Delaware
National Guard
OVERVIEW
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Frequently Asked Questions
about the Delaware National Guard:
What is the
National Guard?
The National Guard is one branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Delaware National Guard contains 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 has their own National Guard as required by the constitution -
in fact, the National Guard is the only branch of the military who's
existence is actually required by the constitution.
What are the service
obligations in the National Guard?
National Guard members are required to attend one drill weekend a month.
These are usually during a Saturday and Sunday but sometimes include
a Friday night. In addition all guard units have a two-week annual training
(AT) period every year which is usually during the summer.
How is the National
Guard different from the Army Reserve?
The Army Reserve is completely controlled by the Federal Government
and serves as a reserve to the Active Army. The National Guard, on the
other hand, is controlled by the state and the federal government -
we have a dual mission. The governor can call the Guard into action
to assist in the case of local emergencies or civil disturbances. In
addition the President of the United States can activate the National
Guard to serve along with the Active Army in foreign wars. This was
most recently protrayed during the Persian Gulf Crisis and the Bosnian
Crisis.
What benefits are there
in belonging to the National Guard?
The Delaware Army National Guard offers a series of benefits ranging
from education assistance to low cost airfare. Take a look at our Benefits
page or our Education Benefits page for more details.
How long do I have to
join for?
If you have never served in any branch of the military, there are two
enlistment options. The first is the 6 & 2 option which entitles
you to serve in the National Guard for 6 years and then in the Inactive
National Guard for 2 years (While in the Inactive National Guard you
do not have to attend drills or Annual Training; but you may be called
to serve in a National Emergency). The other option is the 3 & 5
tour during which you would serve for 3 years in the National Guard
and 5 years in the inactive National Guard. Not all benefits are available
for a 3 & 5 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.
Do I have to go to Basic
Training?
If you have never served in any branch of the military, you will have
to attend the Army's eight week basic training. In addition, you will
have to attend a period of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) which
teaches your specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). The length
of AIT varies widely with MOS. Normally new soldiers will attend AIT
immediately after Basic Training, however, if you are a student who
is only available for training during the summer you have the option
of going to Basic Training one summer and AIT the next.
What jobs are available
in the National Guard?
The Delaware Army National Guard offers a large selection of specialties
(MOS's) ranging from signal to band member. Different MOS's have different
qualifications and your recruiter can help you determine which MOS would
be best suited for you.
What are the qualifications
I must meet to join the National Guard?
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 take you to where this test is administered 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.
Once I join the Guard
can I switch jobs or units?
Transfers within the National Guard are handled within the units involved
on a case-by-case basis. If you move further than 50 miles away from
your unit you will be allowed to transfer.
How will my membership
in the National Guard effect my civilian job?
Your membership within the National Guard should not effect your civilian
employment. There are Federal Laws which prevent employers from terminating
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 Michigan
National Guard can assist in solving a civilian employment conflict.
How do I join?
Simply contact one of our recruiters. We'll take it from there.
Additional questions and answers for prior service
veterans
Is the Delaware National
Guard for me?
There's a good chance it is. 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. You can improve technical
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 and nation while staying close to home. And help
your neighbors when disasters and emergencies strike.
What can I contribute
to the Guard?
A lot. Your local Guard unit needs your recent experience with
advanced military equipment, weapons and tactics. Your leadership skills
are in demand too. You can help train other citizen soldiers with less
knowledge and experience, and share with them the strength and maturity
you've gained in active service.
What Can the Guard do
for me in return?
More than you may realized. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Continue your civilian and military education (click
here for more information on education benefits).
- A chance to earn promotions or become a Warrant
or Commissioned officer
- Good pay
- Serviceman's Group Life Insurance
- Job contacts in civilian life
- Free air travel when space is available
- Retirement benefits at age 60 - after 20 years of
combined active and reserve service - including medical, PX and commissary
privileges
Will I have to go to
Basic Training?
No. As long as you have previously completed Basic Training with any
branch of service.
What will my pay be?
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 years
service (active and reserve time). For more information take a look
at the National Guard
Monthly Pay Chart.
Can I switch branches
or specialties?
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 service school.
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