What Can The Guard Do For You?
The National Guard, the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States and one of the nation's longest-enduring institutions, celebrated its 370th birthday on December 13, 2006. The National Guard traces its history back to the earliest English colonies in North America
The Guard has a unique dual mission, with both Federal and
State responsibilities. Guard forces are commanded by the Governor of a
State. The Governor can call the Guard into action during local or
statewide emergencies, such as storms, drought, and civil disturbances.
America’s enemies continually seek new ways to attack America, so we
must be ever adaptive in our methods of protection. Natural disasters
such as the Tsunami of December 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in August
2005 challenge our capabilities. But the Guard is up to those challenges.
As a member of the Arizona Army National Guard, you are eligible for
many full-time State and Federal positions here in Arizona that are not
open to the general public.
The National Guard is one branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The National Guard consists of both an Army National Guard and Air National Guard component. The National Guard is composed of reserve forces - civilians who serve their country on a part time basis.
Arizona Army National Guard
Bonuses Print E-mail
Benefits

State MET Events Request Form


The Arizona Army National Guard not only offers some of the best paid-training available, but we also have many bonus programs that give you extra money for signing up.  There are several types of bonuses; Enlistment, Critical MOS, Prior Service, Officer, and Re-enlistment.

Have more questions about bonuses and which ones are available to you?  Select Contact from the Main Menu to have a recruiter help you figure out ways to get the most out of your service!

 
General Qualifications Print E-mail
Careers

Arizona Army National Guard

The Arizona Army National Guard has the training and jobs you're looking for.  Whether you are looking to fly helicopters, be a medic, or work on one of the most advanced computer networks in the world, the Arizona Army National Guard has a position for you.  We offer paid training, money for college, and the real-life experience that employers look for in the civilian world.  Your success is waiting for you in the Arizona Army National Guard!

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien
  • 17-41 years old
  • Healthy and in good physical condition
  • In good moral standing
  • High School or Equivalent Education
    (no deploma or GED? The Guard can Help! Click here for more information)

*Some positions may have additional qualifications

 
College First! Program Print E-mail
Programs

College First!

The Arizona Army National Guard offers a unique enlistment incentive called "National Guard College First," that allows college students to enlist in the National Guard, continue with their college education, receive a monthly stipend from the National Guard, then enter the National Guard at the advanced rank of E-4 (if at least 30 college credits were earned under the program). Additionally, as part of the College First Program, you are put on a non-deployable status for 24 months.  Depending on MOS (job), individuals may also be eligible for a "College First" Enlistment Bonus.

 
Officer Candidate School Program Print E-mail
Officer Candidate School (OCS)

OCS

Do you have what it takes to lead?  OCS (Officer Candidate School) is where future Arizona Army National Guard leaders are taught the basics of Army/National Guard regulations and doctrine.  There are three paths to choose from for becoming an officer; an 8-week OCS fast-track course, the traditional US Army 16-week course, or the local 17-one weekend a month course.  All of these courses result in the commissioning of you as a Federally-recognized 2nd Lieutenant in the Arizona Army National Guard.  Click here to find out more about leadership opportunities in today’s Guard.

 
Transportation & Aviation Print E-mail
Careers

No matter what the mission, people and equipment have to be on the move.  The Arizona Army National Guard has some of the most sophisticated tools in the U.S. Army’s inventory.  If flying Apache helicopters or specially-equipped Blackhawks, Nap-of-the-Earth sounds like a good time, you are in the right place.  That is one side of the Transportation & Aviation area.  Other Soldiers in this area plan the logistics of moving Guard resources where they are needed to serve anytime, anywhere.  Click Here to see more ways to get your career airborne with the Arizona Army National Guard.

 
Why Guard? Print E-mail
About The Guard
Why Guard?

There are a lot of ways to serve in the United States military.  The Arizona Army National Guard is one of them.  You may be asking yourself, “Why go into the National Guard instead of the other services?” 

The Arizona Army National Guard offers many of the same benefits as other branches, while offering minimal disruption to your everyday life at the same time.  You get the benefits of:

  • Paid college
  • Paid advanced training
  • A monthly paycheck
  • PX privileges
  • Commissary privileges
  • PLUS many more benefits!

All of this while having the time/opportunity to go to school, using your advance training in the civilian job market, while not being away from home allowing you to spend more time with your family and friends.

Look at how the Arizona Army National Guard compares to its counterparts:

 
United States Active Army
United States Army Reserves
Arizona Army National Guard
Paid Service
X
X
X
Advanced Training/Skills
X
X
X
Money for College
X
X
X
Education
X
X
X
MWR
X
X
X
PX /Commissary
X
X
X
Family Support
X
X
X
Legal
X
X
X
Medical & Dental*
X
X
X
Space Available Travel
X
X
X
Military Recreational Facilities
X
X
X
VA Home Loans
X
X
X
Life Insurance
X
X
X
Military Retirement
X
X
X
ESAR Program
X
X
X
Time to go to school
X
X
Maintain civilian career while serving
X
X
Federal Benefits
X
X
X
State Benefits
X
Primary mission is where you live
X
Stay home, serve at home
X
Little disruption to family life
X
Local access to Command Staff
X
GRAP Program
X


*Levels of coverage will depend on types of service

Click here to find out how the Arizona Army National Guard can benefit you!

 
Links For Potential Soldiers Print E-mail
Resources
ASVAB FAQ's
Sample ASVAB test
Practice ASVAB Test
Height and Weight Standards
Army Physical Fitness Standards (APFT)
Army Rank Structure
Pay scale
Arizona Army National Guard Application

Education links
G.E.D. Plus Program
National Guard College First Program

 
Home Mortgage Benefits Print E-mail
Benefits

Veteran Administration Home Loans

Army National Guard members may be eligible for a minimum down payment loan, offered by the Veterans Administration, to make buying a home more affordable. VA loans are available for home purchases and refinances. A VA loan eliminates the homebuyer's need to make a down payment and purchase private mortgage insurance for homes up to $359,650. Qualified veterans need to obtain a certificate of eligibility from the VA, or your lender may be able to obtain one for you online. Members with six or more years of Guard service, or those with 90 days of continuous federal active duty service (Title 10), are eligible for the "VA Home Loan Insurance Program".

VA guaranteed loans are made by private lenders, such as banks, savings & loans, or mortgage companies to eligible veterans for the purchase of a home, which must be for their own personal occupancy. To obtain a loan, a veteran must apply to a lender. If the loan is approved, the VA will guarantee a portion of it to the lender. This guarantee protects the lender against loss up to the amount guaranteed and allows a veteran to obtain favorable financing terms.