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Step 3: Choose the right path
Enlisted Options: National Guard Enlisted
You can enlist in the National Guard through several enlistment options. Initially, soldiers can serve for as little as three years, with longer periods available as well. Some benefits are based upon the length of your initial enlistment. Applicants must be from 17 to 42 years old, American citizens or registered aliens, and in good health
Delayed Entry Program
For those who wish to be guaranteed a specific school, a particular area of assignment, or both, the Army National Guard offers the Delayed Entry Program. In this program applicants can reserve a school or an assignment choice up to a year in advance of entering active duty.
Split-Option Enlistment
A second and very popular option for high school juniors is the Split Option Enlistment. As a junior in high school, you can enlist in the Army National Guard and not interrupt your high school education. You start by attending basic training the summer after your junior year. You will return home in time for school to begin your senior year in the fall. When you return, you will train one weekend per month with your local Army National Guard unit. The summer following your high school graduation, you will attend advanced individual training in the specialty you chose when you enlisted. In most cases, you will return in time to start college in the fall. If you are at least 17 years old, you can take advantage of the split option enlistment program.
College First
The Army National Guard College First program is a new enlistment option, which makes it possible to achieve your college goals while serving. This enlistment option provides qualified high school graduates and graduating seniors, with no prior military service, the opportunity to complete up to two years of full-time schooling, with no federal mobilization/deployment, while serving part-time in the Army National Guard.
If you are interested in this program, see your high school guidance counselor to schedule an appointment with an Army National Guard recruiter. The recruiter will schedule an appointment for you to take the ASVAB.
All applicants should take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to determine which careers suit them best. Preparing for this test is a good idea and can help you qualify for the job you want. The ASVAB is offered at most high schools and at military enlistment processing sites.
