FAQ's

What is the Army National Guard?

The Army National Guard is a branch of the United States Military who's members serve under the President of the United States and the Governor of their respective state. Guard member's train in their selected job specialty, as do active duty soldiers with the exception that they train one weekend a month and two weeks a year. Guard members are always ready if called upon by their Governor or the President of the United States. The National Guard provides assistance throughout Nevada during domestic emergencies such as tornadoes, floods and more. Federally the Guard maintains properly trained and equipped units, available for prompt mobilization for war, national emergency or as otherwise needed. The Guard plays a very important role in today's total Army.

Who Joins the Army National Guard?

Members range from doctors and lawyers to college students and everyone in between. There are housewives, teachers, and ministers in the Army National Guard. There are many reasons for joining the Guard. Regardless of the reason for joining, a special pride comes with serving side by side with other people in your community.

What else does the Guard do in the Community?

Guard units across America play an important role in their community. The largest part-time employer in Nevada, the Army National Guard brings additional spending dollars into local communities.

What will I do at a Training Weekend?

Whether an Cavalry, Signal or Transportation, you will train with a mission in mind. Although each weekend may consist of many different training exercises, during annual training everything you learned during the past year is tested. Other examples could be a mechanic who would perform maintenance on vehicles and equipment or a soldier training in the electronics field. There is also the opportunity to cross-train in other fields.

Can I really join as a Junior in High School?

If you are 17 years old and a junior in high school, you may join the Army National Guard up to 270 days before attending basic training. You must meet the same requirements as other soldiers, which includes mental, moral, and physical requirements. You can benefit in many ways if you join as a junior. If college is in your future, it will help you even more. This permits you to attend basic training between your junior and senior years in high school. After you graduate high school, you will attend your specialized job training. In most cases, you will be able to start your first semester of college that fall. By the time you enter college or start working in the job market, you will already have two years of military service. With this military experience, colleges and employers are more likely to select you over your peers because of your discipline, commitment, and experience. Additionally, you will earn a paycheck, which in most cases will be the highest part-time earnings that any high school student will earn.

I am a Senior in High School ... did I lose out on anything?

Not at all! If you join as a senior, you will be further ahead of your peers who never join the Guard. If you are planning to attend college, there is the possibility that you will have to start the second semester after you graduate high school. This will depend on the length of your specialized training. With the college assistance that you will receive, it will be well worth the wait. As will a junior who is Guard member, you will receive a monthly paycheck from the day you enlist.

What about High School activities that fall on my training weekends?

The Guard understands there could be events you will need to attend while you are in high school. The most common is high school sporting events that members participate in. The Guard welcomes high school athletes because of the examples that they set. Not only will the member be drug-free, but they are also great team players who are goal orientated. As with any job, a member needs prior approval from their supervisor for time off...that's it!

What is Basic Training like? Is it difficult? What does it consist of?

When a person joins the Army National Guard, they will attend nine weeks of Army basic training. They will also attend five to 13 weeks (average) of advanced individual training to learn their job specialty. There is no experience quite like basic training. Unless you attend basic training, it is difficult to know what adventures it will bring. Although it is not like the movies, basic training can be the most challenging, yet most exciting experience of your life. Most soldiers returning from basic training will tell you that they actually enjoyed it. Mixed in with the yelling and the screaming there will be many things you actually like. You will attend classes on military history and rank structure. You will learn how to properly shoot the M16 service rifle and throw hand grenades. Drill sergeants will teach you drill and ceremony and to how to wear the uniform. The most important thing you will learn is to work as a team. Those are just the starters. When you graduate from basic training, you will be very proud of your accomplishments and very proud to be an American. Your family and friends will definitely notice the change. That change is forever!

What is the difference between the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves?

The total Army concept includes all three branches of the Army. While the active Army has members training full time, both the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve trains one weekend a month plus two weeks a year. Both branches of service employ the same job specialties, train together at basic training, send soldiers to the same leadership schools, and are there to work together with the active Army. While different units may have different missions, the national mission is the same. When activated into combat, all three branches will work together. Even during times of disaster, those three branches, plus Marines, sailors and airmen will work together as a team to help people in their time of need.

Why join the Army National Guard and not another branch of Service?

Depending on whom you talk to, you will find many different and colorful answers for this question. You need to start with one question; "why am I looking at the military service". If you were looking for constant travel, you would be best to join the active service. If you are looking for a full-time career, again the active service is your best choice. If you are looking for the camaraderie the military brings, but would like to go to college or plan to go into the workforce, you will be better suited in the National Guard and Reserve. Let's talk about jobs and benefits. Contrary to popular belief, jobs and benefits are close in many aspects, with the big exception of college assistance. The pay in the Guard and Reserve is equal, and is based on grade and time of service. There are many benefits offered to all service men and woman around the world. To train as a communications specialist in the Guard will be the same as it is in the Reserve. So why the Guard? You will experience a great sense of camaraderie by being part of the Army National Guard team. The Guard, again contrary to popular belief, is funded by the U.S. Government and by the respective state. Having the unique role of protecting the country and the state makes it all the more fun. The community activities that the Guard is involved in gives a feeling not felt by members of the other military branches. The National Guard is a state's military force. The Governor of Nevada is the Commander and Chief of the Nevada Army National Guard. In the time of national need, the President of the United States will contact the Governor to call up troops.

What is the difference between the National Guard and Reserve college benefits?

For Schools of the University and Community College System of Nevada. The Nevada National Guard Tuition Assistance program can pay up to 100% of the tuition. The Montgomery G.I. Bill and the Nevada National Guard Tuition Assistance program are available to all Nevada National Guard solders. The National Guard offers the GI Bill Kicker, and can vary between units and jobs. For further details about college benefits in the Guard, contact a representative