medical recruit, what will my rank be when I enlist in the Guard?
A: There are a number of medical careers in the Guard, and your rank will be based on your level of training and your education degree. Physicians generally enter at a minimum grade of Captain (O-3).
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Q: What are the categories of medical professionals?
A: There are four: Dental, Nursing, Medical Specialists and Medical Service.
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Q: What are the requirements to qualify for an officer appointment in the medical corps?
A: There are several. You must meet prescribed medical and moral standards. You must be a U.S. citizen. You need to have graduated from an accredited U.S. school of medicine or osteopathy or have a certificate from the Education Council of Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). There are several others.
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Q: What are some of the most exciting job titles in the National Guard medical field?
A: The Areas of Concentration in medicine are virtually all exciting, and all prepare you for a great career in the growing field of healthcare in civilian life. Here are just a few job titles: Nuclear Medical Science Officer, Environmental Scientist, Medevac Pilot or Clinical Psychologist.
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Q: What is a Physician Assistant?
A: The Physician Assistant is part of the Medical Service Corps. In this position you’ll work side-by-side with Guard physicians as the primary medical officer of your state medical command, infantry, battalion, armored cavalry squadron or other combat arms or support units.
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Q: What are the working conditions like for medical professionals?
A: As a medical professional, you won’t find a more exhilarating working environment than that of the National Guard. We use state-of-the-art equipment, emerging medical innovations, and you’ll often find yourself performing in a high-energy tailgate setting.
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Q: What are the benefits of being an officer in a medical field?
A: The financial and other benefits are extensive. Just to name a few: the Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment program (HPLR), bonuses and special pay incentives, Continuing Medical Education (CME) and our Flexible Training Policy.
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Q: Can you help with the cost of medical school?
A: Yes, a great deal. Our financial programs and other support include a monthly paycheck, the Montgomery G.I. Bill, flexible training and clinical programs to complement your curriculum, and much more.
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Q: Which religions are represented by Chaplains in the National Guard?
A: All religions and belief systems are welcome in the Guard. To serve as a Guard Chaplain, your faith group must have a federally recognized endorsing agency that can issue an ecclesiastical endorsement for you. Typically, you will work with Soldiers from your own faith.
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Q: What training will I need for chaplaincy in the National Guard?
A: Chaplains attend Chaplain Officer Basic Leadership Course, a three-month program at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. This course teaches you to apply your civilian chaplain skills to the Army environment, prepares you physically and mentally to be an officer in the Guard, and covers the complexities of the First Amendment, freedom of expression, counseling, mentoring and leadership. This course can be completed in one block or several phases over a 24-month period.
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Q: Can I join the Guard while I’m still in the seminary?
A: Yes. You don't have to wait till graduation to join the Army National Guard chaplaincy. Training to be a Chaplain in the Guard while simultaneously training for the civilian ministry lets you earn a substantial paycheck while greatly adding to your education and experience.
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Q: What are the commissioning prerequisites for Chaplain candidacy?
A: You must be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalized, pass a physical exam, and be between 21 and 42 years old. There are several educational requirements as well—be sure to look over the complete list of requirements for Army National Guard Chaplain Candidates.
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Q: As a Chaplain, what rank will I be?
A: This depends on your work experience and education level. Chaplains are officers in the Army National Guard and generally begin their career progression at the grade of 1LT (First Lieutenant). Advanced appointment as a CPT (Captain) may be possible under certain circumstances.
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Q: As a Chaplain, will I carry a weapon?
A: No. Chaplains are non-combatant and therefore never carry weapons. The Chaplain Assistant provides security for the Unit Ministry Team.
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Q: What is the role of the Chaplain in the Guard?
A: Chaplains are the spiritual leaders of the Army National Guard, providing emotional and religious support to Soldiers and their Families. You'll perform religious ceremonies, offer guidance and help Soldiers adjust to their military lives and experiences.
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Q: Are there specialized areas of training for Chaplains?
A: Yes. Because you'll encounter a variety of unique scenarios, we offer specialized training in the following fields: Suicide Prevention, Critical Incident Stress Management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Marriage and Relationship Enhancement and Clinical Pastoral Education (for hospital chaplains).
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Q: What qualities make a good Chaplain in the Army National Guard?
A: To name just a few: self-discipline, initiative, confidence, intelligence, physical fitness, the ability to perform under pressure, leadership, the ability to make decisions quickly and complete missions and respect for subordinates.
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Q: As an officer, what branch of service will I be in?
A: The branch you’re with will be determined by two matters: your own preference and the unit you’re assigned to.
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Q: As an officer, what will my salary be?
A: Depending on their rank, officers typically make between $2,000 and $7,000 per month. Not bad for part-time work!
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Q: As an officer, how long will my military commitment be?
A: Six years.
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Q: Is there an age limit for officers?
A: You must be at least 18 and not more than 41 years old to become an officer in the Army National Guard, except for medical professions—they take recruits up to 60 years old. Waivers may be authorized—speak to a recruiter for details.
