Becoming a Part of the NJ Air National Guard: A Step-by-Step Guide
Joining the New Jersey Air National Guard (NJANG) is a great way to serve your state and country while gaining valuable skills, education benefits, and career opportunities. The NJANG is a component of the US Air National Guard, and its members are citizen-airmen who train part-time and are ready to deploy in times of war or domestic crisis. If you’re interested in joining the NJANG, here are five ways to do so:
1. Meet the Basic Requirements
Before you can join the NJANG, you must meet the basic requirements. These include:
- Being a US citizen
- Being between the ages of 17 and 39 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Being a high school graduate or having a GED
- Scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Passing a physical fitness test and meeting medical standards
- Having no felony convictions
2. Choose Your Career Field
The NJANG has a wide range of career fields, including:
- Pilots and navigators
- Maintenance and repair specialists
- Communications and electronics specialists
- Intelligence analysts
- Security forces
- Medical professionals
Research the different career fields and choose one that aligns with your skills and interests.
3. Enlist or Commission
You can join the NJANG through enlistment or commission. Enlistment is for those who want to start as an airman and work their way up the ranks. Commission is for those who have a college degree and want to become an officer.
To enlist, you’ll need to:
- Contact a recruiter to discuss your career goals and options
- Take the ASVAB test and receive your scores
- Choose your career field and enlistment term
- Attend Basic Military Training (BMT) and technical school
To commission, you’ll need to:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Attend Officer Training School (OTS) or receive a direct commission
- Choose your career field and receive a commission as an officer
4. Attend Training
After you enlist or commission, you’ll attend training to prepare you for your new role. This may include:
- Basic Military Training (BMT): a 7-week course that teaches you the basics of military life and prepares you for your technical school
- Technical School: a course that teaches you the skills you need for your specific career field
- Officer Training School (OTS): a course that teaches you the skills you need to become an officer
5. Drill and Serve
After you complete your training, you’ll drill one weekend a month and serve two weeks a year. You’ll also be eligible for deployment and other state and federal activations.
| Drill Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Drill Weekend | One weekend a month, you’ll drill with your unit and participate in training exercises. |
| Annual Training (AT) | Two weeks a year, you’ll attend AT and participate in more extensive training exercises. |
| Deployment | You may be deployed in times of war or domestic crisis. |
📝 Note: As a member of the NJANG, you'll be required to drill and serve regularly. Make sure you understand your commitments before joining.
Joining the NJ Air National Guard is a great way to serve your state and country while gaining valuable skills and education benefits. By following these five steps, you can start your journey to becoming a citizen-airman.
In addition to the benefits of serving in the NJANG, you’ll also be eligible for education benefits, including:
- Tuition assistance
- Student loan repayment
- GI Bill benefits
You’ll also have access to medical and dental care, as well as shopping privileges at base exchanges and commissaries.
If you’re ready to join the NJANG, contact a recruiter today to discuss your options and start your journey.
What is the minimum age to join the NJANG?
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The minimum age to join the NJANG is 17 years old, with parental consent. Without parental consent, the minimum age is 18 years old.
What is the maximum age to join the NJANG?
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The maximum age to join the NJANG is 39 years old, with some exceptions for older candidates.
What is the ASVAB test?
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The ASVAB test is the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test, which measures your aptitude in various subjects and helps determine your career field in the military.
How long does Basic Military Training (BMT) last?
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BMT lasts 7 weeks and is a course that teaches you the basics of military life and prepares you for your technical school.
Can I join the NJANG if I have a felony conviction?
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No, having a felony conviction may disqualify you from joining the NJANG. However, some exceptions may apply, and you should contact a recruiter to discuss your options.
Serving in the NJ Air National Guard is a rewarding experience that offers a wide range of benefits, including education assistance, career opportunities, and a chance to serve your state and country. By following these five steps, you can start your journey to becoming a citizen-airman and take advantage of the many benefits that come with serving in the NJANG.
