Frequently Asked Questions

A: The Guard is a military branch that serves both state and federal governments, at home and overseas. Guard Soldiers are trained for combat operations, but are also equipped and ready to help civilians during disasters or emergencies.

A: 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). IRR Soldiers don't train with a unit, but can still be called up in the event of an emergency. A recruiter can explain how this works, discuss your options with you, and help you make the best choice for your needs.

A: Absolutely. Your Guard service is only part time—just one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year. Plus, the Guard can help you pay for college or prepare to become an officer.

A: Recruits need to meet certain standards of height, weight, age, fitness and education in order to enlist. Your Guard representative will have complete information.

A: Yes. Because of the National Guard's dual state-federal mission, Guard members can be mobilized to protect and defend America in battle domestically or overseas. Should this happen, you'll be trained, ready and prepared to go, mentally and physically.

A: Our mission makes us different. Unlike the other Armed Forces branches, we have a dual mission, meaning we answer to both state and federal governments. So Guard Soldiers can be deployed by either the governor of their resident state or the president of the United States, depending on where they are needed most.

A: Your total income is a combination of several things: monthly paycheck, enlistment bonuses, cash incentives, benefits such as medical and retirement, education funding and other benefits. Use the Pay Calculator located in right-side tabs on every page of the site to learn more.

A: We'll train you for an exciting, competitive career. You'll make good money now, plus accumulate benefits for your future. You'll develop skills that will help you in every aspect of your life, including leadership, the spirit of teamwork, confidence, courage and the seven Army Values.

A: 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). IRR Soldiers don't train with a unit, but can still be called up in the event of an emergency. A recruiter can explain how this works, discuss your options with you, and help you make the best choice for your needs.

A: That's up to you. When you enlist, you'll choose a job—known as a 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).—from more than 150 options in several career fields. Aviation, Infantry, Military Police (MP) and Public Affairs are just a few of the many fields we offer.

A: It's hard. Intense. Demanding. You'll love it. Basic Training is a 10-week intensive course of exercises and drills designed to toughen you up inside and out. The time is broken down into three phases of roughly three weeks each, designed to take you from an ordinary civilian to Citizen-Soldier. 

A: Technically, it could be anywhere. Most likely, you'll attend drill at the armory nearest your hometown, and if called to action, remain in-state. However, in major emergencies, such as in Hurricane Katrina, you could be sent to another state to help. It's also possible you'll be deployed in support of combat operations, such as to the Middle East to assist in the War on Terrorism.

A: You'll train one weekend per month plus a two-week period each year. For most of the training weekends, you'll be with us Saturday and Sunday only, though occasionally you'll be asked to report for duty on a Friday night. In case of Active Duty, you will serve whenever you are needed and called.

A: You'll enter as a Private (E-1), and become eligible for promotion to Private (E-2) after six months in service. You should be eligible to become Private First Class (E-3) after only 12 months of service, and at least four months serving as an E-2. Factors such as your education status, Eagle Scout certification or participation in the Stripes For Buddies program can allow you to enter as an E-2 or E-3. 

A: The length of time for deployments will vary, depending on the situation. State active duty missions usually run from 15-60 days, while federal deployments are usually a minimum of 12 months. Guard Soldiers may also choose to volunteer for active duty assignments (for example, Border Patrol), and again, the length of deployment will vary.

A: Possibly. Our financial assistance packages and Education Support Center help prepare you for college—from providing funds to prepping you for entrance exams. So when you’re ready to apply, you’ll be organized, prepared and the funding will be in the bank—which could increase your education options.

A: Definitely. Our Education Support Center is a full-service education assistance station, offering not only one-on-one help with the administrative aspects of applying, but also degree planning, distance learning options and much more.

A: Enough to pay for your tuition, expenses such as books and supplies, and to repay existing student loans. We take your education seriously, and, like you, make it a priority. From 100% Tuition Assistance, to Student Loan Repayment to the Montgomery G.I. Bill and its Kicker, our financial assistance programs can virtually cover it all.

A: That varies from school to school, but most schools will work with you in some way to smooth out details of that eventuality.

A: You must have a high school diploma or a GED. If you’re still in high school but are thinking of enlisting when you graduate, it's never too soon to speak to a recruiter about getting started. If you left high school without your diploma, we can help you get your GED.

