United States National Guard
Serve Your Community, Defend Your Nation
The National Guard is a unique dual-mission force serving both state and federal roles. Comprising the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard, it offers part-time military service that allows members to maintain civilian careers while serving their country. Guardsmen respond to domestic emergencies — hurricanes, wildfires, civil unrest — and deploy overseas alongside active duty forces. With units in every state, territory, and the District of Columbia, the Guard is truly America's community-based military force.
“The National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States and predates the founding of the Nation itself.”
— National Guard Bureau
Career Fields
MOS (Army NG) / AFSC (Air NG) — Career Fields
Explore the top career fields available. Each role offers unique challenges, training, and opportunities for advancement.
Infantryman (Army NG)
Closes with and destroys the enemy using fire and maneuver. Infantrymen in the National Guard train one weekend per month and two weeks per year, maintaining combat readiness while holding civilian careers.
Min ASVAB: 31Combat Medic Specialist (Army NG)
Provides emergency medical treatment on the battlefield and in garrison. Combat Medics earn EMT-B certification during training, gaining credentials that transfer directly to civilian EMS careers.
Min ASVAB: 107Information Technology Specialist (Army NG)
Installs, operates, and maintains Army IT systems, networks, and cybersecurity tools. Gains CompTIA Security+ and other industry certifications during military training.
Min ASVAB: 95Combat Engineer (Army NG)
Constructs and breaches fortifications, bridges, and obstacles. Combat Engineers in the Guard are frequently activated for domestic disaster response, including flood control and debris clearing.
Min ASVAB: 87Aerospace Propulsion (Air NG)
Inspects, repairs, and overhauls jet engines on Air National Guard aircraft. Air Guard maintainers often work at civilian aircraft maintenance facilities during the week and serve in their unit on drill weekends.
Min ASVAB: 47Command Post (Air NG)
Operates Air National Guard command and control centers, managing alert notifications, emergency actions, and coordination of flying operations. Critical to both state and federal mission execution.
Min ASVAB: 44UH-60 Helicopter Repairer (Army NG)
Maintains and repairs Black Hawk helicopters used for troop transport, medevac, and disaster response. Army Guard aviation units are frequently activated for hurricane relief, firefighting, and search and rescue.
Min ASVAB: 99Human Resources Specialist (Army NG)
Manages personnel records, promotions, evaluations, and military pay actions. HR Specialists gain administrative and management skills directly applicable to civilian HR careers.
Min ASVAB: 90Testing
ASVAB Requirements
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery determines your eligibility and helps match you with the best career fields in the National Guard.
Your AFQT score is calculated from four ASVAB subtests and determines your overall eligibility for enlistment.
Line Score Minimums
Higher scores unlock more career fields, especially in technical and intelligence specialties. Aim above the minimums to maximize your options.
Boot Camp
Basic Training
National Guard members attend the exact same Basic Training as their active duty counterparts. Army National Guard soldiers ship to one of four Army BCT locations (Fort Jackson, Fort Moore, Fort Leonard Wood, or Fort Sill). Air National Guard members attend BMT at Lackland AFB. After basic, Guardsmen attend AIT or tech school before returning to their home unit for drill.
Location
Same as Active Duty (varies by component)
Duration
10 weeks (Army NG BCT) / 7.5 weeks (Air NG BMT)
Training Phases
Red Phase — Patriot (Army NG)
Weeks 1-3Total control phase. In-processing, Army values, physical training foundations, first aid, drill and ceremony. Soldiers adapt to the military environment and meet their Drill Sergeants.
White Phase — Gunfighter (Army NG)
Weeks 4-6Weapons training with the M4 carbine and M249 SAW, bayonet training, hand grenade qualification, and introduction to tactical operations. Physical training intensity increases.
Blue Phase — Warrior (Army NG)
Weeks 7-10Field training exercises, land navigation, convoy operations, tactical movement, and the final field exercise. Culminates with the 12-mile ruck march and graduation ceremony.
AIT / Tech School
Varies (4-52 weeks)After BCT/BMT, Guard members attend Advanced Individual Training (Army) or Technical Training School (Air) for their specific MOS/AFSC. Training is identical to active duty counterparts. Members then return to their home state unit.
Benefits & Perks
A Career That Takes Care of You
Fire service benefits are among the best in public employment. From pension plans that let you retire in your 40s to comprehensive health coverage for your entire family.
Part-Time Military Service
Serve one weekend per month and two weeks per year while maintaining your civilian career, education, or business. The Guard offers military service on your terms with the flexibility to build a civilian life simultaneously.
State Tuition Benefits
Most states offer significant tuition assistance or full tuition waivers at state colleges and universities for National Guard members. These benefits are in addition to the federal GI Bill and often cover 100% of tuition costs.
Community-Based Service
Guard members serve in units based in their home communities. When disasters strike — hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods — Guardsmen are among the first responders, protecting their own neighbors and families.
