Officer (:30)

Success Story: CPT Christopher Elgee (1:04)

Basic Branch Officer (3:31)

Use your education and skills to be a leader.

Officers in the National Guard are the decision-makers. They hold positions of tremendous authority and responsibility for their country, their troops and themselves.

There are three different categories of officers:

Basic Branch Officers - Basic Branch Officers include officers in any of the 11 Combat Arms branches (like Infantry, Armor, Artillery and Military Intelligence) or Combat Service Support branches (such as Finance, Transportation or Quartermaster).

Specialty Officers - These include officers with specialized professional skills, including Medical Professional, Chaplains or Judge Advocate General (JAG Officer).

Warrant Officers - Warrant Officers are commissioned officers who lead as experts in their area of specialty.

To become an officer in the National Guard, you’ll need either a college degree or military experience. If you don’t already have your four-year degree, the Guard can help you get it with our educational benefits packages. You may qualify to enter the program with as few as 60 credit hours (or 90 hours to enter the accelerated program). Check with your officer recruiter.

As an officer candidate, you'll attend advanced training and education in order to acquire and hone the skills necessary to lead troops. Many branches also offer bonuses, though availability is subject to change. Your officer recruiter will have the most up-to-date information.

 

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

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