6 Ways To Join Infantry Army National Guard

Serving in the Infantry Army National Guard can be a highly rewarding career path for those who are passionate about serving their country and being part of a tight-knit community. The Infantry Army National Guard is a reserve component of the US Army that provides support to state and federal authorities in times of war or national emergency. If you're interested in joining the Infantry Army National Guard, there are several ways to do so. In this article, we'll explore six ways to join the Infantry Army National Guard.

Understanding the Infantry Army National Guard

Before we dive into the ways to join, it's essential to understand what the Infantry Army National Guard is all about. The Infantry Army National Guard is a part-time military service that provides support to state and federal authorities in times of war or national emergency. As a member of the Infantry Army National Guard, you'll be trained in infantry skills, such as marksmanship, first aid, and combat tactics.

Way 1: Enlist as a New Recruit

One way to join the Infantry Army National Guard is to enlist as a new recruit. To do this, you'll need to meet the basic requirements, which include:

• Being a US citizen
• Being between the ages of 17 and 35
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent
• Scoring a minimum of 31 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
• Passing the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)

Once you've met the basic requirements, you can visit a local Army National Guard recruiter to begin the enlistment process.

Enlistment Process

The enlistment process typically involves the following steps:

• Taking the ASVAB test
• Completing a physical exam
• Passing the APFT
• Completing a background check
• Signing an enlistment contract

Way 2: Transfer from Active Duty

Another way to join the Infantry Army National Guard is to transfer from active duty. If you're currently serving on active duty and want to transition to the Army National Guard, you can do so through the Active Duty for Special Work (ADSW) program.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the ADSW program, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

• Being a current active-duty soldier
• Having a minimum of 12 months remaining on your enlistment contract
• Having a good performance record
• Meeting the Army National Guard's enlistment requirements

Way 3: Join through the National Guard's Split-Option Program

The National Guard's Split-Option Program allows you to join the Army National Guard while still in high school. Through this program, you can enlist in the Army National Guard and attend basic training during the summer after your junior year.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Split-Option Program, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

• Being a high school junior or senior
• Having a minimum GPA of 2.5
• Scoring a minimum of 31 on the ASVAB test
• Passing the APFT

Way 4: Attend Officer Candidate School (OCS)

If you're interested in becoming an officer in the Infantry Army National Guard, you can attend Officer Candidate School (OCS). OCS is a 12-week training program that prepares you to become a commissioned officer.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for OCS, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

• Having a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Scoring a minimum of 31 on the ASVAB test
• Passing the APFT
• Having a good performance record

Way 5: Join through the National Guard's Military Academy

The National Guard's Military Academy is a four-year college program that allows you to earn a degree while also receiving training as an officer in the Army National Guard.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Military Academy, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

• Being a high school senior or having a high school diploma
• Scoring a minimum of 31 on the ASVAB test
• Passing the APFT
• Having a good performance record

Way 6: Join through the National Guard's Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)

The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) allows you to join the Army National Guard while also attending college through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the SMP, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

• Being a high school senior or having a high school diploma
• Scoring a minimum of 31 on the ASVAB test
• Passing the APFT
• Having a good performance record

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What are the benefits of joining the Infantry Army National Guard?

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The benefits of joining the Infantry Army National Guard include education assistance, career training, and the opportunity to serve your country.

What is the typical day like for an Infantry Army National Guard soldier?

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The typical day for an Infantry Army National Guard soldier can vary depending on the specific job and deployment. However, most soldiers can expect to spend time training, participating in drills, and performing their specific job duties.

Can I join the Infantry Army National Guard if I have a felony conviction?

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It may be possible to join the Infantry Army National Guard with a felony conviction, but it will depend on the specific circumstances of your conviction and the policies of the National Guard. You should speak with a recruiter to determine your eligibility.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide on how to join the Infantry Army National Guard. Whether you're interested in enlisting as a new recruit, transferring from active duty, or joining through one of the other programs, there are many ways to serve your country and be part of the Infantry Army National Guard. Remember to meet the eligibility requirements, complete the necessary training, and stay committed to your service.