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. Your local 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.

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 three or six year contracts 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)—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 Skills program can allow you to enter as an E-2, E-3 or even E-4 (with a bachelor's degree). 

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: 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: 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 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).

A: That depends on a combination of things, including your current Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)  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: 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. METS stands for Military Entrance Testing Site, any of 14,000 locations where you can take your Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB ).

The National Guard serves both the federal and state governments and can be called into action by each state's governor during domestic emergencies, such as storms, floods and civil disturbances. In addition, the president can activate the National Guard to participate in federal missions and overseas deployments. The Army Reserve is controlled by the federal government and supports only the Active Army and federal missions.
 

Also, while the National Guard offers Federal Tuition Assistance up to $4,500 per year, and in most states, State Supplemental Grants to cover up to 100% of tuition costs at state universities, the Army Reserve cannot offer State Supplemental Grants to its members
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