A: These days, a college degree doesn't guarantee a good job. Many grads still start out in low-paying positions. In the National Guard, you'll train for a job in the field of your choice. So along with your degree, you'll have the experience and training you need to skip entry-level jobs and go straight into a lucrative career. Plus, Guard experience stands out on your resume, so employers know you've got the skills they're looking for—discipline, teamwork and leadership.

A: Mostly likely, you'll enlist in the Guard at the rank you held when you left your prior military service. If you're unsure of this grade, it's the one listed on your DD214 or NGB22.

A: In two major ways: getting promotions and activating retirement benefits. Whatever military division you served in previously, your accrued time carries over into the Guard toward your overall military career. In addition, by joining the Guard, you continue earning points toward activating your retirement benefits. Your Montgomery G.I. Bill will also be extended upon enlistment.

A: If you were with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force or their Reserve Components and didn’t complete six or eight weeks of U.S. Army Basic Training or U.S.M.C. Boot camp, you will need to attend a Warrior Training Course. Your recruiter can explain this in detail.

A: In most cases, prior service recruits are eligible for a bonus of $5,000 for a six-year commitment, and $2,500 for a three-year enlistment.

A: It depends on your objective in enlisting. If your goal is to accrue time toward retirement benefits, you must be able to complete 20 combined years of service by the age 60. For example, if you have twelve years of service already, you need to be no older than 52 to join and receive your retirement. If retirement benefits are not your objective in joining, your maximum age will depend on your specific service history. No two situations are alike. Please speak to a recruiter to discuss how your age affects your enlistment.

A: Along with your monthly paycheck, we offer financing and administrative support for your higher education, retirement benefits, cash incentives, special bonuses, an Education Support Center to help with school administrative matters, free space-available travel on military aircraft, a possible enlistment bonus and much more. 

A: The Guard offers financial, guidance counseling and administrative support. Our funding packages such as 100% Tuition Assistance, Student Loan Repayment, and the Montgomery G.I. Bill and Kicker, can cover virtually all of your tuition and expenses, plus pay off student loans. Our Education Support Center offers one-on-one help with entrance exams, paperwork, degree planning, distance learning options and much more.

A: Your Separation Code reflects your status at the time you were discharged from prior service. Several factors—such as a change in your personal situation, the length of time out of the service, or even the branch in which you served—can affect your current eligibility status. Your Recruiter should be able to tell you if you qualify for re-enlistment in the Guard.

A: You can't have more than 16 years total prior military service when you enlist in the Guard. You'll also need to have received an honorable discharge for all prior periods of service. Your Recruiter can answer any specific questions.

A: Prior service enlistees can qualify for up to $50,000 in student loan repayments. You'll need to reenlist for not less than 6 years, enlist in a deployable unit, and have at least one existing, qualifying loan at the time of your re-enlistment. Ask your recruiter about other requirements.

A: New National Guard recruits must meet certain physical qualifications—height, weight, fitness level—to enlist in the Guard in the first place. Basic Training Basic Training:
Basic Training (BT) is a 10-week course of intense physical and mental training, during which recruits develop essential Soldier skills, discipline and values. is designed for civilians who’ve met those standards. So if your child is accepted into the Guard, it means we’re confident they’ll handle it very well.

A: After exploring the many aspects of life in the National Guard, your child’s opinion and your own assessment of their readiness are often a good indicator. But if you’d like additional opinions, feel free to discuss it with a recruiter. No matter what stage of emotional development your child is in when they enter the Guard, they will soon be stronger, more confident and more capable than ever.

A: The benefits of service in the Guard include financial rewards, education assistance, career training, character development, leadership skills and a solid foundation of confidence, capability and courage that will remain with every Soldier throughout their military and civilian life.

A: The full National Guard service term is eight years. However, there are several active service options within that time frame. For example, your child can commit to just three active years then enter IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) for the remainder of their term. There are also options of four- and six-year active terms. The exact program you choose will depend on several conditions, all of which you’ll discuss with your recruiter.

A: We can help your child with the financial, administrative and guidance aspects of their college planning. Because getting a higher education is one of our top priorities, the National Guard offers assistance with virtually every aspect of their education. Our Education Support Center is an invaluable resource designed for this purpose.

A: Yes. We keep our Soldiers busy, and there won’t be a great deal of time to chat due to the abbreviated training periods, but telephone, email and mail are all available and accessible.

A: Training—also known as drilling—is generally done at the armory nearest your resident city. So your child will usually not be far from home. However, if called to Active Duty, they may be sent out-of-state or even overseas for a period of time.

