Understanding the Infantry Army National Guard
The Infantry Army National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Army that is composed of citizen-soldiers who can be called upon to support federal and state missions. The Infantry Army National Guard is a vital part of the country’s defense strategy, providing trained and equipped soldiers who can respond to a wide range of threats. If you’re interested in joining the Infantry Army National Guard, here are five ways to do so:
Meet the Basic Requirements
Before you can join the Infantry Army National Guard, you must meet certain basic requirements. These include:
- Being a U.S. citizen or national
- Being between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Passing a physical fitness test
- Passing a background check
Enlist Through the Army National Guard Website
One way to join the Infantry Army National Guard is to enlist through the Army National Guard website. To do this, follow these steps:
- Visit the Army National Guard website at https://www.nationalguard.com/
- Click on the “Join the Guard” tab at the top of the page
- Fill out the online enlistment application, which will ask for your personal and contact information
- Submit your application and wait for a response from a recruiter
💡 Note: You can also visit a local Army National Guard recruitment office to speak with a recruiter in person.
Visit a Local Recruitment Office
Another way to join the Infantry Army National Guard is to visit a local recruitment office. To find a recruitment office near you, follow these steps:
- Visit the Army National Guard website at https://www.nationalguard.com/
- Click on the “Find a Recruiter” tab at the top of the page
- Enter your zip code or city and state to find a recruitment office near you
- Visit the recruitment office to speak with a recruiter and learn more about the enlistment process
Join Through the Army National Guard's Delayed Entry Program
The Army National Guard’s Delayed Entry Program (DEP) allows you to enlist and delay your start date for up to one year. To join through the DEP, follow these steps:
- Visit the Army National Guard website at https://www.nationalguard.com/
- Click on the “Join the Guard” tab at the top of the page
- Fill out the online enlistment application, which will ask for your personal and contact information
- Submit your application and wait for a response from a recruiter
- Once you’re accepted into the DEP, you’ll have up to one year to report for duty
📆 Note: The DEP allows you to delay your start date, but you'll still be required to attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) within one year of enlisting.
Join Through the Army National Guard's Split-Option Program
The Army National Guard’s Split-Option Program allows you to split your enlistment into two phases. To join through the Split-Option Program, follow these steps:
- Visit the Army National Guard website at https://www.nationalguard.com/
- Click on the “Join the Guard” tab at the top of the page
- Fill out the online enlistment application, which will ask for your personal and contact information
- Submit your application and wait for a response from a recruiter
- Once you’re accepted into the Split-Option Program, you’ll attend BCT and then return home for a period of time before attending AIT
📝 Note: The Split-Option Program is only available for certain Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), so be sure to check with a recruiter to see if you're eligible.
Join Through the Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School (OCS) Program
The Army National Guard’s OCS Program allows you to become an officer in the Infantry Army National Guard. To join through the OCS Program, follow these steps:
- Visit the Army National Guard website at https://www.nationalguard.com/
- Click on the “Become an Officer” tab at the top of the page
- Fill out the online application, which will ask for your personal and contact information
- Submit your application and wait for a response from a recruiter
- Once you’re accepted into the OCS Program, you’ll attend OCS and then receive a commission as an officer in the Infantry Army National Guard
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Delayed Entry Program (DEP) | Allows you to delay your start date for up to one year |
| Split-Option Program | Allows you to split your enlistment into two phases |
| Officer Candidate School (OCS) Program | Allows you to become an officer in the Infantry Army National Guard |
Once you’ve joined the Infantry Army National Guard, you’ll undergo rigorous training to prepare you for a career as a soldier. This training will include Basic Combat Training (BCT), Advanced Individual Training (AIT), and specialized training in your chosen Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). You’ll also have the opportunity to serve your country and community, both at home and abroad.
By joining the Infantry Army National Guard, you’ll become part of a proud tradition of citizen-soldiers who have served their country for over 300 years. Whether you’re looking for a career in the military or simply want to serve your country part-time, the Infantry Army National Guard is a great option.
Finally, joining the Infantry Army National Guard requires a significant commitment, but it also offers many rewards. You’ll have the opportunity to develop new skills, make lifelong friends, and serve your country. If you’re interested in joining the Infantry Army National Guard, don’t hesitate to reach out to a recruiter or visit the Army National Guard website to learn more.
What are the basic requirements for joining the Infantry Army National Guard?
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To join the Infantry Army National Guard, you must be a U.S. citizen or national, be between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates), have a high school diploma or equivalent, score well on the ASVAB test, pass a physical fitness test, and pass a background check.
How do I join the Infantry Army National Guard?
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You can join the Infantry Army National Guard by visiting the Army National Guard website, visiting a local recruitment office, or joining through the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), Split-Option Program, or Officer Candidate School (OCS) Program.
What is the Delayed Entry Program (DEP)?
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The DEP allows you to delay your start date for up to one year. You’ll still be required to attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) within one year of enlisting.
Related Terms:
- Air National Guard
- Texas National Guard
- Chief of national guard bureau
- Alabama National Guard
- Hawaii National Guard
- California National Guard
