Joining the National Guard: The Steps and Requirements

Deciding to join the National Guard is a significant step that involves various considerations. This article aims to guide you through the process of joining, particularly addressing whether you should contact an army recruiter or an Air National Guard recruiter.

Army or Air National Guard?

When considering joining the National Guard, the first question that arises is whether you should go to an army recruiter or an Air National Guard recruiter. The answer to this depends on your specific interests and career goals. While both options are available, they specialize in different branches of the military. For Air National Guard recruitment, you would reach out to an Air National Guard recruiter, and for Army National Guard, you would contact an Army National Guard recruiter.

Contacting the Local National Guard Armory

For those interested in the Army National Guard, the best approach is to visit the closest Army National Guard armory. These armories have their own dedicated recruiters who can assist with the application process. This is how you, the author, joined. By visiting a local armory, you can get an idea of the various Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) that the company closest to your location offers. For instance, in your case, the closest armory was a combat engineer company, which would dictate the frequency and location of your training drills.

The availability of different MOSs varies based on the needs of the local guard unit. You cannot join a tank crewman position in an infantry unit or become airborne or a Special Forces member unless the unit has the appropriate equipment and training facilities.

Air National Guard Recruitment Process

If your interest lies in the Air National Guard, the process differs slightly. You would typically start by calling a pre-screening contact number, which is listed on the Air National Guard website. This initial call will involve a pre-screening process where your eligibility is assessed. Based on the results, you will be directed to the nearest unit, and you will need to call them to proceed further.

The Air National Guard has its own set of recruiters, which might seem separate from Active Duty personnel. While both branches are part of the same US Air Force, the recruitment process for the Air National Guard focuses on local job openings and units closest to your residence.

Integrated Services within the U.S. Army

It's important to note that all branches of the U.S. Army, including the Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard, are part of the same organization. Consequently, any Army recruiter can assist you in joining any of these branches. Similarly, the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Active Duty Air Force all fall under the umbrella of the U.S. Air Force, with Air Force recruiters capable of guiding you through the process of joining.

Conclusion

The process of joining the National Guard can be streamlined by directly contacting recruiters from the specific branch you are interested in. Whether you're considering the Army or the Air National Guard, both have dedicated recruiters who can guide you through the entire process from pre-screening to joining your chosen unit. Regardless of which branch you choose, the goal is to find a role that matches your skills and interests, contributing to your local community and the broader defense of the nation.