Understanding the Eligibility Criteria for the Army National Guard
Joining the Army National Guard is a great way to serve your country, develop valuable skills, and earn benefits while still living at home. However, to qualify for the Army National Guard, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. These requirements ensure that only those who are physically and mentally capable of handling the demands of military life are allowed to join. In this post, we’ll break down the key qualifications you need to meet to join the Army National Guard.
1. Age Requirements
To qualify for the Army National Guard, you must meet certain age requirements. You must be between 17 and 35 years old to join. If you’re under 18, you’ll need parental consent to enlist. If you’re over 35, you may still be eligible to join the Army National Guard, but you’ll need to have prior military experience.
📝 Note: Some exceptions may apply for those who have prior military experience or are willing to serve in certain roles.
2. Education Requirements
You’ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent to join the Army National Guard. If you have a GED certificate, you may also be eligible to join. However, you’ll need to score a minimum of 50 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, which measures your aptitude in various subjects, including math, reading comprehension, and mechanical comprehension.
3. Citizenship and Residency Requirements
To join the Army National Guard, you must be a U.S. citizen. If you’re not a citizen, you may still be eligible to join if you have a valid visa or are a lawful permanent resident. Additionally, you must be a resident of the state in which you’re joining the National Guard.
4. Medical and Physical Requirements
The Army National Guard has strict medical and physical requirements to ensure that you’re capable of performing your duties safely and effectively. You’ll need to pass a medical exam and meet the Army’s body fat percentage standards. You’ll also need to meet specific height and weight requirements, which vary depending on your age and sex.
| Age Group | Height Range (Men) | Height Range (Women) | Weight Range (Men) | Weight Range (Women) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-20 | 5’0” - 6’4” | 4’10” - 6’0” | 100-195 lbs | 90-165 lbs |
| 21-27 | 5’0” - 6’4” | 4’10” - 6’0” | 110-215 lbs | 95-175 lbs |
| 28-34 | 5’0” - 6’4” | 4’10” - 6’0” | 120-235 lbs | 100-185 lbs |
| 35-39 | 5’0” - 6’4” | 4’10” - 6’0” | 125-245 lbs | 105-195 lbs |
5. Background Check and Moral Requirements
Finally, you’ll need to undergo a background check and meet certain moral requirements to join the Army National Guard. You’ll need to have a clean record, with no felony convictions or pending charges. You’ll also need to meet the Army’s moral standards, which include being truthful, respectful, and law-abiding.
In summary, to qualify for the Army National Guard, you’ll need to meet specific age, education, citizenship, medical, and physical requirements, as well as undergo a background check and meet certain moral standards.
If you’re interested in joining the Army National Guard, we encourage you to speak with a recruiter to learn more about the eligibility requirements and to determine if you qualify.
What is the maximum age limit to join the Army National Guard?
+
The maximum age limit to join the Army National Guard is 35 years old. However, some exceptions may apply for those who have prior military experience or are willing to serve in certain roles.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to join the Army National Guard?
+
Yes, to join the Army National Guard, you must be a U.S. citizen. However, if you’re not a citizen, you may still be eligible to join if you have a valid visa or are a lawful permanent resident.
How do I know if I meet the medical and physical requirements to join the Army National Guard?
+
You’ll need to undergo a medical exam to determine if you meet the Army’s medical and physical requirements. You can also review the Army’s body fat percentage standards and height and weight requirements to get an idea of what’s expected.
Related Terms:
- National guard salary
- Army Prior Service
- Michigan Army National Guard Headquarters
- Michigan National Guard age limit
- Military quiz
- U S Navy recruitment
