Eligibility Requirements To join the Military, your child must be a U.S. citizen who is 18 years old, or 17 with your signed permission. He or she will need a high school diploma or GED, so encourage him or her to stay in school and maintain good grades.
How old do you have to be to serve in National Guard?
To join the National Guard without prior service, you must meet these mandatory requirements: Be between the ages of 17 and 35.
How many kids can you have to join the National Guard?
You may be able to join the Army National Guard with four dependents, but you often have to seek a waiver and your options will be more limited. The standard limit is two or fewer dependents in addition to a spouse. If you are single, you typically can’t have dependents or pay child support for two or more dependents.
Can a single mom join the National Guard?
Single parents can and do serve in the National Guard. Since 1992, the Department of Defense requires all single-parent service-members to file a family-care plan with their unit commander. This contingency plan names the person who will care for your child if you’re deployed.
How long is National Guard training?
10 weeks
All National Guard members must complete 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training, the same boot camp attended by full-time Army Soldiers.
How does being in the National Guard help my child?
How will being in the National Guard help my child? The benefits of service in the Guard include financial rewards, education assistance, career training, character development, leadership skills and a solid foundation of confidence, capability and courage that will remain with every Soldier throughout their military and civilian life.
How many years can you serve in the National Guard?
The full National Guard service term is eight years. However, we offer several active service options within that time frame. For example, your child can commit to just three active years then enter IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) for the remainder of their term. There are also options of four- and six-year active terms.
What are the benefits of serving in the National Guard?
The benefits of service in the Guard include financial rewards, education assistance, career training, character development, leadership skills and a solid foundation of confidence, capability and courage that will remain with every Soldier throughout their military and civilian life. Learn about all National Guard benefits.
What are the requirements to join the National Guard?
New National Guard recruits must meet certain physical qualifications—height, weight, fitness level—to enlist in the Guard in the first place. Basic Combat Training (BCT) is designed for civilians who’ve met those standards. So if your child is accepted into the Guard, it means we’re confident they’ll handle it very well.
