Q: Where are Guard units
located?
Response: The
Army Guard has more than 3,200 units located in more than 2,700 communities
across the 54 States and Territories. Each state has unique force structure and
a varying number of units, personnel, armories and training sites.
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Q: Is there lodging for
families?
Response: The
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation service can provide information about these
facilities as well as information about employment opportunities, entertainment,
leisure, travel, and sports. Recreation Services has offices at many
installations and has a web site located at www.recgov.org/hqarmy/hqarmy.html.
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Q: What are the opportunities for
women?
Response: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.
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Q: What is the National
Guard?
Response: 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. Each state and territory has its own National Guard as
provided by the United States Constitution.
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Q: What is the mission of the National
Guard?
Response: The
Guard has a unique dual mission, with both Federal and State responsibilities.
During peacetime, Guard forces are commanded by the Governor through a State
Adjutant General. The Governor can call the Guard into action during local or
statewide emergencies, such as storms, drought, and civil disturbances, to name
a few. In addition, the President of the United States can activate the National
Guard to participate in Federal missions. Examples of this are the many Guard
units that have deployed to support operations in Bosnia and Air Guard units
that are currently being activated to support NATO efforts in Kosovo. When
federalized, Guard units are commanded by the Commander in Chief of the theatre
in which they are operating.
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Q: Has the retirement age been lowered to
55?
Response:
No
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Q: Is there anywhere that offers auto and homeowners
insurance at discount rates to guard
memebers?
Response:
Visit www.usaa.com.
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Q: How is the Army National Guard
different?
Response: The
Army Reserve is completely controlled by the Federal Government and serves
solely as a federal reserve to the Active Army. The Army National Guard, on the
other hand, is controlled by both the state and the federal government,
depending on the circumstance. The Army Guard force structure consists of
Combat, Combat Support, and Combat Service Support units, while the Army Reserve
force is primarily comprised of Combat Support and Combat Service Support. The
ARNG consists of approximately 360,000 soldiers versus just over 200,000 in the
USAR. Both organizations are part of the Total Army, consisting of the Active,
Guard, and Reserve components.
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Q: Where can I get old Army
stuff?
Response:
Equipment that is old, has been replaced, or is no longer needed, is turned
in to the Defense Reutilization & Marketing Service (DRMS). There are
numerous DRMS facilities located around the country. To find out more about how
to get equipment from these sites, you can visit their web site at www.drms.dls.mil, or check with
a local military installation that has a DRMS office. Equipment is
'demilitarized' if required to ensure that it is safe prior to sale.
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Q: What are the service
obligations?
Response:
National Guard members are required to attend one drill weekend a month and
one annual training period each year. Weekend drills are usually scheduled over
one weekend - a Saturday and Sunday each month, but can occasionally include
reporting for duty on Friday night. In addition, units have a two-week annual
training (AT) period every year, which is usually scheduled during the summer.
Initially, all personnel are required to attend initial entry training (IET),
which can usually be scheduled to meet civilian occupation scheduling
requirements. Duration and location of IET varies according to career specialty
- a recruiter can provide specific information for each Military Occupational
Specialty.
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Q: How long do I have to join
for?
Response: If you
have never served in any branch of the military, there are several enlistment
options. Initially, soldiers can serve for as little as three years, with longer
periods available as well. Some benefits are based upon the length of your
initial enlistment. Veterans who have served in any branch of the military have
additional options available to them including a 'Try One' program, which allows
a veteran to serve for only one year on a trial basis before committing to a
full enlistment. A recruiter can provide further details.
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Q: What jobs are
available?
Response: The
Army National Guard offers a large selection of specialties (MOS''s) throughout
a range of skills divided into three major categories: Combat (Infantry,
Artillery, Armor, Aviation, Air Defense), Combat Support (Engineer, Chemical,
Military Police, Signal, Military Intelligence, Civil Affairs) and Combat
Service Support (Finance, Public Affairs, Personnel, Supply, Maintenance,
Transportation). Different MOS''s have different qualifications and your
recruiter can help you determine which MOS would be best suited for you.
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Q: What are the
qualifications?
Response:
The National Guard has physical, academic, and legal qualifications. You
must be in good health and have no major physical handicaps. The minimum age to
join the National Guard is 17. Persons under age 18 must obtain the consent of a
parent or legal guardian. You must be either currently in High School or have a
High School Diploma or GED. You must also obtain a minimum qualifying score on
the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery exam (ASVAB). Soon after you
contact a recruiter, they will administer this test to see if you are qualified.
Your ASVAB score will also determine which MOS''s you are qualified for.
Finally, you must have no major criminal convictions. This information is only a
basic outline of the qualifications. Before enlisting you will be receive a
detailed medical examination and background check. Your recruiter will provide
you with more exact information and make recommendations regarding your
qualification status.
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Q: Can I switch jobs or
units?
Response:
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.
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Q: Will the Guard affect my civilian
job?
Response:
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 there 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.ncesgr.osd.mil/ncesgr/owa/index_html.display_index_html that can provide
additional information.
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Q: How do I join?
Response: The most direct route is to contact a local Guard
recruiter. Additional information can be obtained by phoning 1-800-goguard or
visiting our recruiting website at www.1800goguard.
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Q: Why does the Guard want
veterans?
