Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Guard?

The National Guard is a unique branch of the U.S. military that serves both your community and your country. Guard Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while maintaining part-time military training. When called upon — by a state governor or the President of the United States — the Guard responds to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more. Your home state is your primary area of operation, but your reach extends much further.

How is the National Guard different from the Active Duty Army?

When you join the Active Army, military service becomes your full-time job and you'll most likely live on a military base — a 24/7 commitment. When you join the Guard, you attend paid drill one weekend a month and paid Annual Training for two weeks every summer. The rest of the time, you live in your community and pursue your career or education. You can be called into full-time Active Duty service when needed, but the Guard offers significantly more flexibility.

The Guard also has a unique dual mission: you can be deployed by both your state's governor (for in-state emergencies like natural disasters) and by the President of the United States for federal missions — something no other branch offers.

How is the National Guard different from the Army Reserve?

Both Guard Soldiers and Army Reserve Soldiers train one weekend per month and two weeks every summer, and both can be called into full-time service to support combat missions. The key difference is mission scope. Guard Soldiers serve a dual state-federal mission, meaning a state governor can deploy them in response to floods, hurricanes, or other local emergencies. Army Reserve Soldiers do not have a state mission and cannot be activated for those situations.

Am I eligible to join the Guard?

To enlist, recruits must meet certain standards related to age, height, weight, fitness and education. Your Guard recruiter will walk you through the complete eligibility requirements and help determine whether you qualify. The best first step is to connect with a recruiter and find out where you stand.

How do I enlist?

Visit www.nationalguard.com/get-started, fill out a short form with your contact information, and a Guard recruiter will reach out to answer your questions and guide you through the enlistment process.

I'm still in high school. Can I enlist before I graduate?

Yes. High school students can enlist and take part in drill periods before graduating. However, you won't be able to begin Advanced Individual Training (AIT) until after you've received your diploma.

What is the ASVAB?

The ASVAB — Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery — is a series of tests used to determine your qualification for military service and identify your intellectual and occupational strengths. Your scores help match you with the right career path in the Guard.

How long is my commitment?

Our total enlistment period is eight years. However, you can serve as few as three or six years on active status and spend the remainder in 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. Talk to your recruiter to find the option that works best for your situation.

Can I make a short-term commitment to see if the Guard is right for me?

Yes. You can enlist for as few as three years, with the remaining time served in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). It's a lower-risk way to experience military service before making a longer commitment.

When will I serve?

You'll train — commonly called "drill" — one weekend per month, plus a two-week period each year. Most training weekends run Saturday and Sunday, though you may occasionally be asked to report on a Friday evening. Annual training can run slightly longer depending on your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). If called to Active Duty, you'll serve as needed.

Where will I serve?

Most of the time, you'll attend drill at the armory nearest your hometown. If called to action, you'll likely remain in-state. In major emergencies — like Hurricane Katrina — you could be deployed to assist another state. You may also be deployed in support of overseas combat operations, such as those in the Middle East.

How long could I be deployed?

Deployment length varies by situation. State active duty missions typically run 15–60 days. Federal deployments are usually a minimum of 12 months. Guard Soldiers may also volunteer for active duty assignments such as Border Patrol, with varying lengths of service.

Could I be sent into combat?

Yes. Because of the National Guard's dual state-federal mission, you can be mobilized to protect and defend America in battle — both domestically and overseas. If that happens, you'll be fully trained and prepared, mentally and physically, before you go.

What jobs are available in the National Guard?

There are over 150 different jobs — called Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) — available in the Guard. Career fields include Infantry, Air Defense, Medical, Military Police, Intelligence, Technology, Engineering, Aviation, Public Affairs and many more. Visit www.nationalguard.com/careers or speak with a recruiter to match your skills with the right role.

What kind of job will I do in the Guard?

When you enlist, you choose your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) — Guard-speak for your job — from more than 150 options. Every job has a code made up of a number and letter. For example, a Cavalry Scout is MOS 19D (19 Delta). Your recruiter can help you find the best fit based on your interests, aptitude, and ASVAB scores.

How long will I have to train for my Guard job?

Training length varies by MOS. Some jobs require as few as 4–9 weeks of schooling, while more specialized roles can take up to 64 weeks. Special Forces training runs even longer. Your recruiter can give you the specific training timeline for any MOS you're considering.

What is Basic Combat Training like?

It's hard. It's intense. And it's designed that way. Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a 10-week course of exercises and drills built to challenge you physically and mentally. Training is broken into three phases of roughly three weeks each — progressively taking you from civilian life to becoming a Citizen-Soldier®. You'll leave a different person than you arrived.

How do I become an officer?

There are several paths to becoming an officer. If you're heading to college, the ROTC program is a natural fit. If you're already in the enlisted ranks, Officer Candidate School (OCS) is the route to take. Candidates with special qualifications — attorneys, chaplains and medical professionals — may be eligible for a direct commission.

How are warrant officers different from commissioned officers?

Warrant officers occupy a unique space. While they are technically commissioned officers, they're distinguished by their deep, specialized technical expertise in a specific field. Think of it this way: commissioned officers are generalists who lead and manage broadly; warrant officers are specialists who master a particular craft.

Can doctors or lawyers enter the Guard as officers?

Yes. Highly qualified candidates with legal or medical expertise may be eligible for a Direct Commission through the ARNG Direct Appointment Program. To be considered, you must hold at least a Bachelor of Science degree (or equivalent) and receive a nomination and selection from your Commanding Officer.

What is the role of the Chaplain in the Guard?

Chaplains serve as the spiritual leaders of the Army National Guard, providing emotional and religious support to Soldiers and their Families. Duties include performing religious ceremonies, offering guidance and helping Soldiers navigate the demands of military life and service.

Can I become an aviator through the National Guard?

Absolutely. Guard aviators fly some of the most advanced military aircraft in the world — including the UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, UH-72 Lakota and AH-64A Apache helicopters. To become a pilot, you'll complete the Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) and the Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) program through the U.S. Army. You must be at least 18 years old and not have reached your 33rd birthday by the time of selection. Both military and civilian candidates may be eligible — talk to a recruiter to find out which path applies to you.