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Q: How long do I have to sign up for?
A: 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). IRR Soldiers don't train with a unit, but can still be called up in the event of an emergency. Your local recruiter can explain how this works, discuss your options with you, and help you make the best choice for your needs.
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Q: Can I go to college and be in the Guard?
A: Absolutely. Your Guard service is only part time—just one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year. Plus, the Guard can help you pay for college or prepare to become an officer.
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Q: Am I eligible to join the Guard?
A: Recruits need to meet certain standards of height, weight, age, fitness and education in order to enlist. Your Guard representative will have complete information.
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Q: Could I be sent into combat?
A: Yes. Because of the National Guard's dual state-federal mission, Guard members can be mobilized to protect and defend America in battle domestically or overseas. Should this happen, you'll be trained, ready and prepared to go, mentally and physically.
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Q: How is the Army National Guard different from other military divisions?
A: Our mission makes us different. Unlike the other Armed Forces branches, we have a dual mission, meaning we answer to both state and federal governments. So Guard Soldiers can be deployed by either the governor of their resident state or the president of the United States, depending on where they are needed most.
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Q: How much money will I make?
A: Your total income is a combination of several things: monthly paycheck, enlistment bonuses, cash incentives, benefits such as medical and retirement, education funding and other benefits. Use the Pay Calculator located in right-side tabs on every page of the site to learn more.
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Q: How will this help me in my civilian life?
A: We'll train you for an exciting, competitive career. You'll make good money now, plus accumulate benefits for your future. You'll develop skills that will help you in every aspect of your life, including leadership, the spirit of teamwork, confidence, courage and the seven Army Values.
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Q: How long do I have to commit for?
A: 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). IRR Soldiers don't train with a unit, but can still be called up in the event of an emergency. A recruiter can explain how this works, discuss your options with you, and help you make the best choice for your needs.
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Q: What kind of job will I do in the Guard?
A: That's up to you. When you enlist, you'll choose a job—known as 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).—from more than 150 options in several career fields. Aviation, Infantry, Military Police (MP) and Public Affairs are just a few of the many fields we offer. -
Q: What is Basic Training like?
A: It's hard. Intense. Demanding. You'll love it. Basic Training is a 10-week intensive course of exercises and drills designed to toughen you up inside and out. The time is broken down into three phases of roughly three weeks each, designed to take you from an ordinary civilian to Citizen-Soldier.
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Q: Where will I serve?
A: Technically, it could be anywhere. Most likely, you'll attend drill at the armory nearest your hometown, and if called to action, remain in-state. However, in major emergencies, such as in Hurricane Katrina, you could be sent to another state to help. It's also possible you'll be deployed in support of combat operations, such as to the Middle East to assist in the War on Terrorism.
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Q: When will I serve?
A: You'll train one weekend per month plus a two-week period each year. For most of the training weekends, you'll be with us Saturday and Sunday only, though occasionally you'll be asked to report for duty on a Friday night. In case of Active Duty, you will serve whenever you are needed and called.
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Q: How fast will I get promoted?
A: You'll enter as a Private (E-1), and become eligible for promotion to Private (E-2) after six months in service. You should be eligible to become Private First Class (E-3) after only 12 months of service, and at least four months serving as an E-2. Factors such as your education status, Eagle Scout certification or participation in the Stripes For Skills program can allow you to enter as an E-2, E-3 or even E-4 (with a bachelor's degree).
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Q: How long could I be deployed?
A: The length of time for deployments will vary, depending on the situation. State active duty missions usually run from 15-60 days, while federal deployments are usually a minimum of 12 months. Guard Soldiers may also choose to volunteer for active duty assignments (for example, Border Patrol), and again, the length of deployment will vary.
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Q: Will being in the National Guard help me get into a better college?
A: Possibly. Our financial assistance packages and Guard Support Center help prepare you for college—from providing funds to prepping you for entrance exams. So when you’re ready to apply, you’ll be organized, prepared and the funding will be in the bank—which could increase your education options.
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Q: Can you help me apply to colleges?
A: Definitely. Our Guard Support Center is a full-service education assistance station, offering not only one-on-one help with the administrative aspects of applying, but also degree planning, distance learning options and much more.
