5 Ways Join Guard

Introduction to Joining the Guard

Joining the Guard can be a highly rewarding career choice, offering a unique blend of military service, education opportunities, and civic engagement. The Guard is a reserve component of the US military, comprising the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. It plays a crucial role in both domestic emergencies and overseas deployments. For those considering a career in the Guard, understanding the various paths to service is essential. This article explores five ways to join the Guard, highlighting the benefits, requirements, and processes involved in each pathway.

Path 1: Enlisting Directly

The most common way to join the Guard is through direct enlistment. This involves contacting a local recruiter, who will guide you through the process. Basic eligibility requirements include being a US citizen or permanent resident, being between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older applicants), meeting physical fitness standards, and obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent. The enlistment process includes taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, undergoing a physical exam, and choosing a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

📝 Note: The enlistment contract typically requires a minimum service commitment of 6 years in the Guard, with the possibility of serving one weekend a month and two weeks a year.

Path 2: Officer Candidate School (OCS)

For those interested in becoming officers, the Officer Candidate School (OCS) is an attractive option. To be eligible for OCS, one must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, be between the ages of 17 and 35, meet physical fitness standards, and be a US citizen. The OCS program is a rigorous training course that teaches leadership skills, military protocol, and tactical operations. It’s an intensive period of training, usually lasting several months, after which graduates are commissioned as officers in the Guard.

Path 3: Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)

The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) allows individuals to serve in the Guard while also attending college through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). This path is ideal for high school students who are planning to attend college and want to join the Guard. It combines military training with academic studies, providing participants with the opportunity to become officers upon graduation. Key benefits of the SMP include financial assistance for education, leadership development, and a guaranteed job after college.

Path 4: Prior Service

Individuals who have previously served in any branch of the US military can join the Guard through the prior service program. This pathway is simpler for those who have already completed basic training and have an MOS that is transferable to the Guard. Eligibility depends on the individual’s military record, time in service, and the Guard’s current needs. Prior service members can often enter the Guard at a higher rank, depending on their previous service experience, and may have a shorter enlistment contract.

Path 5: Education and Training Opportunities

The Guard offers various education and training opportunities, including the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) scholarship for medical professionals and the Minuteman Scholarship for cadets in the ROTC program. These programs provide financial assistance for education in exchange for a service commitment. They are highly competitive and offer a unique way to join the Guard while pursuing higher education or a career in a specific field.

Path to Joining the Guard	Description	Requirements
Direct Enlistment	Most common way to join	Age 17-35, High School Diploma, US Citizen
Officer Candidate School (OCS)	Become an officer	Bachelor's Degree, Age 17-35, US Citizen
Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)	Serve while in college	High School Diploma, Enrolled in College, US Citizen
Prior Service	For those with previous military service	Honorable Discharge, Transferable MOS
Education and Training Opportunities	Scholarships for specific fields	Vary by Program, US Citizen, Academic Requirements

In conclusion, joining the Guard is a significant decision that offers numerous benefits, including education assistance, career advancement, and the opportunity to serve one’s country. Whether through direct enlistment, becoming an officer, participating in the SMP, joining with prior service, or pursuing education and training opportunities, there are several paths to consider. Each pathway has its unique requirements and benefits, and understanding these is crucial for making an informed decision. The Guard provides a flexible and rewarding way to serve, making it an attractive option for those looking to balance military service with civilian life.