Response: Under new guidelines effective 1 Oct. Any prior service Navy, Air Force, & Coast Guard "Must" attend 6 weeks of basic training (Warrior Training) scheduled at Fort Knox, KY.
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Q: Will I have to go to Basic
Training?
Response: No.
As long as you have previously completed Basic Training with any branch of
service. If you elect to serve in a new Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) you
may have to qualify in that MOS through available schools.
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Q: What will my pay be?
Response: 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/index.htm) for the specific amount for
your pay grade.
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Q: Can I switch branches or
specialties?
Response:
Yes, your experience may qualify you for an occupational specialty other
than the one you held when you left active duty. You can also change your
specialty by attending an active or reserve component service school.
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Q: Can I serve full-time in the
Guard?
Response: Yes.
The Guard has several types of full-time employees. Within each state, there are
full-time personnel who manage the day-to-day operations of their State or
Territorial Guard. These soldiers serve in a status known as 'Title 32', which
refers to the section of the US Code that they are governed by. In addition to
their full-time positions, these soldiers serve with a unit in a traditional
status (drilling on weekends) as well. These positions are managed by each
state''s Military Personnel Office - part of the State Area Command (STARC).
There is also a Federal active duty force, which is centrally managed by
National Guard Bureau and the Army National Guard Directorate in Washington, DC.
These soldiers serve in a 'Title 10' status and are not required to drill with
units. The core of the Title 10 force is stationed at the Army National Guard
Readiness Center in Arlington, VA, a few miles from the Pentagon. Additionally,
there are Title 10 officers serving across the nation and worldwide serving as
an interface between the Guard and other agencies. More information about these
Federal full-time jobs can be found at
http://www.arng.ngb.army.mil/Hosted/hr/smo/title10/Job%20Announcements.htm.
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Q: Why should I continue my military
service?
Response:
Thousands of veterans from all branches of service join the Guard each year,
and find that it gives them the best of both military and civilian life. In the
Guard you keep many of the benefits you received in active service, including
your service counting towards pay and retirements criteria. You can improve
technical and leadership skills you''ve already acquired. And because the Guard
is only part time, you can hold a civilian job or go to school. You also get the
chance to serve your state, nation and community while staying close to home.
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Q: What benefits will I receive in the
Guard?
Response: Here
are just a few of the benefits: civilian and military education benefits,
promotion opportunities to include becoming a Warrant or Commissioned officer,
good pay, Serviceman''s Group Life Insurance, free space available air travel,
retirement benefits at age 60 - after 20 years of combined active and reserve
service, some medical and dental service and insurance programs, PX and
commissary privileges.
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Q: Are there opportunities for
veterans?
Response: Once
certain thresholds have been met (with regard to age, years of service, etc.)
soldiers usually are not eligible for reentry to service, however, there are
other ways that many veterans continue to serve. Most states have a volunteer
force of veterans, often referred to as a 'defense force', 'volunteer force' or
state 'militia' who serve in a variety of roles within their respective states.
More information can be obtained by contacting state or territorial
headquarters.
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Q: Does my family member have to attend
drill?
Response: Upon
committing to serving as a citizen-soldier, your family member is obligated to
drill attendance. However, each commander is provided the latitude to make
exceptions or to offer an alternative drill date (referred to as 'split
training') under exceptional circumstances, such as a family emergency, or a
significant civilian employment conflict.
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Q: What benefits are available to our
family?
Response: Each
unit seeks to share information about benefits with soldiers and family members,
to include inviting family members to annual briefings. Most units also have a
Family Support Group that provides support, information, and assistance to
soldiers and their families.
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Q: Does my employee have to attend every
drill?
Response: Upon
committing to serving as a citizen-soldier, your employee is obligated to drill
attendance. However, each commander is provided the latitude to make exceptions
or to offer an alternative drill date (referred to as 'split training') under
exceptional circumstances, such as a family emergency, or a unique civilian
employment conflict. Cooperation between employer, soldier and the Guard is
important to commanders and the overall success and readiness of the Guard.
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Q: What benefits are
there?
Response: There
are many benefits to employing Guard members. You will have an employee who has
been trained to possess and use superior leadership skills and discipline -
someone who has proven their ability to commit to goals, objectives, and ideas
with a high level of motivation. You will have an employee who has valuable job
skills ranging from specific technical expertise to leadership; the employee
will also receive additional training as time goes on - at no cost to you. The
concept of the citizen-soldier is based upon a person serving both their
civilian and military responsibilities, a person who becomes a special member of
their community.
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Q: How can I find out what my responsibilities
are?
Response: The
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization has a web site located at
www.esgr.org that can provide
information about rights and responsibilities.
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Q: I recieved an Almanac in the mail
today
Response: Almanacs
are mailed yearly to all current Guard members and some IRR
members.
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Q: How do I sponsor a Friend or Family member on this web site?
Response: Registered ARNG Soldier's may sponsor Friends and Family Members to access this web site. To do this, the soldier must be logged in. Once logged in, he or she will need to click on "Non ARNG Member" under the Registration menu on the home page. Next, type in the name and address of the member you would like to register.
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Q: How do I sponsor a New Recruit on this web site?
Response: Army National Guard Recruiters with Virtual Armory Recruiter privileges can register New Recruits by clicking "New Recruit" in the Registration menu on the home page. The Recruiter will need to supply the system the New Recruits SSN, DOB, and other information as well.
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