Discover the flexibility of serving full-time in the National Guard. Learn about the 7 ways to serve, including Active Guard Reserve (AGR) and Military Technician positions. Balance military service with civilian life, utilizing skills like military training and education benefits. Explore full-time National Guard careers and find the perfect fit.
Serving in the National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging experience, offering individuals the opportunity to serve their country, gain valuable skills, and make a difference in their communities. For those who want to serve full-time in the National Guard, there are several options to consider. In this article, we'll explore seven ways to serve full-time in the National Guard, highlighting the benefits, requirements, and career paths associated with each option.
1. Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Program
The Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program allows National Guard members to serve full-time while still maintaining their status as Guard members. AGR soldiers are employed full-time by the National Guard and receive the same pay and benefits as active-duty soldiers. To be eligible for the AGR program, soldiers must meet specific qualifications, including being a current member of the National Guard, having a minimum of two years of service remaining on their enlistment contract, and meeting medical and physical fitness standards.
Benefits of the AGR Program
- Full-time employment with the National Guard
- Same pay and benefits as active-duty soldiers
- Opportunity to serve in a variety of roles, including infantry, engineering, and intelligence
- Ability to participate in deployments and training exercises
2. Full-Time National Guard (FTNG) Program
The Full-Time National Guard (FTNG) program allows National Guard members to serve full-time in a variety of roles, including maintenance, training, and operations. FTNG soldiers are employed full-time by the National Guard and receive the same pay and benefits as AGR soldiers. To be eligible for the FTNG program, soldiers must meet specific qualifications, including being a current member of the National Guard, having a minimum of two years of service remaining on their enlistment contract, and meeting medical and physical fitness standards.
Benefits of the FTNG Program
- Full-time employment with the National Guard
- Opportunity to serve in a variety of roles, including maintenance, training, and operations
- Same pay and benefits as AGR soldiers
- Ability to participate in training exercises and deployments
3. National Guard Technician Program
The National Guard Technician Program allows National Guard members to serve full-time in a variety of roles, including maintenance, training, and operations. Technician soldiers are employed full-time by the National Guard and receive the same pay and benefits as AGR soldiers. To be eligible for the Technician program, soldiers must meet specific qualifications, including being a current member of the National Guard, having a minimum of two years of service remaining on their enlistment contract, and meeting medical and physical fitness standards.
Benefits of the Technician Program
- Full-time employment with the National Guard
- Opportunity to serve in a variety of roles, including maintenance, training, and operations
- Same pay and benefits as AGR soldiers
- Ability to participate in training exercises and deployments
4. Officer Candidate School (OCS) Program
The Officer Candidate School (OCS) program allows National Guard members to become commissioned officers while serving full-time. OCS candidates attend a 12-week training program at the National Guard's Officer Candidate School, where they learn leadership and tactical skills. To be eligible for the OCS program, candidates must meet specific qualifications, including being a current member of the National Guard, having a minimum of two years of service remaining on their enlistment contract, and meeting medical and physical fitness standards.
Benefits of the OCS Program
- Opportunity to become a commissioned officer in the National Guard
- Full-time employment with the National Guard
- Ability to participate in training exercises and deployments
- Leadership and tactical training
5. Warrant Officer Program
The Warrant Officer program allows National Guard members to become technical experts in a specific field while serving full-time. Warrant officers attend a technical training program, where they learn advanced skills in areas such as aviation, intelligence, and engineering. To be eligible for the Warrant Officer program, candidates must meet specific qualifications, including being a current member of the National Guard, having a minimum of two years of service remaining on their enlistment contract, and meeting medical and physical fitness standards.
Benefits of the Warrant Officer Program
- Opportunity to become a technical expert in a specific field
- Full-time employment with the National Guard
- Ability to participate in training exercises and deployments
- Advanced technical training
6. Chaplain Program
The Chaplain program allows National Guard members to serve as spiritual leaders while serving full-time. Chaplains attend a training program, where they learn to provide spiritual guidance and support to soldiers. To be eligible for the Chaplain program, candidates must meet specific qualifications, including being a current member of the National Guard, having a minimum of two years of service remaining on their enlistment contract, and meeting medical and physical fitness standards.
Benefits of the Chaplain Program
- Opportunity to serve as a spiritual leader in the National Guard
- Full-time employment with the National Guard
- Ability to participate in training exercises and deployments
- Training in spiritual guidance and support
7. Judge Advocate General (JAG) Program
The Judge Advocate General (JAG) program allows National Guard members to serve as military lawyers while serving full-time. JAG officers attend a training program, where they learn to provide legal guidance and support to soldiers. To be eligible for the JAG program, candidates must meet specific qualifications, including being a current member of the National Guard, having a minimum of two years of service remaining on their enlistment contract, and meeting medical and physical fitness standards.
Benefits of the JAG Program
- Opportunity to serve as a military lawyer in the National Guard
- Full-time employment with the National Guard
- Ability to participate in training exercises and deployments
- Training in military law
Gallery of National Guard Images
National Guard Image Gallery
In conclusion, serving full-time in the National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging experience, offering individuals the opportunity to serve their country, gain valuable skills, and make a difference in their communities. With seven different options to consider, there's a career path to suit every interest and skill level. Whether you're looking to serve as a soldier, officer, or technical expert, the National Guard has a place for you.