Rest assured:

The District of Columbia National Guard will give your child the skills, confidence, leadership, and discipline it takes to succeed in life.

They'll grow physically strong in basic training. They'll train for the career of their dreams throughout their service. We'll cover college tuition and expenses, and give them the real-world experience employers look for on resumes.
It's a competitive world out there. Explore these links and find out how the District of Columbia National Guard can give your child the edge and help them fulfill their potential.

Check out a few District of Columbia National Guard benefits:

Up to 100 percent funding of college tuition and expenses

Career training in today's hottest, most lucrative industries

Enlistment bonus

Monthly paycheck

Home loans

Health and life insurance

Retirement

GED program

Can my child be deployed?

Yes. The District of Columbia National Guard has a dual state-federal mission, which means we answer both to the District of Columbia government and to the U.S. president. In times of need, District of Columbia National Guard members can be mobilized for overseas service. When they go, they’re fully trained.

How do I know if my child can handle Recruit Sustainment program (RSP)?
New District of Columbia National Guard recruits must meet certain physical qualifications—height, weight, fitness level—to enlist in the District of Columbia National Guard in the first place. Basic Training is designed for civilians who’ve met those standards. So if your child is accepted into the District of Columbia National Guard, it means we’re sure they’ll handle it very well.


What is Basic Training like?
Basic Training is a nine-week course designed to turn civilians into Soldiers. It’s challenging and rigorous, but develops personal qualities and skills your child will benefit from for the rest of their life. They’ll learn discipline and leadership, develop courage and confidence and grow strong physically and mentally. Learn more about Basic Training click here.
How much money can my child make in the District of Columbia National Guard?
There are several components to income in the District of Columbia National Guard, including a monthly paycheck, cash incentives, education funding, retirement benefits, a possible enlistment bonus and much more. It all adds up to a healthy sum for such a minimal time investment. Click here for more detail about the financial benefits of being in the District of Columbia National Guard.


How do I know if my child is mature enough to enlist?
After exploring the many aspects of life in the District of Columbia National Guard, your child’s opinion and your own assessment of their readiness is often a good indicator. But if you’d like additional opinions, feel free to discuss it with a recruiter. No matter what stage of emotional development your child is in when they enter the District of Columbia National Guard, they will soon be stronger, more confident and more capable during their time with us.


How will being in the District of Columbia National Guard help my child?
The benefits of service in the District of Columbia National Guard include financial rewards, career training, character development, leadership skills and a solid foundation of confidence, capability and courage that will remain with and guide every Soldier throughout their military and civilian life.


What enlistment options are there for my child?
The full District of Columbia National Guard service term is eight years. However, there are several active service options within that time frame. For example, your child can commit to just three active years then enter IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) for the remainder of their term. There are also options of four- and six-year active terms. The exact program you choose will depend on several conditions, all of which you’ll discuss with your recruiter.