Employer Support & USERRA Protection
Federal law (USERRA) protects Guard members' civilian jobs during military service. Employers must reemploy returning Guardsmen in the same position with the same seniority, pay, and benefits.
Federal & State Dual Mission
The Guard's unique dual status means members serve under both state governors for domestic emergencies and the President for federal missions. This dual role provides diverse experience unmatched by any other military component.
Enlistment & Retention Bonuses
The National Guard frequently offers enlistment bonuses of $20,000-$50,000 for high-demand career fields, as well as retention bonuses for reenlistment. Student loan repayment programs may also be available.
Duty Stations
Major Installations
The National Guard maintains installations across the country and around the world. These are some of the major bases where you could be stationed.
Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Fort Indiantown Gap
Annville, Pennsylvania
Camp Ripley Training Center
Little Falls, Minnesota
Gowen Field (Air NG)
Boise, Idaho
Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center
Grayling, Michigan
Camp Roberts
San Miguel, California
Career Progression
Your Path to Leadership
The fire service rewards dedication with clear advancement opportunities. Every rank brings new challenges, responsibilities, and compensation.
Private (E-1) / Airman Basic (E-1)
0-6 months
Entry-level rank in the Army or Air National Guard. Members complete Basic Training and their technical school before returning to their home unit for monthly drill weekends.
Private E-2 / Airman (E-2)
6 months
Automatic promotion after 6 months of service. Members continue developing proficiency in their MOS/AFSC at their home unit under the supervision of experienced NCOs.
Private First Class (E-3) / Airman First Class (E-3)
1-2 years
Members demonstrate growing competence in their military specialty and take on additional responsibilities during drill weekends and annual training periods.
Specialist/Corporal (E-4) / Senior Airman (E-4)
2-4 years
Technically proficient soldiers and airmen who begin taking on junior leadership roles. Many Guard members reach E-4 quickly and begin preparing for NCO responsibilities.
Sergeant (E-5) / Staff Sergeant (E-5)
4-7 years
First NCO rank. Sergeants lead fire teams or small sections and are responsible for training and mentoring junior enlisted members during drill and deployment.
Staff Sergeant (E-6) / Technical Sergeant (E-6)
7-12 years
Squad leaders and section chiefs. E-6s are the backbone of Guard units, maintaining training standards and operational readiness between deployments and during annual training.
Sergeant First Class (E-7) / Master Sergeant (E-7)
12-18 years
Senior NCOs who serve as platoon sergeants or flight chiefs. At this level, Guard NCOs often have extensive deployment experience and serve as key advisors to company-level officers.
Master Sergeant / First Sergeant (E-8)
16-22 years
Senior enlisted leaders at the company or battery level. First Sergeants are the senior enlisted advisors to commanders and are responsible for the welfare, discipline, and readiness of all enlisted personnel in the unit.
Sergeant Major / Chief Master Sergeant (E-9)
20-30 years
Highest enlisted rank. Command Sergeants Major and Chief Master Sergeants serve as senior enlisted advisors at the battalion, brigade, and state level. They shape policy and represent the enlisted force to senior leadership.
Requirements
What You Will Need
Here is what most career fire departments require. Start building your qualifications now and you will be ahead of the competition when testing day comes.
Physical Requirements
ASVAB Score
RequiredMinimum AFQT score of 31 for Army National Guard or 36 for Air National Guard. Individual career fields have their own line score requirements that may be significantly higher.
Physical Fitness
RequiredMust meet height and weight standards and pass an initial fitness assessment. Army NG uses the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT); Air NG uses the Air Force Physical Fitness Assessment.
Medical Examination (MEPS)
RequiredMust pass a comprehensive medical examination at a Military Entrance Processing Station. Standards are the same as active duty for the respective component (Army or Air Force).
Education
High School Diploma or GED
RequiredA high school diploma or GED is required. The Army National Guard is more flexible with GED holders than many other components, though a diploma is always preferred.
Additional Requirements
Age Requirements
RequiredMust be between 17 and 35 years of age for the Army National Guard, or 17 and 39 for the Air National Guard. Prior service members may have extended age limits.
U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency
RequiredMust be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. Certain MOS/AFSC fields requiring security clearances mandate U.S. citizenship. Guard service can be a pathway to expedited citizenship.
State Residency
RequiredGuard members must reside in or near the state of their assigned unit. Unlike active duty, Guardsmen are expected to attend monthly drill at their home unit, making geographic proximity essential.
Employer Compatibility
RecommendedWhile USERRA protects Guard members' civilian jobs, applicants should ensure their employer and career can accommodate military obligations including drill weekends, annual training, and potential deployments.
Background Check
RequiredMust pass a criminal background check and drug screening. Felony convictions are typically disqualifying, though waivers may be available depending on the offense and time elapsed.
Commitment to Dual Service
RequiredGuard members must be willing to serve in both state and federal capacities. This includes potential activation by the governor for state emergencies and mobilization by the President for federal deployments.
Explore National Guard Careers
Your community needs you. Take the first step today and let us help you prepare for a career that matters. It starts with a free account.