5 Ways To Join The Virginia Air National Guard

Joining the Virginia Air National Guard can be a life-changing decision, offering a unique blend of military service, education benefits, and civilian career opportunities. As a member of the Virginia Air National Guard, you will be part of a proud tradition of serving your state and country while gaining valuable skills and experience. In this article, we will explore five ways to join the Virginia Air National Guard, including the benefits and requirements of each path.

Why Join the Virginia Air National Guard?

Before we dive into the ways to join, let's discuss the benefits of serving in the Virginia Air National Guard. As a member, you will receive:

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Education assistance, including tuition reimbursement and student loan forgiveness
• Career training and advancement opportunities
• Camaraderie and esprit de corps with fellow service members
• Opportunities to serve your state and country
• Access to military facilities and resources

Path 1: Enlisting as a New Recruit

One way to join the Virginia Air National Guard is by enlisting as a new recruit. To do so, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be between the ages of 17 and 39
• Meet physical fitness standards
• Score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
• Pass a background check and medical screening

To enlist, visit a local recruiter or fill out an online application. You will then attend Basic Military Training (BMT) and complete Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in your chosen career field.

Benefits of Enlisting as a New Recruit

• Receive education assistance and career training
• Gain hands-on experience in your chosen career field
• Develop leadership and teamwork skills
• Enjoy a sense of pride and accomplishment serving in the military

Path 2: Transferring from Another Military Branch

If you are currently serving in another military branch, you may be eligible to transfer to the Virginia Air National Guard. To do so, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a current member of the U.S. military
• Have a minimum of two years of service remaining on your enlistment contract
• Meet the Virginia Air National Guard's eligibility requirements
• Pass a background check and medical screening

To transfer, submit a transfer request through your current branch's personnel office. You will then attend a transfer orientation and complete any necessary training or certifications.

Benefits of Transferring from Another Military Branch

• Bring your existing military experience and training to the Virginia Air National Guard
• Enjoy a new challenge and opportunity for advancement
• Take advantage of education assistance and career training programs
• Continue to serve your country while gaining new skills and experience

Path 3: Joining as an Officer

Another way to join the Virginia Air National Guard is by becoming an officer. To do so, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Meet physical fitness standards
• Score well on the Officer Qualifying Test (OQT)
• Pass a background check and medical screening

To become an officer, attend Officer Training School (OTS) or receive a direct commission through a military academy or ROTC program.

Benefits of Joining as an Officer

• Receive a commission as an officer in the Virginia Air National Guard
• Lead and manage teams of enlisted personnel
• Develop leadership and decision-making skills
• Enjoy increased pay and benefits

Path 4: Joining as a Prior Service Member

If you have previously served in the military, you may be eligible to join the Virginia Air National Guard as a prior service member. To do so, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a prior service member of the U.S. military
• Have an honorable discharge
• Meet the Virginia Air National Guard's eligibility requirements
• Pass a background check and medical screening

To join as a prior service member, submit a prior service application through a local recruiter or online.

Benefits of Joining as a Prior Service Member

• Bring your existing military experience and training to the Virginia Air National Guard
• Enjoy a new challenge and opportunity for advancement
• Take advantage of education assistance and career training programs
• Continue to serve your country while gaining new skills and experience

Path 5: Joining through the State Tuition Reimbursement Program

Finally, you can join the Virginia Air National Guard through the State Tuition Reimbursement Program. To do so, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a student at a Virginia-based college or university
• Meet the Virginia Air National Guard's eligibility requirements
• Pass a background check and medical screening

To join through the State Tuition Reimbursement Program, submit an application through a local recruiter or online.

Benefits of Joining through the State Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Receive tuition reimbursement for college courses
• Gain hands-on experience in a career field
• Develop leadership and teamwork skills
• Enjoy a sense of pride and accomplishment serving in the military

Virginia Air National Guard Image Gallery

Now that you've read about the five ways to join the Virginia Air National Guard, we encourage you to take the next step and explore which path is right for you. Whether you're a new recruit, prior service member, or student looking for tuition reimbursement, the Virginia Air National Guard offers a unique opportunity to serve your state and country while gaining valuable skills and experience. Don't hesitate to reach out to a local recruiter or visit our website to learn more.