FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND INFORMATION
FROM THE SALEM, OREGON NATIONAL GUARD
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Get an in depth look at Basic Combat Training in the National Guard. Over the course of 10 weeks you will overcome mental and physical challenges, work as a team, become a leader, and make the transition from civilian to Soldier.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AND ARMY RESERVES?
The National Guard is unique because of its dual mission servicing both community and country. The National Guard serves the state of Oregon and responds to domestic emergencies, overseas missions, counterdrug efforts, domestic unrest, reconstruction missions and more. The Army Reserves mission is to be trained and ready to support active duty military if called upon. Both the President of the United States and the Governor of Oregon can call upon the National Guard for support. Because it serves the state of Oregon, the National Guard receives 100% State Tuition Assistance for public colleges and Universities, whereas the Reserves only offer federal tuition assistance.
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL GUARD RECRUIT SUSTAINMENT PROGRAM (RSP)?
The National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program, or RSP, is a paid recruit training regiment that is exclusive to the National Guard. The RSP is designed for recruits that have not yet shipped to basic training, or have not completed Advanced Individual Training (AIT). During RSP you will learn military customs and courtesies, warrior tasks and drill, physical training, rappel tower, confidence course, air soft and more. This program is designed to prepare recruits for Basic Combat Training. The RSP program is a major reason why National Guard Soldiers consistently graduate at the top of their class at Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual training.
DO THE NATIONAL GUARD AND ACTIVE ARMY ATTEND DIFFERENT TRAINING?
No, the National Guard and Active Duty attend the same training. When you enlist in the National Guard you will go to the same Basic Combat Training and same military job training as the Army reserves and active duty Army. The difference is, when you complete your training you come back to your home state and begin serving your community, whereas the reserves and active duty Army report to the duty station they are assigned.
WHERE CAN I SEE OF A LIST OF NATIONAL GUARD JOBS OR MOS?
Each state has a different number jobs available as well as different types, it all varies based on the military units in your state. Oregon has over 80 jobs available varying anywhere from Medical, IT, Logistics, Aviation, Military Police, Intelligence, Mechanical, Engineering, Infantry, Tanks, Artillery and More. A few of these jobs may come with a cash bonus or other incentives. Please contact your local National Guard recruiter for the complete list of jobs.
CAN I BE DEPOLYED OVERSEAS WITH THE NAITONAL GUARD?
Yes, the National Guard has a unique dual mission where its primary mission is protecting its home state, but its secondary mission is supporting efforts overseas if called upon. Typically if you are scheduled to deploy overseas with the National Guard you and your family will be informed a year in advance so you can prepare. Many Oregon units have done peace keeping and humanitarian missions overseas in areas such as Thailand, Germany, Kosovo, Qatar, the horn of Africa and many others locations.
HOW CAN THE NATIONAL GUARD HELP WITH MY US CITIZENSHIP PROCESS?
The Oregon National Guard has what is called the Parole in Place program, this program helps non-citizen spouses, parents, and unmarried minor children of US Citizen member of US military servicemembers to stay in country while applying for a permanent residency or “Green Card.” It also provides free consolations with immigration attorneys to see if your family is eligible. Not everyone eligible, an interview with our diversity and immigration Liaison is mandatory to see if your family qualifies. The National Guard also provides for an expedited naturalization process for permanent resident soldiers at no cost to the Soldier.
WHAT ARE THE NATIONAL GUARD REQUIREMENTS FOR ENLISTMENT?
The National Guard has a minimum age of 17 and a maximum age of 34 if you do not have prior military service. If you have prior military service you current age minus time in service must be under 35 years of age. There are also age waivers for up to the age of 44, contact a recruiter for details. If you are enlisting as a high school student you must be on pace to graduate. If not, you must have a diploma or a GED, a passing ASVAB score, you must be able to pass our height and weight requirements, pass a medical examination by our military doctors and not have any felonies.
WHAT IS THE ASVAB AND HOW CAN I TAKE ONE?
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery or (ASVAB) is a series of tests used to determine an applicants qualification for the military service and helps determine their intellectual and occupational strengths. You can schedule to take an ASVAB with your local recruiter.
WHAT IS MEPS AND WHAT HAPPENS THERE?
MEPS or Military Entrance Processing Station is where all official enlistment actions occur. Although you will sign and prepare an array of different documents with your recruiter. Nothing you do in your recruiters office is official. At MEPS you will take your ASVAB test, your military chapter 2 physical for entrance, you will officially sign all enlistment documents and you will swear into the National Guard at MEPS.
IS THE NATIONAL GUARD JUST PART-TIME?
No, although the majority of the members of the National Guard are part-time citizen Soldiers. The organization must maintain its readiness throughout the year and has full-time staffing consisting of Federal Technicians, Active Guard Reservist, and government contractors. As a member of the National Guard you will have the opportunity to apply for these full-time positions. These positions provide very competitive pay and healthcare benefits.
HOW DO I BECOME A NATIONAL GUARD OFFICER?
There are several different ways to become an officer. If you are planning on college you can enlist in the National Guard and then join the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at your local college. If you already have your Bachelors Degree, you can enlist in the National Guard as an 09S, complete Basic Training and attend Officer Candidate School. You can also enlist in the National Guard and apply for West Point, our Military Academy in New York, if accepted you will attend training there for 4 years and commission upon graduation. Another way is if you are already and enlisted member and have your bachelors degree you can apply to attend OCS. And lastly if you are a candidate with special qualifications such as, attorneys, chaplains, and medical professionals you can apply to for direct commission program.
CAN I JOIN THE NATIONAL GUARD WHILE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL?
Yes! You can enlist in the National Guard as early as your junior year of High School as long as you are 17 years of age and have your parent permission. If you enlist early in your Junior year you can attend Basic Training during the summer before your senior year and then attend your job training upon graduation.
DOES THE NATIONAL GUARD HAVE BAND?
Yes, the Oregon Army National Guard has the 234th Army Band located in Clackamas, Oregon. You can join the 234th Army band and continue to do what you love. They serve part-time one weekend a month and two weeks a year. While serving in the band you get 100% college tuition assistance and accelerated rank. In order to see if you qualify and schedule a tryout contact a recruiter for more information.