Joining the National Guard: What You Need to Know
Joining the National Guard can be a great way to serve your country, gain valuable skills and experience, and receive education benefits. However, there are certain requirements that must be met in order to be eligible to join. Here are five key requirements to consider:
Requirement 1: Age
To join the National Guard, you must be at least 17 years old (with parental consent) or 18 years old (without parental consent). The maximum age for joining the National Guard varies depending on the state and the type of enlistment. Generally, the maximum age is 35 years old, but some states have a higher maximum age limit.
đź“ť Note: Some positions in the National Guard may have lower or higher age limits, so it's best to check with a recruiter for specific information.
Requirement 2: Citizenship
You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident to join the National Guard. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to join the National Guard if you have a valid green card and meet certain other requirements.
Requirement 3: Education
You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to join the National Guard. If you don’t have a high school diploma, you may be eligible to join if you have a GED certificate or a college degree.
Requirement 4: Physical Fitness
You must meet certain physical fitness standards to join the National Guard. This includes passing a physical fitness test, which assesses your endurance, strength, and agility. You must also meet certain body fat percentage requirements.
| Age | Push-ups | Sit-ups | 2-Mile Run |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-21 | 30 | 30 | 13:30 |
| 22-26 | 27 | 27 | 14:00 |
| 27-31 | 24 | 24 | 14:30 |
| 32-36 | 21 | 21 | 15:00 |
Requirement 5: Background Check
You must undergo a background check to join the National Guard. This includes a review of your military and civilian records, as well as a check of the FBI’s National Crime Information Center database.
đź”’ Note: If you have a felony conviction or a history of disciplinary actions, you may not be eligible to join the National Guard.
In addition to these five requirements, there are other factors to consider when joining the National Guard. These include:
- Medical qualifications: You must meet certain medical standards to join the National Guard.
- Moral standards: You must meet certain moral standards to join the National Guard.
- Enlistment contract: You must sign an enlistment contract, which outlines the terms of your service.
In summary, joining the National Guard requires meeting certain age, citizenship, education, physical fitness, and background check requirements. If you’re interested in joining the National Guard, it’s best to speak with a recruiter to get more information and determine if you’re eligible to serve.
The Benefits of Serving in the National Guard
Serving in the National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging experience. Some of the benefits of serving in the National Guard include:
- Education benefits: The National Guard offers education benefits, including tuition assistance and student loan forgiveness.
- Career training: The National Guard offers career training in a variety of fields, including healthcare, technology, and transportation.
- Leadership opportunities: The National Guard offers leadership opportunities and the chance to develop leadership skills.
- Service to country: The National Guard offers the opportunity to serve your country and make a difference in your community.
Q: How long is the enlistment contract for the National Guard?
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A: The enlistment contract for the National Guard is typically 6-8 years, although some positions may have shorter or longer enlistment contracts.
Q: Can I join the National Guard if I have a medical condition?
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A: It depends on the type of medical condition. Some medical conditions may be waivable, while others may be disqualifying. It’s best to speak with a recruiter to determine if you’re eligible to join.
Q: How often do National Guard members drill?
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A: National Guard members typically drill one weekend per month and two weeks per year. However, this can vary depending on the unit and the member’s role.
