Intro
Discover the rewarding opportunities of serving with the National Guards Tour of Duty program. Learn about the 5 ways to serve, including part-time and full-time options, and how it can benefit your career, education, and personal growth. Explore the benefits of serving in the National Guard, including tuition assistance, leadership skills, and camaraderie.
Serving in the National Guard through the Tour of Duty program is a unique opportunity to serve your country, gain valuable skills, and experience the rewards of military service. For those considering this path, it's essential to understand the various ways you can serve with the National Guard through this program. In this article, we'll explore five ways to serve with the Tour of Duty National Guard, highlighting the benefits, requirements, and opportunities available to you.
What is the Tour of Duty National Guard Program?
Before diving into the ways to serve, let's briefly explain the Tour of Duty National Guard program. This program allows individuals to serve in the National Guard for a specific period, typically 3-6 years, while also pursuing civilian education or career goals. The program is designed to attract talented individuals who want to serve their country while also advancing their personal and professional lives.
1. Enlisted Service
One way to serve with the Tour of Duty National Guard is through enlisted service. As an enlisted member, you'll be part of the backbone of the National Guard, working in various roles such as infantry, artillery, engineering, or administration. Enlisted service requires a commitment of 3-6 years, depending on the specific job and location.
Benefits:
- Opportunities for career advancement and specialization
- Comprehensive training and education programs
- Access to veteran benefits, including education assistance and home loan guarantees
- Camaraderie and esprit de corps with fellow soldiers
Requirements:
- Be between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Meet physical fitness and medical standards
- Score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Complete Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
2. Officer Candidate School (OCS)
Another way to serve with the Tour of Duty National Guard is through Officer Candidate School (OCS). OCS is a 12-week training program that commissions officers in the National Guard. As an officer, you'll be responsible for leading and managing teams, making strategic decisions, and serving as a role model for enlisted members.
Benefits:
- Leadership development and training
- Opportunities for career advancement and promotion
- Increased pay and benefits
- Respect and admiration from fellow soldiers
Requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Be between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Meet physical fitness and medical standards
- Score well on the Officer Candidate School (OCS) exam
3. Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)
The Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) is a 12-week training program that commissions warrant officers in the National Guard. Warrant officers are technical experts in specific fields, such as aviation, engineering, or cybersecurity.
Benefits:
- Specialized training and expertise in a specific field
- Opportunities for career advancement and promotion
- Increased pay and benefits
- Respect and admiration from fellow soldiers
Requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Be between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Meet physical fitness and medical standards
- Score well on the Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) exam
4. National Guard Special Forces
The National Guard Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, are an elite unit that conducts unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action missions. As a member of the National Guard Special Forces, you'll undergo rigorous training and selection to become part of this esteemed unit.
Benefits:
- Unique and challenging training and selection process
- Opportunities for career advancement and promotion
- Increased pay and benefits
- Respect and admiration from fellow soldiers
Requirements:
- Meet physical fitness and medical standards
- Score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Complete Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
- Pass the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC)
5. Chaplain Candidate Program
The Chaplain Candidate Program is a unique way to serve with the Tour of Duty National Guard as a chaplain. As a chaplain, you'll provide spiritual guidance and support to soldiers and their families, while also serving as a leader and mentor.
Benefits:
- Opportunities for spiritual growth and development
- Comprehensive training and education programs
- Access to veteran benefits, including education assistance and home loan guarantees
- Respect and admiration from fellow soldiers
Requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Be ordained or endorsed by a recognized faith group
- Meet physical fitness and medical standards
- Score well on the Chaplain Candidate Program exam
Gallery of National Guard Service Opportunities
National Guard Service Opportunities Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tour of Duty National Guard program?
+The Tour of Duty National Guard program is a unique opportunity to serve in the National Guard for a specific period, typically 3-6 years, while also pursuing civilian education or career goals.
What are the benefits of serving in the National Guard?
+The benefits of serving in the National Guard include comprehensive training and education programs, access to veteran benefits, including education assistance and home loan guarantees, and opportunities for career advancement and promotion.
How do I apply for the Tour of Duty National Guard program?
+To apply for the Tour of Duty National Guard program, you can visit the National Guard website or contact a local recruiter for more information.
Conclusion
Serving with the Tour of Duty National Guard is a unique and rewarding opportunity to serve your country, gain valuable skills, and experience the rewards of military service. With various ways to serve, including enlisted service, Officer Candidate School, Warrant Officer Candidate School, National Guard Special Forces, and the Chaplain Candidate Program, there's a path for everyone. Whether you're looking for career advancement, education benefits, or simply a chance to serve your country, the Tour of Duty National Guard program is an excellent choice.