5 Ways To Serve Part-Time With National Guard

Serving part-time with the National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging experience. As a member of the National Guard, you will have the opportunity to serve your country, develop new skills, and earn benefits, all while still being able to maintain a civilian life. Here are five ways to serve part-time with the National Guard:

One of the most well-known ways to serve part-time with the National Guard is as a traditional Guardsman. Traditional Guardsmen typically drill one weekend a month, known as a "drill weekend," and attend an annual two-week training period, known as "annual training" or "AT." During drill weekends, Guardsmen will attend training sessions, participate in unit activities, and perform other duties as required. Annual training typically takes place during the summer months and may involve training exercises, deployments, or other activities.

Another way to serve part-time with the National Guard is through the National Guard's Technician Program. As a technician, you will work full-time for the National Guard, but still only drill one weekend a month and attend annual training. Technicians are civilian employees of the National Guard and work in a variety of fields, including administration, maintenance, and operations.

Types of Part-Time National Guard Service

In addition to traditional Guardsmen and technicians, there are several other types of part-time service available through the National Guard. These include:

• Air National Guard

The Air National Guard is a part-time component of the United States Air Force. As a member of the Air National Guard, you will drill one weekend a month and attend annual training, just like traditional Guardsmen. However, your training and duties will be focused on air-related activities, such as flying, maintenance, and air support operations.

• State Active Duty

State Active Duty (SAD) is a type of part-time service that allows Guardsmen to work full-time for the National Guard, but only for a limited period of time. SAD is typically used to support state emergencies, such as natural disasters or civil unrest. As a member of SAD, you will be paid a full-time salary, but you will only work for a short period of time, usually several months.

• Active Guard Reserve

The Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program allows Guardsmen to work full-time for the National Guard, while still drilling one weekend a month and attending annual training. AGR members work in a variety of fields, including administration, maintenance, and operations.

Benefits of Part-Time National Guard Service

Part-time service with the National Guard offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• Education Benefits

The National Guard offers several education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) and the National Guard Tuition Assistance Program. These programs can help pay for college, vocational training, or other education expenses.

• Health Insurance

As a member of the National Guard, you will be eligible for low-cost health insurance through the TRICARE program.

• Retirement Benefits

Part-time service with the National Guard can also earn you retirement benefits, including a pension and access to military retiree healthcare.

• Job Skills and Experience

Serving part-time with the National Guard can also provide you with valuable job skills and experience, which can be applied to your civilian career.

How to Join the National Guard

If you're interested in serving part-time with the National Guard, here are the steps to follow:

• Meet the Eligibility Requirements

To join the National Guard, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including age, citizenship, and education requirements.

• Choose Your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

The National Guard has a wide range of MOS's, or job specialties, to choose from. You'll need to choose an MOS that aligns with your skills and interests.

• Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Test

The ASVAB test is a multiple-choice test that measures your aptitude in various subjects, including math, reading, and technical skills.

• Complete Basic Training

After you've enlisted, you'll attend Basic Training, also known as Basic Combat Training (BCT). BCT is a 10-week training program that teaches you the skills you need to become a Guardsman.

• Attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT)

After BCT, you'll attend AIT, which is a specialized training program that teaches you the skills you need for your specific MOS.

Conclusion

Serving part-time with the National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging experience. With a wide range of benefits, including education benefits, health insurance, and retirement benefits, it's a great way to serve your country while still maintaining a civilian life. Whether you're interested in traditional service, the Technician Program, or another type of part-time service, the National Guard has something for everyone.

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We hope this article has provided you with valuable information about serving part-time with the National Guard. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.