Before you ship to Basic Combat Training (BCT), you'll attend the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP). These weekends will be your introduction to BCT and will get you started and keep you on track, mentally, physically and emotionally while you prepare for your career in the Guard. RSP drills give you an opportunity to start getting comfortable with the terminology and protocols that are part of Guard service—and you'll be getting paid for the time you spend at RSP.
There are six phases of RSP training:
Your first weekend at RSP is “Red Phase.” In this intensive first few days, you’ll learn basics you need to know right away, like:
As you learn the Army structure, chain of command and rank insignia, you’ll quickly learn how to follow the rules and extend the proper courtesies to fellow Guard members. And you’ll get ahead of the game if you learn them early. Learn more about Red Phase.
The subjects taught in the White Phase Stripes for Skills portion will prepare an E1 Soldier to pass the Stripes for Skills examination. Combined with the successful completion of the Armed Forces Physical Test (APFT), you'll then become eligible for promotion to the rank of E2. Subjects include:
You'll learn all about the importance of the Army Physical Fitness Test, and how your fitness level can have a tremendous impact on promotions, special schools and just about every part of your Guard career. Learn more about White Phase Stripes for Skills.
Depending on the number of months between when you enlisted and when you ship to BCT, the length of your White Phase in the RSP will vary. During this phase, you’ll learn more about the Guard and more of what you’ll need to know to succeed at BCT. In addition to physical training, instruction in this phase will include:
During the White Phase, you'll continue to focus on physical training and cover Soldier skills that will further prepare you for Basic Combat Training.
At your final drill before shipping to Basic Combat Training, in addition to physical preparation, you’ll cover all the final details that have to be taken care of before you leave. But you can get a jump-start on these items by learning what to expect before, during and after BCT, such as:
Green Phase courses are designed for recruits in the Split Training Option (STO) Program. After you graduate from Basic Combat Training and during your senior year of high school, you'll gain advanced leadership and career opportunities, and a chance to stay current on skills like:
Once you’ve completed both BCT 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.X (AIT), you might return to RSP for one final drill—known as Battle Handoff—before joining your regular unit and beginning work in your MOS. You’ll meet representatives from your unit and learn where and when your next drill will be. Before you leave, you’ll learn about the Unit Sponsorship Program and get a final HOOAH talk about holding yourself to the high standards of fitness and behavior you’ve learned at RSP and Initial Active Duty Training.
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.Estimated Total
*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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