National Guard • “Citizen Soldier”
What Is the National Guard? • Department of Air Force and Army • Primarily commanded by State • Sometimes given orders by President of the U.S. • Oldest military branch!
Mission/Purpose • Domestic emergencies • Storms • Floods • Fires • Combat missions • Counterdrug efforts • Reconstruction missions • Building schools and hospitals • Training local peacekeepers
Typical Year in National Guard • Civilian career • One weekend a month training • 2 week training in summer • Train close to home! • Serve for 3, 6, or 8 years • Serving in the Guard Video
Requirements to Join • U.S. Citizen • 17-35 years old • Medical and Moral requirements • Physical fitness requirements • No criminal record • HS diploma • ASVAB
National Guard Training • Basic Combat Training (BCT): • Three Phases: Video Red Phase (Weeks 1-3) White Phase (Weeks 4-5) Blue Phase (Weeks 6-9) Graduation (Week 10)
Red Phase • “Shakedown”- bag check • No electronics, books, jewelry, playing cards, weapons, etc… • Training – • Combative • Running and Fitness Training
White Phase • “Gunfighter Phase” • Hand-to-hand training • Night Training • Fitness Training • Map and compass reading
Blue Phase • “Warrior Phase” • Advanced Rifle Training • Additional Weapon Training • 10-Kilometer and 15-Kilometer marches • The End of Cycle Text (EOCT) • The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) • Training Video
Additional Training • ROTC - Video • Reserve Officer Training Corp Facts • ROTC programs – All branches but Coast Guard • Army ROTC program • Academy • There is no academy for the National Guard • Officer Candidate School • OCS training through Air Force or Army
Medical Field Careers • Training ranges from 6 to 54 weeks • Dental Specialist • Mental Health Specialist • Optical Laboratory Specialist • Health Care Specialist
Military Police • 10 weeks Basic Combat Training • 10- 12 weeks on- the- job instruction • CID Special Agent • Military Police Patrol
Engineer • 10 weeks Basic Combat Training • 6- 36 weeks Advanced Individual Training • Bridge Crewmember • Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist • Explosive Ordinance Disposal Specialist
Additional Careers • Infantry • Aviation • Logistics Support • Transportation • Mechanic and Maintenance • Administrative
Benefits • Leadership Opportunity • Exciting career opportunities • Civilian Career and Military Career – double salary • Free education • Shopping privileges • Health insurance • Retirement benefits
Reserves • Always under the President’s control • One weekend a month • 2 weeks during year (usually summer) • 2 year commitment, might be lengthened • Same boot camp as Active Duty • Branches of Reserves: • Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard • Serving in one branch can be very different than another • Video
National Guard vs. Reserves • Reserves – back up to Active Duty • Presidential Command • National Guard – Serves individual States but President can command if emergency • Example: 9/11 • Many National Guard went to Iraq • Together they make up 45% of the Military
ROTC – “College Program” • Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines • 2, 3, or 4 year scholarship • Normal college experience • Free tuition • Graduate as an Officer in the Military • One ROTC course per semester, one weekend a month, 2 or more weeks in the summer
Learn more at: • www.nationalguard.com Each branch of the military will have their own reserve website.