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Q: Do I need a degree to be an officer?
A: No. But applicants for State or Accelerated OCS must have earned a minimum of 90 semester hours toward an accredited degree. Applicants for the State or Accelerated OCS program desiring appointment to the Medical Service (MS) Corps must have a baccalaureate degree prior to graduation. Applicants for Federal OCS must have earned a baccalaureate degree or higher prior to the start of the OCS class.
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Q: Is there more than one enrollment option for Officer Candidate School?
A: Yes. There are three options: State OCS, Federal OCS and Accelerated OCS, each with its own timeline. You’ll choose based on your personal situation, including job requirements, time available and Family obligations.
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Q: What benefits does an officer receive?
A: A higher monthly paycheck, financial assistance for continuing education, free space-available travel on military aircraft and much more.
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Q: What are the qualities of a great officer?
A: Being an officer in the National Guard requires a combination of personal and professional characteristics. Leadership skills, exceptional integrity, self-discipline, confidence and courage, the ability to make quick decisions and the willingness to accept moral responsibility for those decisions are just a few of the qualities officers must possess.
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Q: Can I become an officer while going to college?
A: If you're headed to college, you can become an Army National Guard officer through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC):
ROTC is a college elective that allows you to earn a commission straight out of college as a second lieutenant in the Army. The course consists of both academic classes and hands-on training.
ROTC. This four-year course consists of a two-year Basic Course and a two-year Advanced Course. You'll then enter active service as a 2nd lieutenant. -
Q: Can doctors or lawyers enter the Guard as officers?
A: Highly qualified candidates with expertise in legal or medical fields may be eligible for a Direct Commission Direct Commission:
Direct commission is one of the ways to become an officer in the Guard. A member of the chain of command nominates you for appointment as an officer, based on your professional skills (medical professional, legal or chaplain). Contact your local recruiter for information and program details.
Contact a recruiter. through the ARNG Direct Appointment Program. To be considered for this elite program, you must have at least a Bachelor of Science degree (or equivalent) and receive a nomination and selection from your Commanding Officer. -
Q: How do I apply for Officer Candidate School?
A: There are three Officer Candidate School (OCS) options available: State OCS, National Guard Bureau Accelerated OCS or Federal OCS. You should speak to a recruiter to determine which will best fit your circumstances. For more detail about each of these OCS options, check out the Commissioning Programs Packet.
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Q: What's the difference between Officer Candidate School and Basic Officer Leadership Course?
A: Recruits attend Officer Candidate School during Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC)-A, where they learn what it means to be an officer. BOLC-B is the Leadership and Branch Training section for those who are already officers.
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Q: When can I attend Basic Officer Leadership Course?
A: There are three phases of Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC). Times and locations vary according to your branch. For more information, contact your local recruiter or ask your commanding officer.
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Q: How are warrant officers different from commissioned officers?
A: Warrant officers are a unique group. They are, in fact, commissioned officers, but they're also considered to be in a class by themselves due to their highly specialized technical expertise in specific areas. Put another way: commissioned officers are generalists, warrant officers are specialists.
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Q: What benefits do warrant officers receive?
A: The benefits for warrant officers are stellar. In addition to your monthly paycheck, you may be eligible for financing for higher education, tax-free shopping and recreation privileges at the bases, free travel on military aircraft when space is available, low-cost life insurance, retirement benefits and much more.
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Q: How do I become an aviator?
A: If a career in aviation is your goal, becoming a warrant officer is a first-class ticket. Warrant officers fly highly advanced aircraft like the UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and AH-64A Apache helicopters. Along with other requisite training, you’ll attend the Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) program to attain your piloting skills.
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Q: What specialty areas besides aviation are available to warrant officers?
A: Branches besides aviation include military intelligence, medical service, special forces, ordnance and field artillery.
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Q: What training do I need to become a warrant officer?
A: After meeting the specific prerequisites, you'll start warrant officer candidate school. You'll hone your leadership and decision-making skills through progressive levels of training. You'll adapt to quick on the spot thinking and consequence management. There are two training options with prior military experience:
- Six-week active resident course at Fort Rucker, Alabama, or Distance Learning plus four and a half weeks as E-5 with Warrior Leader Course
or:
- Regional Training Institute within selected states, completing Distance Learning, five drills and a two-week Annual Training.
- Six-week active resident course at Fort Rucker, Alabama, or Distance Learning plus four and a half weeks as E-5 with Warrior Leader Course
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Q: What percentage of Guard members are warrant officers?
A: Warrant officers comprise about 2 percent of total Army personnel, and about 11 percent of Army Commissioned Officers. So as you can see, they’re not only a distinguished, prestigious group but a rare breed as well.
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Q: Can I change my MOS?
A: Yes. Please discuss this with a recruiter.
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Q: What Guard jobs are available in my state?
A: You can see a list of all the job openings in your area by checking the National Guard's Job Board.
Note: Army National Guard programs and benefits are subject to change. For the latest information, please contact your local recruiter.
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