Joining the Louisiana Air National Guard: A Path to Service and Opportunity
Serving in the Louisiana Air National Guard (LA ANG) offers a unique blend of patriotism, camaraderie, and personal growth. If you’re considering joining the LA ANG, you’re likely driven by a desire to serve your community, gain valuable skills, and contribute to the defense of your country. In this post, we’ll outline five ways to join the Louisiana Air National Guard and explore the benefits of being part of this esteemed organization.
Meet the Basic Requirements
Before we dive into the ways to join the LA ANG, it’s essential to ensure you meet the basic requirements. These include:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being between the ages of 17 and 39 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Being in good physical health
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Passing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Passing a physical fitness test
- Having no felony convictions
1. Enlist as a Traditional Guardsman
The most common way to join the LA ANG is to enlist as a traditional Guardsman. This involves attending Basic Military Training (BMT) and technical school to learn a specific Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC). Traditional Guardsmen typically drill one weekend a month and attend an annual two-week training period.
To enlist, you’ll need to:
- Visit a recruiter to discuss your options and determine which AFSC is right for you
- Take the ASVAB test to determine your aptitude for different careers
- Pass a physical fitness test and medical evaluation
- Attend BMT and technical school
- Drill with your unit one weekend a month and attend annual training
2. Join as a Full-Time Guardsman (Active Guard Reserve)
If you’re interested in serving full-time, you can join the LA ANG as an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) member. AGR members work full-time for the Guard, typically in support roles such as administration, logistics, or maintenance.
To join as an AGR, you’ll need to:
- Meet the same basic requirements as traditional Guardsmen
- Have a specific AFSC in mind (AGR positions are typically competitive)
- Apply for an AGR position through the Louisiana Air National Guard’s website
- Pass a panel interview and medical evaluation
- Attend BMT and technical school (if necessary)
3. Become an Officer
If you’re interested in leading and managing others, you can become an officer in the LA ANG. Officers typically hold a four-year degree and have completed Officer Training School (OTS) or the Air Force Academy.
To become an officer, you’ll need to:
- Hold a four-year degree from an accredited institution
- Attend OTS or the Air Force Academy
- Commission as an officer and receive a specific AFSC
- Drill with your unit one weekend a month and attend annual training
4. Join the Louisiana Air National Guard as a Civilian
The LA ANG also employs civilians in a variety of roles, from administration to maintenance. Civilian employees support the Guard’s mission and operations, often working alongside military personnel.
To join as a civilian, you’ll need to:
- Visit the USAJOBS website to search for civilian positions with the LA ANG
- Apply for a position that matches your skills and experience
- Pass a background check and medical evaluation (if necessary)
- Attend a new employee orientation
5. Transfer from Another Branch or Component
If you’re already serving in another branch or component of the military, you can transfer to the LA ANG. This can be a great way to continue serving while switching to a new branch or component.
To transfer, you’ll need to:
- Meet the same basic requirements as traditional Guardsmen
- Have a specific AFSC in mind (transfer positions are typically competitive)
- Apply for a transfer through the Air National Guard’s website
- Pass a medical evaluation and background check
- Attend BMT and technical school (if necessary)
👉 Note: Transferring from another branch or component can be complex, so it's essential to work with a recruiter to ensure a smooth transition.
| Method | Requirements | Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Guardsman | Meet basic requirements, pass ASVAB and physical fitness tests | One weekend a month, annual two-week training |
| Full-Time Guardsman (AGR) | Meet basic requirements, specific AFSC, pass panel interview and medical evaluation | Full-time, typically in support roles |
| Officer | Hold four-year degree, attend OTS or Air Force Academy, commission as officer | One weekend a month, annual training |
| Civilian | Visit USAJOBS, apply for position, pass background check and medical evaluation (if necessary) | Full-time, various roles |
| Transfer from Another Branch or Component | Meet basic requirements, specific AFSC, apply for transfer, pass medical evaluation and background check | One weekend a month, annual training |
Joining the Louisiana Air National Guard offers a unique opportunity to serve your community, gain valuable skills, and contribute to the defense of your country. Whether you’re interested in serving part-time or full-time, as a traditional Guardsman, officer, civilian, or transferring from another branch or component, there’s a place for you in the LA ANG.
In summary, joining the LA ANG requires meeting basic requirements, such as being a U.S. citizen, being in good physical health, and having a high school diploma or equivalent. From there, you can choose from various paths, including enlisting as a traditional Guardsman, joining as a full-time Guardsman (AGR), becoming an officer, joining as a civilian, or transferring from another branch or component. Whichever path you choose, you’ll become part of a proud tradition of service and sacrifice, and you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in your community and country.
