Intro
Discover the 7 steps to joining the Air National Guard, a unique blend of military service and civilian life. Learn about the requirements, application process, and training involved in becoming a Guardsman, plus benefits like education assistance, career skills, and serving your community. Start your journey to serve and succeed.
Joining the Air National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging career choice for those looking to serve their country while also pursuing their civilian goals. The Air National Guard is a unique branch of the military that allows members to serve part-time while still having time for their civilian careers and personal lives. However, the process of joining can be complex and time-consuming. In this article, we will break down the 7 steps to joining the Air National Guard.
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Before you can begin the process of joining the Air National Guard, you must meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements include being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 39, and meeting certain physical and moral standards. You must also have a high school diploma or equivalent and score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
Age Requirements
The Air National Guard has strict age requirements for new recruits. You must be at least 17 years old to enlist, and you must be under the age of 39. However, if you have prior military experience, you may be eligible to join the Air National Guard even if you are over the age of 39.
Physical Requirements
The Air National Guard also has strict physical requirements for new recruits. You must be in good physical shape and meet certain body fat percentage requirements. You must also pass a medical exam to ensure that you are fit for military service.
Step 2: Choose Your Career Field
Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you can begin to explore the different career fields available in the Air National Guard. The Air National Guard has a wide range of career fields to choose from, including aviation, intelligence, and communications. You can visit the Air National Guard website to learn more about the different career fields and to find one that matches your skills and interests.
Aviation Careers
The Air National Guard has a variety of aviation careers available, including pilots, navigators, and aircraft maintenance specialists. If you are interested in working with aircraft, you may want to consider one of these careers.
Intelligence Careers
The Air National Guard also has a variety of intelligence careers available, including intelligence analysts and cryptologic linguists. If you are interested in working with intelligence, you may want to consider one of these careers.
Step 3: Take the ASVAB Test
The ASVAB test is a standardized test that measures your aptitude in different areas, including math, reading comprehension, and electronics. The test is used to determine which career fields you are eligible for in the Air National Guard. You can study for the test using online resources or by taking a prep course.
Preparing for the ASVAB Test
To prepare for the ASVAB test, you can use online resources or take a prep course. You can also practice taking the test by using sample questions and quizzes.
Step 4: Apply to Join the Air National Guard
Once you have met the eligibility requirements, chosen your career field, and taken the ASVAB test, you can begin the application process to join the Air National Guard. You can apply online or by visiting a local recruiter. You will need to provide documentation, including your birth certificate, high school diploma, and transcripts.
Gathering Documentation
To apply to join the Air National Guard, you will need to gather certain documents, including your birth certificate, high school diploma, and transcripts. You will also need to provide proof of citizenship and a copy of your driver's license.
Step 5: Take the Physical Fitness Test
The physical fitness test is a standardized test that measures your physical fitness. The test includes push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. You can prepare for the test by exercising regularly and practicing the different events.
Preparing for the Physical Fitness Test
To prepare for the physical fitness test, you can exercise regularly and practice the different events. You can also use online resources to find workout routines and training plans.
Step 6: Complete Basic Training
Once you have completed the application process and taken the physical fitness test, you will be sent to basic training. Basic training is a 7-week course that teaches you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the Air National Guard.
What to Expect in Basic Training
In basic training, you can expect to learn about the history and values of the Air National Guard, as well as the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your career field. You will also participate in physical training and other activities to help you prepare for your role in the Air National Guard.
Step 7: Attend Technical Training
After completing basic training, you will attend technical training, also known as tech school. Tech school is a course that teaches you the specific skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your career field.
What to Expect in Tech School
In tech school, you can expect to learn about the specific skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your career field. You will participate in classroom instruction and hands-on training to help you prepare for your role in the Air National Guard.
Air National Guard Image Gallery
If you are considering joining the Air National Guard, we encourage you to follow these 7 steps to ensure a smooth and successful enlistment process. Remember to research your career options, prepare for the ASVAB test and physical fitness test, and attend basic training and technical training to prepare yourself for your role in the Air National Guard. We also invite you to share your experiences or ask questions in the comments section below.