Basic Branch Officers
Commissioned officers in all of the North Dakota Army National Guard's career fields hold positions of tremendous authority. They are proven leaders, willing to accept challenges, make important decisions and take on great responsibility.
As an officer candidate, you’ll earn your commission by completing one of the following programs:
• Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
• Officer Candidate School (OCS)
• Direct Commission
While each path is different, all will prepare you to be an effective leader in both your military and civilian life.
To become an officer in the North Dakota Army National Guard, you’ll need either a college degree or military experience. If you don’t already have your four-year degree, the North Dakota Army National Guard can help you get it with our educational benefits packages.
As an officer candidate, you'll attend advanced training in order to acquire and hone the skills necessary to lead troops. Additionally, many branches also offer bonuses, though availability is subject to change. Your officer recruiter will have the most up-to-date information.
Choose your career in one of the following areas:
Field Artillery (not open to women) – The Field Artillery Branch is responsible for neutralizing or suppressing the enemy by cannon, rocket and missile fire, and for overseeing the combined use of all fire support.
Air Defense Artillery – Air defense artillery officers are experts in air defense tactics, techniques and procedures, and leaders in air defense operations.
Aviation – Aviation officers are expert aviators, first, overseeing aviation operations from maintenance to control tower operations to domestic and combat missions.
Corps of Engineers – Engineer officers help the Army and the nation build structures, develop civil works programs and work with natural resources, as well as provide combat support.
Signal Corps – Signal Corps officers are experts in installing, operating and maintaining all aspects of the Army National Guard's communication, data and information systems and services.
Military Police Corps – Military Police (MP) officers oversee area security, law and order, police intelligence and maneuver support in peacetime and combat, plus internment and resettlement.
Military Intelligence Corps – Military intelligence officers are always out front, providing essential intelligence and information about the enemy, terrain and weather conditions.
Chemical Corps – Chemical officers are experts in nuclear, biological and radiological defense and warfare, and homeland protection. They also lead chemical units in combat support.
Adjutant General Corps – An adjutant general officer is responsible for overseeing Soldiers' general welfare and well-being. Duties are similar to those of human resources executives.
Transportation Corps – Transportation officers specialize in vehicles and transport procedures, leading transportation operations and movement of troops and supplies during land combat.
Ordnance Corps – Ordnance officers are responsible for ensuring that weapons systems, munitions, vehicles and equipment are ready and in perfect working order at all times.
Quartermaster Corps – Quartermaster officers oversee availability and function of materials and systems from food, water and petroleum to parachute maintenance and general equipment repair