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Q: How much money can I get for college?
A: Enough to pay for your tuition, expenses such as books and supplies, and to repay existing student loans. We take your education seriously, and, like you, make it a priority. From 100% Tuition Assistance, to Student Loan Repayment to the Montgomery G.I. Bill and its Kicker, our financial assistance programs can virtually cover it all.
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Q: What happens if I'm deployed while I'm in college?
A: That varies from school to school, but most schools will work with you in some way to smooth out details of that eventuality.
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Q: What are the education prerequisites to enlist in the Guard?
A: Currently enrolled high school juniors/seniors, high school graduates and GED holders are eligible. Otherwise, if you completed the ninth grade you may be eligible for our GED Plus program. It's never too soon to speak to a recruiter about getting started. If you left high school without your diploma, we can help you get your GED.
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Q: How can service in the National Guard help during my post-college career?
A: These days, a college degree doesn't guarantee a good job. Many grads still start out in low-paying positions. In the National Guard, you'll train for a job in the field of your choice. So along with your degree, you'll have the experience and training you need to skip entry-level jobs and go straight into a lucrative career. Plus, Guard experience stands out on your resume, so employers know you've got the skills they're looking for—discipline, teamwork and leadership.
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Q: Am I too old to join?
A: It depends on your objective in enlisting. If your goal is to accrue time toward retirement benefits, you must be able to complete 20 combined years of service by age 60. The PS applicant 35 years of age or older has prior qualifying service which can then be subtracted from their current age, bringing their enlistment age to less than "35," and the applicant can qualify for retired pay be age 60.
Example: PS applicant is 47 years old with 13 years of qualifying service, which brings the applicant to an enlistment age of "34." If the applicant only had 12 years of qualifying service, then the enlistment age would be "35," and the applicant would not be qualified.
If retirement benefits are not your objective in joining, your maximum age will depend on your specific service history. No two situations are alike. Please speak to a recruiter to discuss how your age affects your enlistment.
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Q: What benefits does the National Guard offer?
A: Along with your monthly paycheck, we offer financing and administrative support for your higher education, retirement benefits, cash incentives, special bonuses, an Guard Support Center to help with school administrative matters, free space-available travel on military aircraft, a possible enlistment bonus and much more.
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Q: What kind of education benefits can I receive?
A: The Guard offers financial, guidance counseling and administrative support. Our funding packages such as 100% Tuition Assistance, Student Loan Repayment, and the Montgomery G.I. Bill and Kicker, can cover virtually all of your tuition and expenses, plus pay off student loans. Our Guard Support Center offers one-on-one help with entrance exams, paperwork, degree planning, distance learning options and much more.
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Q: My child wants to join the Guard. How do I know that my child can handle Basic Training?
A: New National Guard recruits must meet certain physical qualifications—height, weight, fitness level—to enlist in the Guard in the first place. 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. is designed for civilians who’ve met those standards. So if your child is accepted into the Guard, it means we’re confident they’ll handle it very well. -
Q: As a parent, how do I know if my child is mature enough to enlist?
A: After exploring the many aspects of life in the National Guard, your child’s opinion and your own assessment of their readiness are often a good indicator. But if you’d like additional opinions, feel free to discuss it with a recruiter. No matter what stage of emotional development your child is in when they enter the Guard, they will soon be stronger, more confident and more capable than ever.
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Q: My child wants to join the Guard. How will being in the National Guard help my child?
A: The benefits of service in the Guard include financial rewards, education assistance, career training, character development, leadership skills and a solid foundation of confidence, capability and courage that will remain with every Soldier throughout their military and civilian life.
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Q: My child wants to join the Guard. What enlistment options are available?
A: The full National Guard service term is eight years. However, there are several active service options within that time frame. For example, your child can commit to just three active years then enter IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) for the remainder of their term. There are also options of four- and six-year active terms. The exact program you choose will depend on several conditions, all of which you’ll discuss with your recruiter.
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Q: My child wants to join the Guard. What are the education benefits?
A: We can help your child with the financial, administrative and guidance aspects of their college planning. Because getting a higher education is one of our top priorities, the National Guard offers assistance with virtually every aspect of their education. Our Guard Support Center is an invaluable resource designed for this purpose.
