ALWAYS READY. ALWAYS THERE.
Protect what matters most to you!
Part-time service. Full-time benefits.
Maryland National Guard
WELCOME TO BASIC
10 weeks. Own your strength.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
Serve those around you. Be a vital part of something bigger than yourself.
Part-time service, Lifelong benefits
Serve Your State. Defend Your Nation.
The Army National Guard is a unique part-time military force with a powerful dual mission—protecting communities at home and supporting the nation when called upon.
As a member of the Guard, you serve under your state's governor to respond to natural disasters, emergencies, and times of crisis. But when the nation needs you, you're also ready to stand alongside the U.S. Army in defense of our country.
With 54 Army National Guard units across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Guard is always ready, always there—wherever you're needed most.
Your Future. Your Mission. Your Choice.
The Army National Guard gives you the power to choose a path that fits your goals and transforms your future. Whether you want to sharpen your skills or lead others toward success, there's a place for you.
- Enlisted Soldier – Ready to become an expert in your field? If you have a high school diploma, GED, or are working toward one, this path lets you build real-world skills and launch a meaningful career.
- Commissioned Officer – Want to take charge and lead with purpose? If you have a college degree or plan to earn one, this route empowers you to make critical decisions and inspire others.
Whichever path you choose, you're not just joining a team—you're stepping into a purpose.
130+ Ways to Build the Life You Want.
With over 130 career paths to choose from, there's a role that's perfect for you—whether you're into cutting-edge tech like computer engineering, hands-on trades like construction, or even the thrill of controlled explosions. Your future starts here.
Explore Careers
- 11B Infantryman — Location: Statewide
- 31B — Location: Statewide
- INTEL — Location: Statewide
Armories and Recruiter Stations
-
Bel Air Recruiting Storefront
5 Bel Air S Pkwy Suite 1479, Bel Air, MD 21015, USA, Bel Air, MD 21015 -
BG John Eager Howard Armory
4244 Montgomery Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043, USA, Ellicott City, MD 21043 -
BG Louis G. Smith Armory
7111 Ocean Gateway, Easton, MD 21601, USA, Easton, MD 21601 -
CPT Thomas Price Armory
1100 Brown Ave, Cumberland, MD 21502, USA, Cumberland, MD 21502 -
CW4 Melvin Sherr Armory
3727 Putty Hill Ave, Nottingham, MD 21236, USA, Nottingham, MD 21236 -
First Regiment Armory
14 Dorsey Rd, Glen Burnie, MD 21061, USA, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 -
Gunpowder Military Reservation
10901 Notchcliff Rd, Glen Arm, MD 21057, USA, Glen Arm, MD 21057 -
Harry C. Ruhl Readiness Center
1035 York Rd, Towson, MD 21204, USA, Towson, MD 21204 -
LTC James Victor McCool Armory
101 Railroad Ave, Elkton, MD 21921, USA, Elkton, MD 21921 -
LTC Melvin H. Cade Armory
2620 Winchester St, Baltimore, MD 21216, USA, Baltimore, MD 21216 -
MG Henry C. Evans Armory
350 Hahn Rd, Westminster, MD 21157, USA, Westminster, MD 21157 -
MG William J. Witte Armory
130 Mellor Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228, USA, Catonsville, MD 21228 -
PVT Henry Costin Armory
8601 Odell Rd, Laurel, MD 20708, USA, Laurel, MD 20708
Education And Tuition
Colleges with ROTC Programs
17
Average Annual Tuition Costs
$3,875-$8,220
State Tuition Assistance for Public/Private Institutions
Certain partner schools
State Education Tuition Assistance Amount
Up to 100% of tuition and fees with a waiver
Annual Federal Tuition Assistance Total
$4,000
Federal TA Website Link
ArmyIgnitED
Education Services Officer
Contact the education office via MDNGSTAR@army.mil, MDNGEducation@army.mil, or call 667-296-4132. The list of state partner schools is found here.
Already in Service?
Download the State Tuition Assistance Flyer
Career Opportunities
Top 10 Employers w/in the State
Marriott International, Lockheed Martin, Social Security Administration, Laureate International Universities, MedStar Health, HMSHost, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Servisair, Perdue Farms, National Institutes of Health
Fortune 500 Companies Based in the State
Lockheed Martin, Marriott International, Discovery, Host Hotels & Resorts, Under Armour, McCormick, T. Rowe Price, Laureate Education, Colfax, Legg Mason
Become an officer
Officer Candidate School (OCS)
If you are a College Graduate or have completed at least 90 credit hours, you may be eligible to attend the OCS Program. In order to enroll in State OCS you must be a Basic Training graduate.
Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)
ROTC also has a college elective you can try out for up to two years with no obligation. You will combine classroom time with hands-on experience learning skills that are sure to give you an edge in life.
Direct Commission
If you are a practicing lawyer, chaplain or medical profession you may be eligible to direct commission based on your civilian experience and education.
Ready to get started? Contact:
Maryland Officer Strength Management
443-454-6598 | MD-OSM@army.mil
Uncommon is Calling
It′s time to serve a bigger purpose.
Connect with the Maryland National Guard
Uncommon Is Calling
IT’S TIME TO SERVE A BIGGER PURPOSE
100% of TRICARE Covered
The State of Maryland will reimburse you and your family up to 100% of your TRICARE Reserve Select and TRICARE Dental Program premiums with the Health Care for Heroes Act!
TRICARE Reserve Select Health Premiums
Any serving member of the Maryland National Guard (MDNG)can enroll in the program.
TRICARE Reserve Select Dental Premiums
Sponsor only
Single
Sponsor and Family Coverage