Soldier, singer, songwriter Darby Ledbetter proudly introduces his first country single, “I Won’t Let My Guard Down,” a song written by a Soldier—for all Soldiers.
A Warrant Officer with the Tennessee National Guard, Ledbetter wrote the song to honor the men and women who proudly serve their nation as Citizen–Soldiers. His soulful music tells the compelling story of these Soldiers, their Families and the commitment they make at home and abroad.
Before leaving his native Texas to pursue a music career in Nashville, Ledbetter served three tours in the Middle East. He knows the difference the Guard makes in people's lives, and hopes his song will show the faces of the Guard, and shine a light on these everyday heroes.
Learn more about Darby Ledbetter, and check out the video of “I Won’t Let My Guard Down.“
Note: Army National Guard programs and benefits are subject to change. For the latest information, please contact your local recruiter.
The Guard is a military branch that serves both state and federal governments, at home and overseas.
Find out more about the Guard.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 physical 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 moreGuard 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 $179 for every weekend you drill.
Find out more about Guard pay.At this time, the Guard is not paying Officer Accession bonuses.
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 up to $65,000 in student loans.
Contact a Guard representative.Your estimated total for the first year.
*DetailsPlease understand that these calculations are only estimates and that a recruiter will have the most up-to-date information about my benefits.
Because of the broad range of pay options, the Pay Calculator does not apply to Medical Professional Officers.
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