Intro
Discover the rewards of serving as a Citizen Soldier with the US Army National Guard. Learn about the benefits, requirements, and opportunities for part-time service, while maintaining a civilian career. Join the ranks of proud guardsmen and gain valuable skills, education assistance, and a sense of purpose. Serve community, country, and yourself.
As a proud citizen of the United States, have you ever considered serving your country while also pursuing your civilian career and education? The US Army National Guard offers a unique opportunity to do just that. As a Citizen Soldier, you'll have the chance to serve your community, state, and nation while also gaining valuable skills and benefits.
The US Army National Guard is a reserve component of the US Army, made up of citizen soldiers who serve part-time. As a member of the National Guard, you'll have the opportunity to serve your community and state in times of need, while also being deployable in support of federal missions. With over 450,000 soldiers serving in the National Guard, it's a great way to be part of a proud tradition of service.
Benefits of Joining the US Army National Guard
Joining the US Army National Guard comes with a wide range of benefits, including:
- Education Benefits: The National Guard offers a range of education benefits, including the GI Bill, tuition assistance, and student loan repayment programs.
- Career Advancement: Serving in the National Guard can help you develop valuable skills and experience that can be applied to your civilian career.
- Leadership Opportunities: As a member of the National Guard, you'll have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and take on leadership roles.
- Camaraderie: Serving in the National Guard provides a sense of camaraderie and belonging to a community of fellow soldiers.
- Service to Community: As a member of the National Guard, you'll have the opportunity to serve your community and state in times of need.
Types of Service in the US Army National Guard
There are several types of service available in the US Army National Guard, including:
- Drill Status: As a drill status soldier, you'll serve one weekend a month and two weeks a year.
- Active Duty: As an active duty soldier, you'll serve full-time and be deployable in support of federal missions.
- Full-Time Support: As a full-time support soldier, you'll serve full-time in a support role, such as in a personnel or logistics position.
Enlistment Process
The enlistment process for the US Army National Guard typically involves the following steps:
- Meet with a Recruiter: Meet with a recruiter to discuss your options and determine if the National Guard is right for you.
- Take the ASVAB: Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test to determine your career options.
- Choose Your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Choose your MOS, or job, based on your ASVAB scores and interests.
- Enlist: Enlist in the National Guard by signing a contract and taking the oath of enlistment.
- Basic Combat Training (BCT): Attend BCT, also known as boot camp, to learn the basics of soldiering.
- Advanced Individual Training (AIT): Attend AIT to learn the skills specific to your MOS.
Training and Career Development
As a member of the US Army National Guard, you'll have access to a wide range of training and career development opportunities, including:
- Basic Combat Training (BCT): Learn the basics of soldiering, including first aid, combat skills, and leadership.
- Advanced Individual Training (AIT): Learn the skills specific to your MOS.
- Leadership Development: Develop leadership skills through courses and training exercises.
- Specialized Training: Receive specialized training in areas such as aviation, engineering, and logistics.
Examples of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS)
Some examples of MOS available in the US Army National Guard include:
- Infantryman: Serve as a frontline soldier, conducting combat operations and security patrols.
- Combat Engineer: Conduct construction and demolition operations, as well as provide security and support.
- Aviation Operations Specialist: Coordinate and manage aviation operations, including scheduling and logistics.
Family and Community Support
As a member of the US Army National Guard, you'll have access to a wide range of family and community support resources, including:
- Family Support Groups: Join a family support group to connect with other families and receive support.
- Community Outreach: Participate in community outreach programs, such as food drives and disaster relief efforts.
- Youth Programs: Participate in youth programs, such as the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program.
Conclusion
Joining the US Army National Guard is a great way to serve your country, community, and state while also pursuing your civilian career and education. With a wide range of benefits, training and career development opportunities, and family and community support resources, the National Guard is an excellent choice for those looking to make a difference.
US Army National Guard Image Gallery
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with the US Army National Guard. Have you served in the National Guard? What were your experiences like? Share your story in the comments below.