5 Ways Join National Guard

Introduction to Joining the National Guard

Joining the National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging career path that offers a unique blend of military service, education benefits, and civilian career opportunities. The National Guard is a reserve component of the US Armed Forces, comprising the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. For those considering a career in the National Guard, there are several ways to join, each with its own requirements and benefits. In this article, we will explore five ways to join the National Guard and provide an overview of the process, requirements, and benefits of each.

Method 1: Enlist as a Traditional Guardsman

The most common way to join the National Guard is as a traditional guardsman. This involves enlisting for a period of service, usually 6-8 years, and attending basic training and job-specific training. Traditional guardsmen typically serve one weekend per month and two weeks per year, allowing them to balance their military service with civilian careers and education. To enlist as a traditional guardsman, you must meet the basic eligibility requirements, which include being a US citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 35, and meeting physical and medical standards.

Method 2: Join the National Guard as an Officer

For those who have a bachelor’s degree or higher, joining the National Guard as an officer can be a great way to serve and lead. Officers in the National Guard typically serve in leadership positions and are responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing missions. To join the National Guard as an officer, you must meet the basic eligibility requirements, as well as complete a commissioning program, such as Officer Candidate School (OCS) or the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Officers in the National Guard typically serve one weekend per month and two weeks per year, but may be required to serve more frequently in times of war or national emergency.

Method 3: Join the National Guard through the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)

The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) allows cadets in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) to also serve in the National Guard. This program provides students with the opportunity to earn a commission as an officer in the National Guard while also completing their undergraduate degree. To join the National Guard through the SMP, you must be enrolled in an ROTC program and meet the basic eligibility requirements. SMP cadets typically serve one weekend per month and two weeks per year, and may be eligible for tuition assistance and other education benefits.

Method 4: Join the National Guard as a Specialist or Expert

For those with specialized skills or expertise, joining the National Guard as a specialist or expert can be a great way to serve and utilize your skills. The National Guard has a variety of career fields, including medical, engineering, and cyber security, among others. To join the National Guard as a specialist or expert, you must meet the basic eligibility requirements, as well as have the required skills and experience. Specialists and experts in the National Guard typically serve one weekend per month and two weeks per year, but may be required to serve more frequently in times of war or national emergency.

Method 5: Join the National Guard through the Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) Program

The Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) program is a commissioning program that allows enlisted members of the National Guard to become officers. This program provides enlisted members with the opportunity to earn a commission as an officer in the National Guard while also completing a bachelor’s degree. To join the National Guard through the GOLD program, you must be an enlisted member of the National Guard, meet the basic eligibility requirements, and complete a commissioning program. GOLD cadets typically serve one weekend per month and two weeks per year, and may be eligible for tuition assistance and other education benefits.

💡 Note: Each method of joining the National Guard has its own requirements and benefits, and it's essential to research and understand the differences before making a decision.

The following table provides an overview of the five ways to join the National Guard:

Method	Description	Requirements
Traditional Guardsman	Enlist for a period of service and attend basic training and job-specific training	US citizen, 17-35 years old, meet physical and medical standards
Officer	Join as an officer and serve in leadership positions	Bachelor’s degree or higher, complete commissioning program, meet basic eligibility requirements
Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)	Join as a cadet in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and serve in the National Guard	Enrolled in ROTC program, meet basic eligibility requirements
Specialist or Expert	Join with specialized skills or expertise	Meet basic eligibility requirements, have required skills and experience
Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) Program	Commissioning program for enlisted members to become officers	Enlisted member of the National Guard, meet basic eligibility requirements, complete commissioning program

As we summarize the key points, it’s clear that joining the National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging career path that offers a unique blend of military service, education benefits, and civilian career opportunities. Whether you’re interested in serving as a traditional guardsman, officer, specialist, or expert, or through one of the commissioning programs, there are several ways to join the National Guard. Each method has its own requirements and benefits, and it’s essential to research and understand the differences before making a decision. By considering these options and understanding the process, requirements, and benefits of each, you can make an informed decision about joining the National Guard and start your journey to serving and leading.