What commitment is expected from The District of Columbia National Guard?

For new District of Columbia National Guard members, the commitment involves working one weekend a month and a few weeks a year at a minimum for a period of 6 years. You must attend Basic Military Training, approximately 10 weeks, followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT) length 2 month to 14 months 

Where will I work?

One of the primary benefits of joining the District of Columbia National Guard is being part of your Hometown Guard. Ordinarily, you would join the unit closest to where you live, and after the initial training you would return to begin working one weekend a month and a few weeks a year from that location. On occasion - typically during the annual training periods (two to three weeks a year) - units try to travel to varied locations to complete a more comprehensive training program. When this occurs, all of our members are provided transportation to and from that location as well as room and board.

What are the District of Columbia National Guard entrance requirements?

If you are interested in joining the District of Columbia National Guard having never served before, you must be between the ages of 17 and 41. You will be required to pass a written examination called the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) as well as an Entrance Physical Examination. Additionally, you can only have limited law violations and must pass a background check. All of this is performed as part of the screening process before you can actually join the District of Columbia National Guard

Once you complete the screening process and are determined eligible to join, you begin the job selection process, in which you and your recruiter will begin to discuss your areas of interest. Using the results from the ASVAB test and physical, the local recruiter reviews positions available within the local unit to match your areas of interested with what is currently available at the unit you’re looking to join. Once a job is selected, you will be scheduled to enlist. This is the point where your membership in the District of Columbia National Guard begins; everything prior to swearing in is just preliminary processing and does not obligate you to join.

Will I be deployed?

There is always the possibility of being tasked for deployment. The current posture for the District of Columbia National Guard is to support the needs of the Guard on an as-needed basis. It is almost impossible to predict or determine whether, when or for how long you could be deployed. Every effort is made to use volunteers first, and in some cases you may be tasked to deploy when volunteers are not available to meet the mission’s requirements.

How often will I drill?

The District of Columbia National Guard is a part-time commitment. Your drill periods typically consist of one weekend per month, and one annual two-week period.

Where will I drill?

That depends on a combination of things, including your current job, what you want to do in the District of Columbia National Guard, and where you'd like to serve. Typically, it will be at an armory near your hometown.

Could I be sent into combat?

Yes. Because of the District of Columbia National Guard's dual state-federal mission, District of Columbia National Guard members can be mobilized to protect and defend America in battle domestically or overseas. Should this happen, you'll be trained, ready and prepared to go, mentally and physically.

How will this help me in my civilian life?

We'll train you for an exciting, competitive career. You'll make good money now, plus accumulate benefits for your future. You'll develop skills that will help you in every aspect of your life, including leadership, the spirit of teamwork, confidence, courage and the seven Army Values.

How long do I have to commit for?

Your total enlistment period will be eight years, but you can serve as little as three or six years, and spend the remainder in IRR (Individual Ready Reserve). IRR Soldiers don't train with a unit, but can still be called up in the event of an emergency. A recruiter can explain how this works, discuss your options with you, and help you make the best choice for your needs.

What kind of job will I do in the District of Columbia National Guard?

That's up to you. When you enlist, you'll choose a job—known as an MOS (Military Occupational Specialty)—from more than 150 options in several career fields. Aviation, Military Police (MP) and Public Affairs are just a few of the fields we offer. Click here to view a complete list of MOS's and their descriptions.

What is Basic Training like?

It's hard. Intense. Demanding. You'll love it. Basic Training is a nine-week intensive course of exercises and drills designed to toughen you up inside and out. The time is broken down into three phases of three weeks each, designed to take you from an ordinary civilian to Citizen-Soldier. Read more about it here.

Where will I serve?

Technically, it could be anywhere. Most likely, you'll train at the armory nearest your hometown, and if called to action, will remain in-state. However, in major emergencies, such as in Hurricane Katrina, you could be sent to another state to help. It's also possible you'll be deployed in support of combat operations, such as to the Middle East to assist in the War on Terrorism.

When will I serve?
You'll train one weekend per month plus a two-week period each year. For most of the training weekends, you'll be with us Saturday and Sunday only, though occasionally you'll be asked to report for duty on a Friday night. In case of Active Duty, you will serve whenever you are needed and called.

How fast will I get promoted?

You'll enter as a Private (E1), and become eligible for promotion to Private (E2) after six months in service. You should be eligible to become Private First Class (E3) after only 12 months of service, and at least four months serving as an E2. Factors such as your education status, Eagle Scout certification or participation in the Stripes for Buddies program can allow you to enter as an E2 or E3 Contact your local recruiter for details.

How long could I be deployed?

The length of time for deployments will vary, depending on the situation. State active duty missions usually run from 15-60 days, while federal deployments are usually a minimum of 12 months. Guard Soldiers may also choose to volunteer for active duty assignments (for example, Border Patrol), and again, the length of deployment will vary.

 

Talk to a recruiter for more insight