Intro
Discover the eligibility requirements for the Army National Guard. Learn the 6 ways to qualify, including age, education, and physical fitness standards. Explore the enlistment process, training, and benefits of serving in the Guard. Get informed about the ASVAB test, moral character, and medical requirements to kickstart your military career.
The Army National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces that provides a unique opportunity for individuals to serve their country while also pursuing a civilian career. Qualifying for the Army National Guard requires meeting certain eligibility requirements, which can vary depending on the individual's circumstances. Here are six ways to qualify for the Army National Guard:
Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Army National Guard, individuals must meet certain basic eligibility requirements. These include:
- Being a U.S. citizen or national
- Being between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Scoring a minimum of 40 on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT)
- Meeting physical fitness standards
- Passing a background check
Additional Requirements for Officer Candidates
In addition to the basic eligibility requirements, individuals who wish to become officers in the Army National Guard must also meet certain additional requirements. These include:
- Having a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Completing Officer Candidate School (OCS) or a similar training program
- Meeting physical fitness standards
- Passing a background check
Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Test
The ASVAB test is a multiple-choice test that measures an individual's aptitude in various subjects, including math, science, and language. The test is used to determine an individual's eligibility for certain Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). To qualify for the Army National Guard, individuals must take the ASVAB test and score a minimum of 40 on the AFQT.
Understanding the ASVAB Test Scores
The ASVAB test scores are used to determine an individual's eligibility for certain MOS. The test scores are categorized into several areas, including:
- General Science (GS)
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
- Word Knowledge (WK)
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
- Electronics Information (EI)
- Auto and Shop Information (AS)
- Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
Meet the Physical Fitness Requirements
To qualify for the Army National Guard, individuals must meet certain physical fitness requirements. These include:
- Passing the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
- Meeting body fat percentage requirements
- Being able to perform certain physical tasks, such as push-ups and sit-ups
Preparing for the Physical Fitness Test
To prepare for the physical fitness test, individuals can:
- Start a regular exercise routine that includes cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises
- Practice push-ups, sit-ups, and running
- Focus on improving overall physical fitness
Meet the Moral and Character Requirements
To qualify for the Army National Guard, individuals must meet certain moral and character requirements. These include:
- Passing a background check
- Meeting moral and character standards
- Being a person of good character
Understanding the Moral and Character Requirements
The moral and character requirements for the Army National Guard are in place to ensure that individuals who serve in the military are of good character and have high moral standards. These requirements include:
- Not having any felony convictions
- Not having any history of substance abuse
- Not having any history of domestic violence
Get a High School Diploma or Equivalent
To qualify for the Army National Guard, individuals must have a high school diploma or equivalent. This includes:
- Having a high school diploma from an accredited institution
- Having a General Education Development (GED) certificate
- Having a high school equivalency diploma
Understanding the Importance of a High School Diploma or Equivalent
Having a high school diploma or equivalent is important for individuals who wish to join the Army National Guard. This is because a high school diploma or equivalent demonstrates that an individual has a certain level of education and has the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the military.
Meet the Age Requirements
To qualify for the Army National Guard, individuals must meet certain age requirements. These include:
- Being between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Being at least 17 years old to enlist
- Being no older than 35 years old to enlist
Understanding the Age Requirements
The age requirements for the Army National Guard are in place to ensure that individuals who serve in the military are of a certain age and have a certain level of maturity. These requirements include:
- Being at least 17 years old to enlist
- Being no older than 35 years old to enlist
- Having a waiver for individuals who are older than 35 years old
Army National Guard Image Gallery
If you are considering joining the Army National Guard, it is essential to understand the eligibility requirements and to prepare yourself for the physical and mental challenges that come with serving in the military. By meeting the basic eligibility requirements, taking the ASVAB test, meeting physical fitness requirements, meeting moral and character requirements, getting a high school diploma or equivalent, and meeting age requirements, you can qualify for the Army National Guard and serve your country with pride.
We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences about joining the Army National Guard in the comments section below. If you have any questions or need further guidance, please don't hesitate to ask.