What does the National Guard do normally?

The National Guard is a unique branch of the U.S. military that has both state and federal responsibilities. The Guard routinely responds to domestic emergencies such as natural disasters, and it supports military operations overseas.

Can I sign my son up for the Army?

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. If your child wants to be an officer, he or she will need a four-year college degree.

What is the average signing bonus for the National Guard?

Reserve Component Enlistment Bonus : Non-Prior Service recruits enlisting in the Army National Guard for six years in a specified job skill specialty may be eligible for a bonus or a combination of bonuses up to $20,000.

Can you join the Army if you are the only male child?

Yes. Only sons, sole surviving sons or the last son to carry the family name must register with the Selective Service and they can be drafted. However, individuals may be entitled to a peacetime deferment if there is a military death in the immediate family.

How hard is it to transfer National Guard units?

It takes prior coordination between units, but it’s not a difficult process. You’ll be paid through your current unit, even though you’re split-training with a unit in your new state. The Interstate Transfer (IST) Coordinator can be helpful in this process.

How long is a National Guard contract?

eight years
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.

When do we call on the National Guard?

The National Guard thus isn’t called upon solely in cases of riots or disasters, but I can understand how one might think that given how the Guard was used for much of the 20th century. Although the constitutional foundation for the National Guard hasn’t changed, the deployment of these units has varied considerably over the last 217 years.

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.

Are there dental and vision benefits for the National Guard?

Voluntary dental and vision coverage: Retired service members and family members and National Guard or Reserve Component members enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select may qualify to purchase dental and vision coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program.

How does the National Guard get its power?

These clauses establish congressional power to “organize, arm, and discipline” the militias while ensuring that Congress cannot disarm them. This is where the federal government gets the authority to deploy the various states’ National Guard units overseas.

When do you swear in for the National Guard?

You may have to wait here for a while, while they get everyone else through the process. Then it’s time to gather all your family and friends, if they came with you, and proceed back to the auditorium to swear in. Again, if you previously enlisted in the Reserves or National Guard, you won’t be swearing in again.

What happens to my family if I die in the National Guard?

If I’m a traditional reservist on active duty and I’m killed, will my family receive the same benefits as an active duty family?

Is there an office of the Inspector General for the National Guard?

The National Guard Bureau Office of the Inspector General has a web presence within the National Guard Bureau Web site. Depending on the type of complaint you are filing, there are different points of contact within that office. Do you have a good phone number/email address/physical address for the IG’s office?

Do you have to sign contract to join military?

There is absolutely no obligation to sign a contract or join the Military after meeting with a recruiter. A recruiter will guide you through what to expect for your child, various military careers and benefits. At MEPS, your child will meet with an advisor to see which career is best suited to his or her strengths and skills.