National Guard Physical Requirements: Are You Fit to Serve

National Guard Physical Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces, and its members are expected to maintain a high level of physical fitness. The physical demands of serving in the National Guard are rigorous, and candidates must meet specific requirements to be eligible for service. In this article, we will explore the National Guard physical requirements, the Body Mass Index (BMI) standards, and the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) expectations.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Standards

The National Guard uses the Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine whether a candidate is at a healthy weight. BMI is calculated by dividing the candidate’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. The National Guard BMI standards are as follows:

Candidates with a BMI below 18.5 or above 24.9 may be considered for service, but they must meet certain criteria and may require a waiver.

Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)

The APFT is a standardized test that measures a candidate’s endurance, strength, and agility. The test consists of three events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. The minimum requirements for each event vary depending on age and gender.

Push-ups:

Sit-ups:

2-mile Run:

🏋️‍♂️ Note: These scores are minimum requirements and may vary depending on the specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or unit.

Additional Physical Requirements

In addition to meeting the BMI standards and APFT requirements, National Guard candidates must also meet other physical requirements, including:

• Vision: Candidates must have uncorrected vision of at least ²⁰⁄₄₀ in each eye, and corrected vision of at least ²⁰⁄₂₀ in each eye.
• Hearing: Candidates must have a hearing threshold of no more than 30 decibels in each ear.
• Medical Standards: Candidates must meet the medical standards for military service, which include having no serious medical conditions that would prevent them from performing their duties.

Preparing for the National Guard Physical Requirements

If you’re interested in joining the National Guard, it’s essential to start preparing physically well in advance. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Create a workout routine: Develop a workout routine that includes exercises that target your upper body, lower body, and core.
• Incorporate cardio: Incorporate cardio exercises, such as running or swimming, into your routine to improve your endurance.
• Eat a healthy diet: Fuel your body with a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Get enough sleep: Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help your body recover from the physical demands of training.

In summary, the National Guard physical requirements are rigorous and demanding. Candidates must meet specific standards for BMI, APFT, and other physical requirements. By understanding these requirements and preparing physically, you can increase your chances of success and serve your country with pride.

What is the minimum BMI required to join the National Guard?

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The minimum BMI required to join the National Guard is 18.5.

How many push-ups are required for the APFT?

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The number of push-ups required for the APFT varies depending on age and gender. For example, males aged 17-21 must complete 30-39 push-ups.

Can I join the National Guard if I wear glasses?

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Yes, you can join the National Guard if you wear glasses, but you must have uncorrected vision of at least ²⁰⁄₄₀ in each eye, and corrected vision of at least ²⁰⁄₂₀ in each eye.