Joining the Air National Guard: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you interested in serving your country while also pursuing a civilian career? The Air National Guard (ANG) may be the perfect fit for you. With its unique blend of military service and civilian life, the ANG offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals who want to make a difference. In this article, we’ll explore five ways to join the Air National Guard and what you can expect from the process.
Meet the Basic Requirements
Before you can join the ANG, you’ll need to meet certain basic requirements. These include:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being between the ages of 17 and 39 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Meeting certain physical fitness standards
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Passing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Passing a background check
🚨 Note: Meeting these requirements doesn't guarantee acceptance into the ANG. You'll still need to go through the enlistment process and be selected for a position.
Option 1: Enlist as a New Recruit
If you’re new to the military, you can enlist in the ANG as a new recruit. This involves:
- Finding a recruiter and discussing your options
- Taking the ASVAB test to determine your aptitude for different careers
- Choosing a career field (also known as an Air Force Specialty Code, or AFSC)
- Enlisting for a period of 6 years
- Completing Basic Military Training (BMT) at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas
- Completing technical training for your chosen career field
Option 2: Transfer from the Active Duty Air Force
If you’re currently serving in the active duty Air Force, you may be eligible to transfer to the ANG. This involves:
- Meeting certain eligibility requirements, such as being within a certain time frame of your active duty service commitment
- Applying for a transfer through the Air National Guard’s Transfer Program
- Completing any necessary paperwork and administrative tasks
- Being selected for a position in the ANG
Option 3: Join as an Officer
If you have a bachelor’s degree or higher, you may be eligible to join the ANG as an officer. This involves:
- Meeting certain eligibility requirements, such as having a minimum GPA and taking certain courses
- Applying for a commission through the ANG’s Officer Training School (OTS)
- Completing OTS and being commissioned as an officer
- Completing any necessary training and orientation
Option 4: Join as a Prior Service Member
If you have prior military service, you may be eligible to join the ANG. This involves:
- Meeting certain eligibility requirements, such as having a certain amount of prior service and being within a certain time frame of your last active duty service
- Applying for a position in the ANG
- Completing any necessary paperwork and administrative tasks
- Being selected for a position in the ANG
Option 5: Join through the Palace Chase Program
The Palace Chase program allows active duty Air Force members to transfer to the ANG while still on active duty. This involves:
- Meeting certain eligibility requirements, such as having a certain amount of time left on your active duty service commitment
- Applying for the Palace Chase program
- Completing any necessary paperwork and administrative tasks
- Being selected for a position in the ANG
| Option | Requirements | Process |
|---|---|---|
| New Recruit | Meet basic requirements, enlist for 6 years, complete BMT and technical training | Find a recruiter, take ASVAB test, choose career field, enlist |
| Transfer from Active Duty | Meet eligibility requirements, apply for transfer | Apply for transfer, complete paperwork and administrative tasks |
| Join as an Officer | Meet eligibility requirements, apply for commission | Apply for OTS, complete OTS and training |
| Join as a Prior Service Member | Meet eligibility requirements, apply for position | Apply for position, complete paperwork and administrative tasks |
| Palace Chase Program | Meet eligibility requirements, apply for program | Apply for program, complete paperwork and administrative tasks |
Now that you’ve learned about the five ways to join the Air National Guard, it’s time to summarize the key points.
To join the ANG, you’ll need to meet certain basic requirements and then choose one of the five options outlined above. Each option has its own unique requirements and process, but they all offer a path to serving your country while also pursuing a civilian career.
Whether you’re a new recruit, a prior service member, or an officer, the ANG offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals who want to make a difference.
What are the basic requirements to join the Air National Guard?
+
The basic requirements to join the Air National Guard include being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 39, meeting certain physical fitness standards, having a high school diploma or equivalent, passing the ASVAB test, and passing a background check.
How long do I have to serve in the Air National Guard?
+
The length of service in the Air National Guard varies depending on the individual’s circumstances. Typically, new recruits enlist for 6 years, while prior service members may have a shorter or longer service commitment.
Can I join the Air National Guard as an officer?
+
Yes, you can join the Air National Guard as an officer if you have a bachelor’s degree or higher and meet certain eligibility requirements. You’ll need to apply for a commission through the ANG’s Officer Training School (OTS).
Related Terms:
- Air National Guard jobs
- Air National Guard Basic Training
- Air National Guard full time
- Air National Guard age waiver
- Air National Guard physical requirements
- Air Force National Guard recruiter
