Deploying With Honor: Join The National Guard As A Volunteer

For many Americans, serving in the military is a calling that requires great sacrifice, dedication, and honor. One way to answer this call is by joining the National Guard as a volunteer. The National Guard is a reserve component of the US Armed Forces that provides individuals with the opportunity to serve their country, state, and community while also pursuing their civilian careers and personal goals.

By joining the National Guard, volunteers can gain valuable skills, education benefits, and a sense of purpose that comes from serving something greater than themselves. National Guard members are also part of a proud tradition of citizen-soldiers who have defended the United States since the Revolutionary War. As a National Guard volunteer, you will be part of a team that is dedicated to protecting American interests, responding to domestic emergencies, and supporting local communities.

Who Can Join the National Guard?

To be eligible to join the National Guard, you must meet certain requirements. These include:

Being a US citizen or national
Being between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
Meeting physical fitness standards
Passing a background check
Having a high school diploma or equivalent
Scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test

Benefits of Joining the National Guard

Joining the National Guard as a volunteer comes with a range of benefits that can enhance your personal and professional life. Some of these benefits include:

Education Benefits: The National Guard offers education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Federal Tuition Assistance Program, to help members pay for college or vocational school.
Career Skills: National Guard members can gain valuable skills and experience in fields such as healthcare, technology, and engineering.
Leadership Opportunities: The National Guard offers opportunities for leadership development and advancement, which can translate to civilian careers.
Health and Life Insurance: National Guard members are eligible for low-cost health and life insurance.
Retirement Benefits: National Guard members are eligible for retirement benefits after 20 years of service.

How to Join the National Guard

If you are interested in joining the National Guard as a volunteer, here are the steps to follow:

Meet with a Recruiter: Contact a National Guard recruiter to discuss your eligibility and the enlistment process.
Take the ASVAB Test: Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test to determine your aptitude for different military careers.
Choose a Career: Select a military career (known as a Military Occupational Specialty or MOS) that aligns with your skills and interests.
Enlist: Enlist in the National Guard by signing a contract and taking the oath of enlistment.
Attend Basic Training: Attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) to learn the skills and values of a National Guard soldier.

National Guard Ranks and Responsibilities

The National Guard has a hierarchical rank structure that reflects a member's level of experience, training, and responsibility. Here are some of the most common National Guard ranks and their responsibilities:

Private (E-1): The lowest enlisted rank, privates are new recruits who are still in training.
Private First Class (E-2): Privates first class have completed basic training and are assigned to a unit.
Specialist/Corporal (E-4): Specialists and corporals are non-commissioned officers who have completed advanced training and are responsible for leading small teams.
Sergeant (E-5): Sergeants are senior non-commissioned officers who are responsible for leading squads and platoons.
Lieutenant (O-2): Lieutenants are junior officers who are responsible for leading platoons and companies.

National Guard Training and Deployment

National Guard members are required to complete regular training and may be deployed in support of state or federal missions. Here are some key aspects of National Guard training and deployment:

Annual Training: National Guard members are required to complete two weeks of annual training (AT) each year.
Drill Weekend: National Guard members are required to attend one drill weekend per month.
Deployment: National Guard members may be deployed in support of state or federal missions, which can include disaster response, homeland security, and overseas combat operations.

National Guard and Community Involvement

The National Guard is deeply involved in local communities across the United States. Here are some ways that National Guard members can get involved in their communities:

Disaster Response: National Guard members may be deployed to respond to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.
Parades and Ceremonies: National Guard members may participate in parades, ceremonies, and other community events.
Youth Programs: The National Guard offers youth programs such as the National Guard Youth Challenge Program and the National Guard Teen Summit.

National Guard and Education Benefits

The National Guard offers education benefits to help members pay for college or vocational school. Here are some of the education benefits available to National Guard members:

Montgomery GI Bill: The Montgomery GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible National Guard members.
Federal Tuition Assistance: The Federal Tuition Assistance Program provides up to 100% tuition assistance for eligible National Guard members.
State Tuition Reimbursement: Some states offer tuition reimbursement programs for National Guard members.

Gallery of National Guard Images

National Guard Image Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How old do I have to be to join the National Guard? A: You must be between the ages of 17 and 35 to join the National Guard.
Q: What is the National Guard's mission? A: The National Guard's mission is to provide trained and equipped units to protect the security and interests of the United States and its citizens.
Q: Can I join the National Guard if I have a felony conviction? A: It is unlikely that you will be eligible to join the National Guard if you have a felony conviction.
Q: How long do I have to serve in the National Guard? A: National Guard members typically serve for 6-8 years.

If you are considering joining the National Guard as a volunteer, we encourage you to reach out to a recruiter or visit the National Guard website to learn more about the opportunities and benefits available to you. Remember, serving in the National Guard is a calling that requires great sacrifice, dedication, and honor.