Last Updated: April 11, 2026
Army National Guard Application Guide (2025): How to Enlist or Join as an Officer
By the Numbers: Army National Guard at a Glance
- Total Strength: ~330,000 soldiers across 54 states and territories
- Typical commitment: 1 weekend/month (4 drill days) + 15 days Annual Training/year
- Minimum ASVAB AFQT: 31
- State control: Governed by state governor; federalized by President for deployments
- State missions: Disaster relief, civil unrest, wildfire suppression, flood control
How to Join the Army National Guard
Step 1: Contact Your State Guard Recruiter
Go to nationalguard.com → “Find a Recruiter.” Guard recruiters work for your specific state and can only place you in state units.
Step 2: Take the ASVAB
Minimum 31 AFQT. MOS options depend on subtest scores (GT, ST, CL). Popular Guard MOS: 11B Infantry, 68W Combat Medic, 91B Mechanic, 25U Signal, 74D Chemical.
Step 3: MEPS Medical Evaluation
Full-day medical exam at a MEPS facility. Vision, hearing, orthopedic, blood work, drug screening. Many conditions waiverable.
Step 4: Select Your Unit and MOS
Unlike active duty, you’re joining a specific state unit with an open slot. Most Soldiers want a unit within 50–100 miles of home.
Step 5: Sign Enlistment Contract
Contracts run 3–8 years. Enlistment bonuses: $5,000–$20,000 federal + state-specific bonuses for many MOS.
Step 6: Basic Combat Training (BCT)
Same 10-week BCT as active Army at Fort Jackson (SC), Fort Leonard Wood (MO), or Fort Benning (GA). Federal USERRA law protects your civilian job during training.
Army National Guard Pay (2025)
| Rank | Title | Weekend Pay (4 drills) | Annual Training (14 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Private | $244/weekend | $856/2 weeks |
| E-2 | Private 2nd Class | $274/weekend | $959/2 weeks |
| E-3 | Private First Class | $288/weekend | $1,008/2 weeks |
| E-4 | Specialist | $319/weekend | $1,120/2 weeks |
| E-5 | Sergeant | $419/weekend | $1,451/2 weeks |
| E-6 | Staff Sergeant | $458/weekend | $1,610/2 weeks |
| O-1 | 2nd Lieutenant | $485/weekend | $1,697/2 weeks |
Enlistment Requirements
- Age: 17–35 (17 requires parental consent); some states allow up to 42
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- ASVAB: Minimum AFQT 31 (diploma); 50 (GED)
- Physical: Pass MEPS + Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) at BCT
Benefits
- TRICARE Reserve Select — premium health insurance far below civilian rates
- State tuition assistance — most states cover 100% of state college tuition
- GI Bill: MGIB-SR up to $439/month; Post-9/11 GI Bill after qualifying active duty
- Enlistment bonuses: $5,000–$20,000 federal + state bonuses
- USERRA job protection — employer must hold your position during training/deployment
- Federal hiring preference after service
Frequently Asked Questions
Guard vs. Army Reserve: what’s the difference?
Guard is state-controlled (governor commands for state emergencies) + federally funded. Reserve is fully federal. Both share the same weekend/annual training structure. Key Guard advantage: state tuition assistance benefits that Reserve members don’t receive.
Can I keep my civilian job?
Yes. USERRA legally requires your employer to hold your position during training and deployment and rehire you upon return. You cannot be fired for Guard obligations.
Will I be deployed?
Possibly. Guard deployment rates increased significantly post-9/11. Many units have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Europe. Most deployments last 9–15 months. Domestic deployments for disasters are also common.
Does the Guard pay for college?
Multiple programs stack: state tuition assistance (often 100% at state schools) + federal Tuition Assistance ($4,500/yr) + MGIB-SR ($439/mo) + Post-9/11 GI Bill if you deploy. Many Guard Soldiers graduate debt-free.
Explore Other Military Branch Applications