Training
National Guard Training is focus on empowering you to be the local hero. First, the process of learning is a Basic Combat Training (BCT) which will help you to come into the sphere of being a soldier. You will become proficient in everything from fitness to weapons handling. However, it is not just about fighting; the attention is on how you can also participate in the local community when its need of you. The next step after BCT is Advanced Individual Training (AIT) which is specially meant to developed the specific skilled that are relevant to your role in the Guard.
But the cool part? Your learning never stops. For example, those regular drills and yearly training sessions make you alert, prepared for anything to happen – be it a natural disaster in your state or any other call to action. It is all about being prepared to take the opportunity and actually change something in the vicinity. Guard stands for performance readiness; readiness to serve the nation and Protect and be ready to assist during calamities or crises within the society.
training detailes
Enlisted Training
BASIC TRAINING
Basic Combat Training (BCT) of an Army National Guard as your exciting over the top orientation to military service. It’s a 10 week adventure where you will see you transform from a civilian into a soldier. Think intense workouts that push your limits, mastering how to handle weapons like a pro, and diving into field exercises that feel like real-life action scenes. But it's not just about the physical stuff; you'll also get immersed in Army values and traditions, learning what it means to be part of something bigger.
BCT is also about teaming up and toughing it out together. You will learn the power of teamwork, discipline, and resilience—skills that are not just cool for the Guard, but also for life in general. And while it's definitely challenging, it's also super rewarding. You’ll be making friends that are more like family and come out of that environment with a sense of achievement that is unbeatable. BCT prepares you for what you need to know, what mindset to embrace, apart from the position that you hold in the Guard, but more importantly, it prepares you as a leader and a problem solver wherever you are.
ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL TRAINING
Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in the Army National Guard is the stage where you take your skills to the next level after the completion of Basic Combat Training. This phase is all about diving deep into the specific job or Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), that you have selected. It includes everything you need to know about the area you've chosen, which can be engineering, communications, medical services, or the many other positions available in the Guard. The length of AIT varies based on the complexity of your MOS, ranging from a few weeks to several months.
During AIT, you'll find the training becomes more hands-on and focused. For instance, if you're training to be a medic, you'll learn advanced first aid, medical terminology, and how to handle medical equipment. If your path is in logistics, you'll learn about supply chain management, inventory control, and distribution processes. The best part? You'll be learning from experienced professionals in the field, getting both the technical know-how and the practical insights that only come from real-world experience. This specialized training not only prepares you for your role in the National Guard but also sets you up with skills that are highly transferable to civilian jobs.
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Officer Paths
There are multiple ways to become an officer in the Military, but all require a four-year degree in order to commission. Explore the various options below.
High school seniors and enlisted Soldiers can earn an appointment to the United States Military Academy (USMA) or the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) at West Point. Upon graduation, you will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army and serve for five years on Active Duty.
The Army National Guard’s Officer Training Corps (ROTC) presents an excellent pathway for those keen on undergoing military training and aspiring to become officers within the Guard.
A physically and mentally challenging course designed to transform first-time Soldiers or those with prior military experience into strong, effective leaders.
Civilians with specialized skills that are highly sought after by the Army National Guard can pursue officer roles through a process known as direct commission.
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Training Videos
See a sampling of the types of training available to service members with highlights