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Q: My child wants to join the Guard. Will I be able to communicate with my child during training periods?
A: Yes. We keep our Soldiers busy, and there won’t be a great deal of time to chat due to the abbreviated training periods, but telephone, email and mail are all available and accessible.
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Q: My child wants to join the Guard. Where will he/she train on the weekends?
A: Training—also known as drilling—is generally done at the armory nearest your resident city. So your child will usually not be far from home. However, if called to Active Duty, they may be sent out-of-state or even overseas for a period of time.
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Q: Will my students have to postpone college to join the National Guard?
A: No. Their Guard service will be part time, leaving plenty of time for college and even another job. In fact, the Guard can make going to college easier, with financial assistance and guidance counseling. However, some students choose to attend 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. and Advanced Individual Training Advanced Individual Training:
(AIT) Following Basic Training, Soldiers attend AIT to learn a military job skill. Depending on the specialty, training ranges from 1 month to 1 year. during a time of year other than summer, so conflicts are possible. -
Q: What are the enlistment standards for joining the National Guard?
A: There are specific enlistment standards—height, weight, physical fitness, age and education level. Your Guard representative will be able to help determine if you are within these requirements.
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Q: Can being in the National Guard help my student get into a better college?
A: Possibly. Our financial assistance packages and Guard Support Center offer funding, counseling, entrance exam preparation, administrative support and much more. So when your student is ready to apply, their ducks are in a row, they have the support they need, and their education options can improve greatly.
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Q: Can the Guard help my student with the application process?
A: Yes. Our Guard Support Center is a full-service education assistance station, offering one-on-one help with the administrative aspects of applying, degree planning, distance learning options and much more.
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Q: Can my students be deployed while in college?
A: Yes, college students who are Soldiers can be deployed, but most schools will work with students to smooth out details in the event that happens.
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Q: Can you help my student get a GED?
A: Yes. We have an excellent GED program that’s both easy and free.
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Q: Can a high school student enlist before they graduate?
A: Yes. High school students can enlist and undergo and drill periods prior to graduating but can’t begin Advanced Individual Training Advanced Individual Training:
(AIT) Following Basic Training, Soldiers attend AIT to learn a military job skill. Depending on the specialty, training ranges from 1 month to 1 year. or be deployed until after they graduate. -
Q: How often will I drill?
A: The National Guard is a part-time commitment. Your drill periods typically consist of one weekend per month, and one annual two-week period. Annual training can run slightly longer, depending on your 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).. -
Q: Where will I drill?
A: That depends on a combination of things, including your current 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). what you want to do in the Guard, and where you'd like to serve. Typically, it will be at an armory near your hometown. -
Q: Can I make a short-term commitment to see if I like the Guard?
A: You can enlist for as few as three years, with an additional commitment to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). IRR Soldiers don't train with a unit, but can still be called up in the event of an emergency.
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Q: What do MEPS and METS mean?
MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing Station. There are 65 MEPS throughout the U.S. where applicants are processed and receive physical exams prior to shipment to 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.. METS stands for Military Entrance Testing Site, any of 14,000 locations where you can take your Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery ( ASVAB ASVAB:
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a series of tests used to determine an applicant's qualification for military service and help determine their intellectual and occupational strengths. ). -
Q: How is the National Guard different from the Army Reserve?
The National Guard serves both the federal and state governments and can be called into action by each state's governor during domestic emergencies, such as storms, floods and civil disturbances. In addition, the president can activate the National Guard to participate in federal missions and overseas deployments. The Army Reserve is controlled by the federal government and supports only the Active Army and federal missions.
Also, while the National Guard offers Federal Tuition Assistance up to $4,500 per year, and in most states, State Supplemental Grants to cover up to 100% of tuition costs at state universities, the Army Reserve cannot offer State Supplemental Grants to its members.
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Q: What is the Guard?
A: The Guard is a military branch that serves both state and federal governments, at home and overseas. Guard Soldiers are trained for combat operations, but are also equipped and ready to help civilians during disasters or emergencies.
Note: Army National Guard programs and benefits are subject to change. For the latest information, please contact your local recruiter.
The presence of any information identifying private companies or other non-federal entities does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.
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