A: No. Their Guard service will be part time, leaving plenty of time for college and even another job. In fact, the Guard can make going to college easier, with financial assistance and guidance counseling. However, some students choose to attend Basic Training Basic Training:
Basic Training (BT) is a 10-week course of intense physical and mental training, during which recruits develop essential Soldier skills, discipline and values. and Advanced Individual Training Advanced Individual Training:
(AIT) Following Basic Training, Soldiers attend AIT to learn a military job skill. Depending on the specialty, training ranges from 1 month to 1 year. during a time of year other than summer, so conflicts are possible.

A: There are specific enlistment standards—height, weight, physical fitness, age and education level. Your Guard representative will be able to help determine if you are within these requirements.

A: Possibly. Our financial assistance packages and Education Support Center offer funding, counseling, entrance exam preparation, administrative support and much more. So when your student is ready to apply, their ducks are in a row, they have the support they need, and their education options can improve greatly.

A: Yes. Our Education Support Center is a full-service education assistance station, offering one-on-one help with the administrative aspects of applying, degree planning, distance learning options and much more.

A: Yes, college students who are Soldiers can be deployed, but most schools will work with students to smooth out details in the event that happens.

A: Yes. We have an excellent GED program that’s both easy and free.

A: Yes. High school students can enlist and undergo  and drill periods prior to graduating but can’t begin  Advanced Individual Training Advanced Individual Training:
(AIT) Following Basic Training, Soldiers attend AIT to learn a military job skill. Depending on the specialty, training ranges from 1 month to 1 year. or be deployed until after they graduate.

A: The National Guard is a part-time commitment. Your drill periods typically consist of one weekend per month, and one annual two-week period. Annual training can run slightly longer, depending on 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)..

A: That depends on a combination of things, including your current 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).  what you want to do in the Guard, and where you'd like to serve. Typically, it will be at an armory near your hometown. 

A: Very likely, yes. You’ll probably enlist in the Guard at the rank you hold upon leaving your current military service. If you’re unsure of this grade, it will be listed on your DD214 or NGB22.

A: You can enlist for as few as three years, with an additional commitment to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). IRR Soldiers don't train with a unit, but can still be called up in the event of an emergency.

MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing Station. There are 65 MEPS throughout the U.S. where applicants are processed and receive physical exams prior to shipment to Basic Training Basic Training:
Basic Training (BT) is a 10-week course of intense physical and mental training, during which recruits develop essential Soldier skills, discipline and values.. METS stands for Military Entrance Testing Site, any of 14,000 locations where you can take your Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery ( ASVAB ASVAB:
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a series of tests used to determine an applicant's qualification for military service and help determine their intellectual and occupational strengths. ).

A: Guard pay is based on your rank and the number of years you've served, along with incentives like hazardous-duty pay. However, there are several jobs that pay an additional bonus when you sign up.

A: Your pay depends on a few different factors, but you won't make less than $179 for every weekend you drill. Our Pay Calculator will give a better idea of what you might expect to make.

A:  At this time, the Guard is not paying Officer Accession bonuses.

A: Some jobs may train for slightly longer (up to 21 days), and you’ll be paid for every day you work. Don’t forget that any time you're called up for service for any reason—like assisting your state during a natural disaster—you’ll be earning Active Duty Pay.

A: This depends on your rank. The higher your rank, the higher your pay. And since Chaplains enter the Guard as officers, you'll be guaranteed officer pay and benefits.

A: Your salary as a Warrant Officer will depend on your rank. There are five ranks and five corresponding pay grades for Warrant Officers in the National Guard: WO1 – WO5.

A: There are different ways to become an officer. If you’re heading to college, the ROTC program is the way to go. If you're already in the enlisted ranks, you can attend Officer Candidate School. And candidates with special qualifications, such as attorneys, chaplains and medical professionals, may be eligible for direct commission.

A: The training period varies for each job. Some schools take as few as 6-9 weeks, while other more specialized or critical jobs take up to 50 weeks. For Special Forces, training is even longer.

A: For certain career specialties, particularly medical professions, the Guard will reimburse up to $60,000 in student loans (some medical and dental specialties may be eligible for even more). Your recruiter will have the most current information.

A: There are a couple of ways to become an Aviator, depending on your military or civilian status. Both require that you qualify and complete Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) and Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) through the U.S. Army. You need to be at least 18 years old, and not have reached your 33rd birthday by the time of selection.

