5 Ways To Join Washington Army National Guard

Serving in the military can be a rewarding and challenging career path, offering a range of benefits, including education assistance, career training, and a sense of camaraderie and purpose. For those living in Washington state, joining the Washington Army National Guard can be a great way to serve one's country while also serving the local community. In this article, we will explore five ways to join the Washington Army National Guard.

Meeting the Basic Requirements

Before exploring the different ways to join the Washington Army National Guard, it's essential to meet the basic requirements. These include:

Being a U.S. citizen or national
Being between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
Having a high school diploma or equivalent
Scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
Passing a physical fitness test
Having no felony convictions

Option 1: Enlisting as a New Recruit

One way to join the Washington Army National Guard is to enlist as a new recruit. This involves visiting a local recruiter, taking the ASVAB test, and passing a physical fitness test. New recruits will then attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to learn the skills needed to succeed in the National Guard.

Option 2: Transferring from Another Military Branch

For those already serving in another military branch, transferring to the Washington Army National Guard can be a great way to continue serving while also having more flexibility and time with family. The transfer process typically involves submitting paperwork and undergoing a review process.

Option 3: Joining through the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)

The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) allows college students to join the Washington Army National Guard while also pursuing a degree. SMP members attend drill weekends and annual training while also taking classes, and can receive tuition assistance and other benefits.

Option 4: Joining through the Officer Candidate School (OCS)

For those with a bachelor's degree and a desire to become an officer, joining the Washington Army National Guard through Officer Candidate School (OCS) can be a great option. OCS candidates attend a 12-week training course to learn leadership skills and prepare for officer roles.

Option 5: Joining through the Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)

The Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) is a six-week training course for those with technical expertise and a desire to become a warrant officer. WOCS candidates learn leadership skills and prepare for technical roles in the Washington Army National Guard.

Conclusion

Joining the Washington Army National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging career path, offering a range of benefits and opportunities for growth. Whether you're a new recruit, transferring from another military branch, or joining through a program like SMP or OCS, there are many ways to serve in the Washington Army National Guard. By meeting the basic requirements and exploring the different options available, you can find the path that's right for you.

Gallery of Washington Army National Guard

Washington Army National Guard Image Gallery

What are the basic requirements for joining the Washington Army National Guard?

The basic requirements for joining the Washington Army National Guard include being a U.S. citizen or national, being between the ages of 17 and 35, having a high school diploma or equivalent, scoring well on the ASVAB test, passing a physical fitness test, and having no felony convictions.

What is the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)?

What is Officer Candidate School (OCS)?

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a 12-week training course for those with a bachelor's degree and a desire to become an officer. OCS candidates learn leadership skills and prepare for officer roles in the Washington Army National Guard.