The Arizona Army National Guard offers a wide-variety of opportunities for part-time or full-time Soldiers. Here are some of the frequently asked questions of Soldiers looking to join the National Guard.
Why choose the Arizona Army National Guard over other military branches?
The National Guard offers you virtually the same benefits as other services and active duty/reserve components. The difference that makes the Guard stand out is the time commitment. As a member of the Arizona Army National Guard, you serve one weekend a month, two weeks a year. Also, your service occurs in the State of Arizona, where you live, work and spend time with your family when you are not in uniform.
What if I am still in high school?
High school students can enlist and undergo Basic Combat Training (BCT) and drill periods prior to graduating, but can’t begin AIT (Advanced Individual Training) or be deployed until after they graduate. This is a great way to get ahead and prepare your college and military career! You can start your training as early as your junior year in High School. That's means you will be receiving a monthly paycheck and invaluable skills while you're completing your diploma! Click here to find out more about this opportunity in the Arizona Army National Guard.
What if I am college?
You've heard it time and again: There's nothing more important than going to college. The National Guard agrees. Your education is high on our priority list.
That's why we created College First. A progressive, comprehensive enlistment option just for college students, College First lets you attend undergrad or graduate school full time, with a guarantee of no deployment during your first two years of Guard service. The program also includes many financial benefits that could potentially pay for your entire education.
What about my family?
The Arizona Army National Guard knows family is a critical element to every Soldiers success. The Guard has many programs in place to provide information, resources, and services to your family members. To learn more about family resources the Arizona Army National Guard offers, click here.
What about my regular job? How will being part of the Guard affect it?
Generally, membership in the Guard has a positive influence on civilian jobs. Many employers seek after the skills and leadership that you acquire. Some soldiers find that their civilian and military jobs compliment each other while others seek to add diversity to their lives and skills by serving in a capacity that is quite different than their civilian occupation. Regardless, your membership within the Guard should not negatively impact your civilian employment. There are Federal Laws that prevent employers from discriminating against an employee due to his or her membership in the National Guard. In addition, if you are called to active service, your employer is required by law to allow you to return to the same job you had when you left. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization has a web site located at www.esgr.org that can provide additional information.
What if I am prior service?
The Arizona Army National Guard welcomes ALL branches of prior service. Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard are represented among the ranks of current guard members. Whether you are looking to come back into your previous job or want to reclass and try something new, the Arizona Army National Guard has a slot for you. We can also work with you on waivers and most RE codes. Click here to discuss your enlistment options with an Arizona Army National Guard Recruiter.
What opportunities are open for women?
The majority of military occupation specialties (MOSs) are open to female soldiers, with exceptions in the Combat Arms fields. The Guard is a diverse force with an increasing proportion of female soldiers each year.
What is basic training like?
Basic Training is where you will learn the processes of becoming a Soldier. The school is nine weeks of mental and physical drills that will challenge you. While there, you will be trained in marksmanship, drill & ceremonies, and military procedures. You will push yourself to new levels while preparing for you new job. Here are the phases you will pass through:
Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP)
Also known as pre-boot camp. Prepares you mentally, physically and administratively for the rest of Basic Training, and for the work of a Warrior.
Reception
This is your first taste of service. It's hectic, confusing and you'll get yelled at. You'll love it. Any administrative or paperwork problems are resolved here.
Red Phase (Weeks 1 - 3)
Fast-paced. Extremely challenging. You'll grow physically strong, and learn discipline, honor and integrity. Drills include the Obstacle Course, Victory Tower and Bayonet Course.
White Phase (Weeks 4 - 6)
You're a Soldier now. No longer a recruit. Emphasis on personal courage. You'll learn to live the Army values. Drills include Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM) and Grenades.
Blue Phase (Weeks 7 - 9)
Your Soldier responses are second nature now. You think like a warrior. Your Final Field Training Exercises (FTX) include Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and Convoy Live Fire.
The Warrior
This phase determines whether you're ready to graduate from BCT. You'll be tested for physical fitness, mastery of drills and understanding of the seven Army values.
How long do I have to commit to service in the Guard to receive the benefits?
Currently, the Arizona Army National Guard offers terms of service from one (1) to six (6) years. There are different requirements for some positions, so contacting a recruiter is the best way to find out what your specific situation will be eligible for.
Is it possible to switch jobs or units?
Transfers within the National Guard are handled within the units involved on a case-by-case basis. Factors such as unit needs, individual skills, unit locations, and career goals are considered. If you move further than 50 miles away from your unit you may transfer to a closer unit. If you move to another State or Territory, you can transfer to the Guard of that location.
What will my pay be?
For each Guard training assembly you attend (usually 4 per weekend), you will receive a full day's pay for your grade and number of year's service (active and reserve time). You can visit the Defense Finance Service web site (www.dfas.mil) for the specific amount for your pay grade.
Does the Guard deploy?
The Guard’s first mission is to the State of Arizona. The Guard’s second mission is to serve the United States of America. As a component of the US Army, the Guard can be sent to areas where the active Army is operating to assist with their mission. Whether it is a stateside mission like fires in Northern Arizona, or a Federal mission like Hurricane Katrina, or Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Arizona Army National Guard has helped.
How often is the Guard activated?
The Arizona Army National Guard can be mobilized at anytime to respond to stateside or Federal emergencies/operations. The Guard will mobilize when called for duty by the Governor of Arizona. We also will send teams to other areas of the United States when requested by other Governors to assist in floods, fires, earthquakes and other disasters. The President of the United Stats also has the authority to activate the Guard for missions of National Security. The Guard DOES HAVE GUARANTEED DOWN TIME when units CANNOT BE CALLED UP for National Service for several years. Active/Reserve components do not have this clause!
Now what?
Still have more questions or want a question answered to your specific situation? Click here to talk to a National Guard expert who can help you on your path to becoming part of the best kept secret in the military; the Arizona Army National Guard!