A: Civilians can enlist and pursue a direct path toward becoming a helicopter pilot. If you qualify as a Warrant Officer Flight Training Candidate, you'll enter Basic Training Basic Training:
Basic Training (BT) is a 10-week course of intense physical and mental training, during which recruits develop essential Soldier skills, discipline and values., then enter Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) followed by Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT).

A: You'll want to contact your Commanding Officer, and start your Warrant Officer Flight Packet. Typically, a candidate must be a Sergeant (E-5) or above to become a Warrant Officer, but you may qualify as a Warrant Officer Flight Training Candidate. Check out the Warrant Officer Applicant Guide.

A: In addition to having completed Basic Training Basic Training:
Basic Training (BT) is a 10-week course of intense physical and mental training, during which recruits develop essential Soldier skills, discipline and values., you'll need to be at least 18 and not older than 33; have completed high school or your GED; score 90 or above on the Alternate Flight Aptitude Screening Test (AFAST); possess outstanding leadership qualities; provide Security Clearance and meet or exceed physical and eyesight standards.

A: There are a number of medical careers in the Guard, and your rank will be based on your level of training and your education degree. Physicians generally enter at a minimum grade of Captain (O-3).

A: There are four: Dental, Nursing, Medical Specialists and Medical Service.

A: There are several. You must meet prescribed medical and moral standards. You must be a U.S. citizen. You need to have graduated from an accredited U.S. school of medicine or osteopathy or have a certificate from the Education Council of Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). There are several others.

A: The Areas of Concentration in medicine are virtually all exciting, and all prepare you for a great career in the growing field of healthcare in civilian life. Here are just a few job titles: Nuclear Medical Science Officer, Environmental Scientist, Medevac Pilot or Clinical Psychologist.

A: The Physician Assistant is part of the Medical Service Corps. In this position you’ll work side-by-side with Guard physicians as the primary medical officer of your state medical command, infantry, battalion, armored cavalry squadron or other combat arms or support units.

A: As a medical professional, you won’t find a more exhilarating working environment than that of the National Guard. We use state-of-the-art equipment, emerging medical innovations, and you’ll often find yourself performing in a high-energy tailgate setting.

A: The financial and other benefits are extensive. Just to name a few: the Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment program (HPLR), bonuses and special pay incentives, Continuing Medical Education (CME) and our Flexible Training Policy. 

A: Yes, a great deal. Our financial programs and other support include a monthly paycheck, the Montgomery G.I. Bill, flexible training and clinical programs to complement your curriculum, and much more. 

A: All religions and belief systems are welcome in the Guard. To serve as a Guard Chaplain, your faith group must have a federally recognized endorsing agency that can issue an ecclesiastical endorsement for you. Typically, you will work with Soldiers from your own faith.

A: Chaplains attend Chaplain Officer Basic Leadership Course, a three-month program at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. This course teaches you to apply your civilian chaplain skills to the Army environment, prepares you physically and mentally to be an officer in the Guard, and covers the complexities of the First Amendment, freedom of expression, counseling, mentoring and leadership. This course can be completed in one block or several phases over a 24-month period.

A: Yes. You don't have to wait till graduation to join the Army National Guard chaplaincy. Training to be a Chaplain in the Guard while simultaneously training for the civilian ministry lets you earn a substantial paycheck while greatly adding to your education and experience.

A: You must be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalized, pass a physical exam, and be between 21 and 42 years old. There are several educational requirements as well—be sure to look over the complete list of requirements for Army National Guard Chaplain Candidates.

A: This depends on your work experience and education level. Chaplains are officers in the Army National Guard and generally begin their career progression at the grade of 1LT (First Lieutenant). Advanced appointment as a CPT (Captain) may be possible under certain circumstances.

A: No. Chaplains are non-combatant and therefore never carry weapons. The Chaplain Assistant provides security for the Unit Ministry Team.

A: Chaplains are the spiritual leaders of the Army National Guard, providing emotional and religious support to Soldiers and their Families. You'll perform religious ceremonies, offer guidance and help Soldiers adjust to their military lives and experiences.

A: Yes. Because you'll encounter a variety of unique scenarios, we offer specialized training in the following fields: Suicide Prevention, Critical Incident Stress Management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Marriage and Relationship Enhancement and Clinical Pastoral Education (for hospital chaplains).

A: To name just a few: self-discipline, initiative, confidence, intelligence, physical fitness, the ability to perform under pressure, leadership, the ability to make decisions quickly and complete missions and respect for subordinates.

