The National Guard is unique among the U.S. armed forces in that it can perform state as well as federal functions. The Guard is generally called up to respond to state-level emergencies, such as natural disasters. But, unlike most of the other military forces, it can also serve a domestic law enforcement role.
How does the National Guard work?
The Army National Guard is a part-time commitment, allowing you to pursue or continue a civilian career. After Basic Combat Training and your Advanced Individual Training, or job training, you must work one weekend every month in addition to two full weeks each year for the National Guard.
Is the National Guard worth it?
Great networking opportunities
The National Guard can be a great way to network professionally. Since National Guard members serve in their home state and the vast majority have civilian careers, you can meet people who could be your “in” to a better opportunity in your civilian life.
Do national guards go to war?
Could I be sent into combat? Yes. Because of the National Guard’s dual state-federal mission, Guard members can be mobilized to protect and defend America in battle domestically or overseas.
Can you quit the National Guard?
Getting out of the Army for depression may be possible through a medical or disabilty discharge. According to the Army Times, if you become pregant while in the Guard, you also have the option of leaving the service under honorable circumstances after your base physician verifies the condition.
Why you shouldn’t join the National Guard?
Unlike active duty Army or Air Force, the Guard isn’t your full-time job. You’ll need to find civilian employment to back it up. And Guard duty can make finding steady civilian challenging. Many employers are wary of hiring Guard soldiers since they know you may need to be out of work for duty.
Does 6 years in the National Guard make you a veteran?
Does 6 years in the National Guard make you a veteran? Yes, if you spent at least 180 days of that 6 years deployed on federal active duty orders. A 2016 change to federal law expanded the definition of “veteran” for many National Guard members.
What is the weight limit for the National Guard?
Weight Requirements
For instance, a recruit who is between 17 and 20 years, with a height of 60 inches, should not exceed 120lbs. for females and 139lbs for males. However, if you are in the military, your maximum weight limit is 116lbs for females and 132lbs for males.
Is 30 too old to join the National Guard?
You must: Be a U.S. citizen or nationalized to be a Reserve or National Guard officer. To enlist, you must be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien. Age requirements differ between branches of service, but in general, you must be between the ages of 17-35 with no prior service (NPS).
What happens if I miss a drill weekend?
Entry Level airmen who refuse to participate in a weekend drill or refuse orders to IADT are almost always discharged. Most such discharges are characterized as entry level. However, Reservists who go AWOL during IADT are processed the same as active duty members.
Does National Guard get paid more than reserves?
The compensation for being in the Army or Air National Guard or in a Reserve unit is less than full-time pay since the commitment is only on weekends and special training sessions. This type of pay is often referred to as drill pay along with other pays for special duties.
Can I get out of National Guard before basic?
Quitting The Military: Before And During Basic Training
You have signed a contract, yes. … If you HAVE taken the Oath of Enlistment and have shipped out to basic training, you still haven’t fully committed to military service yet.