Intro
Discover the 7 essential requirements to join the National Guard, including age, citizenship, education, and physical fitness standards. Learn about the necessary qualifications, background checks, and medical requirements to become a National Guard member. Start your path to serving your country and community today!
Serving in the National Guard is a noble and rewarding career path that offers a unique blend of military service, education benefits, and community involvement. If you're considering joining the National Guard, you'll need to meet certain requirements to qualify. In this article, we'll break down the 7 requirements to join the National Guard and provide valuable insights to help you get started.
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 limit is 35 years old, but this can vary depending on the state and the type of enlistment. If you're between 17 and 35 years old, you're eligible to join the National Guard.
Requirement 2: Citizenship
To join the National Guard, you must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. If you're a non-citizen, you may be eligible to join the National Guard through the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program. However, this program has strict eligibility requirements and limited spots available.
Requirement 3: Education
To join the National Guard, you'll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions may require higher education or specialized training, but a high school diploma is the minimum requirement. If you don't have a high school diploma, you may be eligible to join the National Guard through the Army's GED Plus program.
Requirement 4: Physical Fitness
To join the National Guard, you'll need to meet the Army's physical fitness standards. This includes passing the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which consists of push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. You'll also need to meet the Army's body fat percentage requirements, which vary depending on age and sex.
Requirement 5: Medical Standards
To join the National Guard, you'll need to meet the Army's medical standards. This includes passing a medical examination and screening for certain medical conditions, such as asthma, ADHD, and diabetes. You'll also need to meet the Army's vision requirements, which include passing a vision test and having correctable vision of 20/20 in each eye.
Requirement 6: Moral Character
To join the National Guard, you'll need to demonstrate good moral character. This includes having a clean record, with no felony convictions or serious misdemeanors. You'll also need to pass a background check and meet the Army's moral standards, which include being truthful and honest in your dealings.
Requirement 7: ASVAB Scores
To join the National Guard, you'll need to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and score well in certain areas. The ASVAB test measures your aptitude in areas such as math, reading comprehension, and mechanical comprehension. You'll need to score well in these areas to qualify for certain Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).
Gallery of National Guard Images:
National Guard Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the National Guard?
+The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces that can be called upon to support state and federal authorities in times of need.
How long is National Guard basic training?
+National Guard basic training, also known as Basic Combat Training (BCT), typically lasts for 10 weeks.
Can I join the National Guard if I have a medical condition?
+It depends on the medical condition. Some medical conditions may disqualify you from joining the National Guard, while others may require a waiver or special accommodation.
In conclusion, joining the National Guard requires meeting certain requirements, including age, citizenship, education, physical fitness, medical standards, moral character, and ASVAB scores. If you're interested in serving in the National Guard, it's essential to research and understand these requirements to ensure you're eligible to join. Don't hesitate to reach out to a recruiter or career counselor for guidance and support throughout the enlistment process.