Patriot Academy: PFC Devon Pollard (1:03)

Patriot Academy: PVT Ricardo Aristizabal (:55)

Patriot Academy: PVT Brandon Deal (1:01)


The National Guard Patriot Academy

A Second Chance for Success

The Patriot Academy gives you an opportunity to earn your accredited high school diploma—not a GED—in a military academy setting. For recruits who have left school short of graduation, Patriot Academy offers a second chance to earn your diploma and hone your military training—all with full–time active duty pay and benefits.

If you're a qualified National Guard recruit who has dropped out of high school within 10 credit hours of graduating, you may apply for admission to the Patriot Academy. If you're accepted, you'll be sent to Basic Combat Training Basic Combat Training:
Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a 10-week course of intense physical and mental training, during which recruits develop essential Soldier skills, discipline and values. for nine weeks, followed by entrance into the Academy. In addition to earning your high school diploma, you may be able to take dual-credit courses which qualify for college credits.

You'll also have regular military training, including a rigorous physical fitness course, and be required to complete at least eight hours of community service. After graduating, you'll head to Advanced Individual Training (AIT), where you'll learn 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)..

Patriot Academy offers a great way to finish high school and offers valuable skills which will make you a better Soldier or noncommissioned officer.

Soldiers who qualify for the academy:

  • Ship to Basic Combat Training (BCT), then go directly to the Patriot Academy
  • Spend anywhere between one to nine* months in an academic and military learning environment
  • Earn a high school diploma and hone military skills
  • Complete at least eight hours of community service
  • Earn full-time, Active Duty pay and benefits while at Patriot Academy
  • After graduation, proceed to (AIT) to learn a job skill and take the next step in your military career

* Length is based on Soldier's motivation and number of credits needed.

Note: Army National Guard programs and benefits are subject to change. For the latest information, please contact your local recruiter.