In order to become a member of the National Guard, you will need to undergo basic training. National Guard basic training will cover all the different information and tactics you will need if you are ever called upon to carry out National Guard service. Read on for more in-depth information. 

Eligibility Requirements 

You must be between the ages of 18 and 35 to join the Army National Guard (17 with parental consent). You need to be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. It would be ideal if you had a diploma from an accredited high school, but a GED or other equivalent may be considered. In addition to the physical fitness exam, you will need to take the ASVAB test (a timed multi-aptitude test). 

The National Guard requires its troops to go through the same ten weeks of Basic Combat Training as the regular Army.

What Is National Guard Basic Training?

When you go to National Guard Basic training, you will learn a variety of different things that will help you not just in your National Guard work but in life as well. These include how to work in a tightly-knit team and how to stay physically fit. More specific skills include how to handle a weapon, how to march, and how to rappel. 

The training is both physically and mentally demanding, and you will be stressed and pushed to your limit. However, the sense of achievement you experience as a result of completing this National Guard basic training will be unparalleled.  

Where Is National Guard Basic Training Carried Out? 

There are basic training boot camps available at: 

• Fort Sill, Oklahoma 
• Fort Benning, Georgia
• Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
• Fort Jackson, South Carolina