Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to Join the Guard?

Recruits need to meet certain standards of height, weight, age, fitness and education in order to enlist. Your Guard representative will have complete information. Visit our Eligibility page for more information.

I'm Still in High School. Can I Enlist Before I Graduate?

Yes. High school students can enlist and undergo drill periods prior to graduating but can't attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT) until after they have successfully completed High School.

Can I become an Aviator Through the National Guard?

If a career in aviation is your goal, becoming a helicopter pilot is a first-class ticket. Helicopter pilots fly highly advanced aircraft like the UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and AH-64A Apache helicopters. Along with other requisite training, you'll attend the Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) program to attain your piloting skills. There are a couple of ways to become an aviator, depending on your military or civilian status. Both require that you qualify and complete Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) and Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) through the U.S. Army. You need to be at least 18 years old, and not have reached your 33rd birthday by the time of selection. Check out your options for becoming an Aviator HERE.

Can I Make a Short-Term Commitment to See if I Like the Guard?

You can enlist for as few as three years, with an additional commitment to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). IRR Soldiers don't train with a unit, but can still be called up in the event of an emergency.

What is Basic Combat Training (BCT) Like?

It's hard. Intense. Demanding. You'll love it. Basic Combat Training(BCT) is a 10-week intensive course of exercises and drills designed totoughen you up inside and out. The time is broken down into three phases of roughly three weeks each, designed to take you from an ordinary civilian to Citizen-Soldier. Want more information about Basic Combat Training (BCT)? Click HERE.

When Will I Serve?

You'll train (also called "drill") one weekend per month plus a two-week period each year. For most of the training weekends, you'll be with us Saturday and Sunday only, though occasionally you'll be asked to report for duty on a Friday night. Annual training can run slightly longer, depending on your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). In case of Active Duty, you will serve whenever you are needed and called.

Where Will I Serve?

That depends on a combination of things, including your current Military Occupational Specialty. Technically, it could be anywhere. Most likely, you'll attend drill at the armory nearest your hometown, and if called to action, remain in-state. However, in major emergencies, such as in Hurricane Katrina, you could be sent to another state to help. It's also possible you'll be deployed in support of combat operations, such as to the Middle East to assist in the War on Terrorism. Click HERE for a map of all of our locations in Montana.

Could I Be Sent Into Combat?

Yes. Because of the National Guard's dual state-federal mission, Guard members can be mobilized to protect and defend America in battle domestically or overseas. Should this happen, you'll be trained, ready and prepared to go, mentally and physically.

How Long Could I Be Deployed?

The length of time for deployments will vary, depending on the situation. State active duty missions usually run from 15-60 days, while federal deployments are usually a minimum of 12 months. Guard Soldiers may also choose to volunteer for active duty assignments (for example, Border Patrol), and again, the length of deployment will vary.

How is the Army National Guard Different From Other Military Divisions?

Our mission makes us different. Unlike the other Armed Forces branches, we have a dual mission, meaning we answer to both state and federal governments. So Guard Soldiers can be deployed by either the governor of their resident state or the president of the United States, depending on where they are needed most.

What is the ASVAB?

The ASVAB, or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, is a series of tests used to determine an applicant's qualification for military service and help determine their intellectual and occupational strengths. Visit our ASVAB page to take a practice test.

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