A: The branch you’re with will be determined by two matters: your own preference and the unit you’re assigned to.

A: Depending on their rank, officers typically make between $2,000 and $7,000 per month. Not bad for part-time work! 

A: Six years.

A: You must be at least 18 and not more than 41 years old to become an officer in the Army National Guard, except for medical professions—they take recruits up to 60 years old. Waivers may be authorized—speak to a recruiter for details.

A: No. But you do need to have 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university prior to enlistment or Officer Candidate School enrollment. To commission to 2LT you must have a total of 90 semester hours from an accredited college or university.

A: Yes. There are three options: State OCS, Federal OCS and Accelerated OCS, each with its own timeline. You’ll choose based on your personal situation, including job requirements, time available and Family obligations. 

A: A higher monthly paycheck, financial assistance for continuing education, free space-available travel on military aircraft and much more.

A: Being an officer in the National Guard requires a combination of personal and professional characteristics. Leadership skills, exceptional integrity, self-discipline, confidence and courage, the ability to make quick decisions and the willingness to accept moral responsibility for those decisions are just a few of the qualities officers must possess. 

A: If you're headed to college, you can become an Army National Guard officer through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC):
ROTC is a college elective that allows you to earn a commission straight out of college as a second lieutenant in the Army. The course consists of both academic classes and hands-on training.
ROTC. This four-year course consists of a two-year Basic Course and a two-year Advanced Course. You'll then enter active service as a 2nd Lieutenant.

A: Highly qualified candidates with expertise in legal or medical fields may be eligible for a Direct Commission Direct Commission:
Direct commission is one of the ways to become an officer in the Guard. A member of the chain of command nominates you for appointment as an officer, based on your professional skills (medical professional, legal or chaplain). Contact your local recruiter for information and program details.
Contact a recruiter. through the ARNG Direct Appointment Program. To be considered for this elite program, you must have at least a Bachelor of Science degree (or equivalent) and receive a nomination and selection from your Commanding Officer. 

A: There are three Officer Candidate School (OCS) options available: State OCS, National Guard Bureau Accelerated OCS or Federal OCS. You should speak to a Recruiter to determine which will best fit your circumstances. For more detail about each of these OCS options, check out the Commissioning Programs Packet.

A: Recruits attend Officer Candidate School during Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC)-A, where they learn what it means to be an officer. BOLC-B is the Leadership and Branch Training section for those who are already officers.

A: There are three phases of Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC). Times and locations vary according to your branch. For more information, contact your local recruiter or ask your Commanding Officer.

A: Warrant Officers (WOs) are a unique group. They are, in fact, Commissioned Officers, but they're also considered to be in a class by themselves due to their highly specialized technical expertise in specific areas. Put another way: Commissioned Officers are generalists, WOs are specialists.

A: The benefits for Warrant Officers are stellar. In addition to your monthly paycheck, you may be eligible for financing for higher education, tax-free shopping and recreation privileges at the bases, free travel on military aircraft when space is available, low-cost life insurance, retirement benefits and much more. 

A: If a career in aviation is your goal, becoming a Warrant Officer is first-class ticket. Warrant Officers fly highly advanced aircraft like the UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and AH-64A Apache helicopters. Along with other requisite training, you’ll attend the Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) program to attain your piloting skills.

A: Branches besides Aviation include Military Intelligence, Medical Service, Special Forces, Ordnance and Field Artillery. 

A: After meeting the specific prerequisites, you'll start Warrant Officer Candidate School. You'll hone your leadership and decision-making skills through progressive levels of training. You'll adapt to quick on the spot thinking and consequence management. There are two training options with prior military experience:

1. Six-week active resident course at Fort Rucker, Alabama, or Distance Learning plus four and a half weeks as E-5 with Warrior Leader Course

   or:

2. Regional Training Institute within selected states, completing Distance Learning, five drills and a two-week Annual Training.

A: Warrant Officers comprise about two percent of total Army personnel, and about 11 percent of Army Commissioned Officers. So as you can see, they’re not only a distinguished, prestigious group but a rare breed as well.

A: Yes. Please discuss this with a recruiter. 

A: Yes. Prior service personnel may qualify for a $5,000 Reserve Affiliation Bonus for a six-year commitment. A $2,500 bonus is available for a three-year commitment.

A: Yes, provided you can complete 20 years of total military service by age 62, including service in any branch, your Guard time will be added to your prior military service and count toward your retirement benefits.