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Do you have what it takes?

To join the National Guard without any previous military service, you must be between the ages of 17 and 35* and meet strict guidelines. You can read all of the physical, educational and aptitude requirements below.

To meet minimum National Guard requirements, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien
  • Have a high school diploma (or be near graduation) or have a GED certificate
  • Meet medical and moral requirements

Use our Weight Requirement Calculator to learn more about eligibility.

Use our Fitness Calculator to determine and improve your score.

Click the "Apply Now" button to begin your application process and get connected with a recruiter.

* As of April 1, 2011, applicants with no prior military service must enlist on or before their 35th birthday. There is an exception for qualified non-prior service applicants assessing into the MOS 09L (interpreter/translator specializing in Dari, Farsi or Pashto). Contact your recruiter to see if you qualify in your state.

Moving forward into the Guard.

If you’ve never served in the military, there are five steps you need to take if you hope to join the Guard:

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  • 1. Contact a representative

    You start the process by filling out a form and letting a Guard representative know you have questions. No obligation, no guarantees—it’s just a way of letting us know that you want to find out more.

  • 2. Take the Asvab

    If you and your Guard representative agree that you’re a good fit for the Guard, you can arrange to take your ASVAB test.

  • 3. Enlist

    Once you’ve determined that you want to become a Soldier in the National Guard, you’re ready to enlist. At this point, you’ll:

    • Schedule a physical examination with one of our doctors
    • Lock in your ship date for Basic Combat Training (BCT)
    • Confirm the job that you've selected
    • Approve any benefits and bonuses
    • Take your Oath of Enlistment

  • 4. Attend RSP

    Your ship date—the day you leave for Basic—will depend on your Guard job and the school you’ll attend for that job. You might ship within just a few weeks, or it might be delayed for several months. Until you ship, you’ll attend RSP one weekend a month to learn Guard rules and structure, and start fitness and classroom training.

  • 5. Ship to Basic Combat Training

    You’re ready to start becoming a Soldier. In 10 weeks, you’ll be physically and mentally stronger than you’ve ever been, and ready to be part of the team that protects America.

At MEPS, you will complete the following steps:

  • Take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) to determine what jobs you may be eligible for
  • Have a physical exam with one of our doctors
  • Receive a date for your Basic Combat Training
  • Confirm your Military Occupational Specialty (Guard job)
  • Gain approval on any benefits or bonuses that you’re due
  • Take your Oath of Enlistment

After enlisting, you will go through these steps:

  • Join your state’s Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) to prepare for Basic Training
  • Complete Basic Combat Training (BCT)
  • Attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to train for your specific job in the Guard

Click the "Apply Now" button to begin your application process and get connected with a recruiter.

Enlisting in the Guard means more time at home.

Enlisting in the National Guard involves a three-, six- or eight-year commitment. Training typically requires one weekend each month, with a two-week training period once each year.

Upon enlisting, your Military Service Obligation (MSO) totals eight years. Soldiers who sign up for three or six years can re-enlist or become part of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) for the balance of their eight-year commitment. IRR Soldiers don’t train with a unit, but can still be called up in the event of an emergency. For example, with the common 6x2 enlistment, Soldiers are on active drilling status for six years. For the remaining two years, they have the option to re-enlist or become part of the IRR.

Basic Combat Training lasts 10 weeks and takes place at a military base. Advanced Individual Training takes an additional four to 64 weeks depending on your MOS. Once you complete your initial entry training requirements, you will return home. While serving the remainder of your commitment, you’ll still be able to live at home, work in your civilian job or attend school. If you deploy within the U.S. or anywhere overseas, you will travel and live with your unit while earning Active Duty pay. When your deployment ends, you will return home, rejoining your friends, family and civilian career.

Click the "Apply Now" button to begin your application process and get connected with a recruiter.

Taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

Before joining the National Guard, you must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB. This test helps determine the specific MOS, or job, where we believe you will achieve the most success.

The ASVAB is a test that measures your knowledge in eight areas:

  • General Science
  • Arithmetic Reasoning
  • Word Knowledge
  • Paragraph Comprehension
  • Mathematics
  • Electronics
  • Auto and Shop
  • Mechanical

Take a practice ASVAB test on Facebook. (Facebook apps may not work on mobile devices.)

Click the "Apply Now" button to begin your application process and get connected with a recruiter.

Prior service requirements.

You already know the unmatched pride that comes with serving your country. The National Guard makes it easy for you to continue serving while receiving valuable benefits. Keep reading to learn how your skills and training transfer to the Guard.

Your skills and experience from any branch of service may transfer to the Guard. The biggest change will be increased flexibility in many aspects of your life—your schedule, choosing where you want to live and more. Here are the minimum requirements for current or prior service members to enlist:

Enlistment Options To Help You Get Ahead.

The National Guard offers several enlistment options to help you start your career as a Citizen-Soldier®. The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) combines ROTC, the Guard and tuition. The Split Training Option lets you join the Guard in high school. Read more to find out which enlistment option makes the most sense for you.

Simultaneous Membership Program

In the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), you participate in both the Guard and your college’s ROTC program at the same time. This can cover up to 100% tuition, plus earn you a cash bonus and monthly allowance. You’ll also get paid to drill once a month with your Guard unit. Check out SMP.

Split Training Option

Enlist following your junior year, attend Basic Combat Training, then drill one weekend a month during your senior year. After graduation, you'll start Advanced Individual Training. In most cases you can be home in time to start college. Learn more about the Split Training Option.

Click the "Apply Now" button to begin your application process and get connected with a recruiter.