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What Is The Army National Guard?

The Army National Guard is a branch of the United States Military who's members serve under the President of the United States and the Governor of their respective state. Guard member's train in their selected job specialty as do active duty soldiers, with the exception that members typically train one weekend a month and two weeks a year.

The Wisconsin Army National Guard has a unique dual mission of serving both country and community. When the Governor calls out the Guard in the wake of a natural disaster, you'll find us there, helping our communities and neighbors. If needed to keep order during civil disturbances, the Army National Guard stands ready and prepared.

On a larger scale, when the President calls on the Guard to assist in national defense, we serve alongside our active duty military. The Guard also supports humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts throughout the globe.

Army National Guard members are always ready if called upon by their Governor or the President of the United States. The Guard plays a very important role in today's total Army.

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Who Joins The Army National Guard?

Members range from doctors and lawyers to college students and everyone in between. There are housewives, teachers, and ministers in the Army National Guard.

There are many reasons for joining the Guard. Regardless, there's a special pride that comes with serving side by side with other members of your community.

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What Does The Guard Do In The Community?

Guard units across America play an important role in their community. The largest part-time employer in Wisconsin, the Army National Guard brings additional spending dollars into local communities.

From the assistance each soldier provides while in uniform to the work that they do in their civilian jobs, Guard members are leaders in their community. Whether it's teaching classes at local high schools, or providing events for students at local armories, Guard members think getting involved with the future of our children is essential. By providing medical support to communities through "GuardCare" or providing groups a place to hold meetings in the local armories, the Wisconsin Army National Guard is always there and always willing to lend a helping hand.

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What Will I Do During A Training Weekend?

Whether an infantry unit, combat engineer unit or the Army Band, each unit will train with a mission in mind. Examples could be a mechanic who would perform maintenance on vehicles and equipment, or a soldier training in the electronics field. There are also opportunities to cross-train in other fields.

Each weekend may consist of different training exercises. During annual training, everything you learned during the past year is tested.

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Can I Really Join As A Junior In High School?

If you are 17 years old and a junior in high school, you may join the Army National Guard up to 270 days before attending basic training. You must meet the same criteria as other soldiers, which includes mental, moral, and physical requirements.

You benefit in many ways by joining as a high school junior. It permits you to attend basic training between your junior and senior years of high school. After you graduate high school, you will attend your specialized job training. If college is in your plans, you may be able to start your first semester that fall.

By the time you enter college or start working in the job market, you will have nearly two years of military service. With this military experience, colleges and employers are more likely to select you over your peers because of your discipline, commitment, and experience.

Additionally, the paycheck you earn, in most cases, will be higher than the earnings at other part-time jobs.

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I Am Senior In High School...Did I Lose Out On Anything?

Not at all! If you enlist as a high school senior, you will be further ahead of your peers who never join the Army National Guard. If you are planning to attend college, you may have to start during the second semester after you graduate high school. This will depend on the length of your specialized training. With the college assistance that you receive, it will be well worth the wait.

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What About High School Activities That Fall On Training Weekends?

The Guard understands there may be events you will need to participate in while you are in high school. The most common is high school sporting events. The Guard welcomes high school athletes because of the examples that they set. Not only will the member be drug-free, but are also great team players who are goal orientated.

As with any job, a member needs prior approval from their supervisor for time off...that's it!

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What Does Basic Training Consist Of?

A new soldier without prior-service military experience will attend nine weeks of Army basic training. They will also attend advanced individual training to learn their job specialty, lasting five to thirteen weeks on average.

There is no experience quite like basic training. Although it is not as shown in the movies, basic training can be the most challenging, yet most rewarding period of your life. Most soldiers returning from basic training will tell you that they actually enjoyed it.

Mixed in with the yelling and the screaming, there will be many things you truly enjoy. You will attend classes on military history and rank structure. You will learn how to properly shoot the M16 service rifle and throw hand grenades. Drill sergeants will teach you how to march like a soldier and to how to properly wear the uniform. The most important thing you will learn is how to work as a team. Those are just the starters.

You will be proud of your accomplishments when you graduate from basic training. Your family and friends will notice the change in you. That change is forever!

To see a video about basic training, visit 1-800-GO-GUARD and click on "Basic Training" within the "Students & Graduates Section".

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What Is The Difference Between The Army National Guard And The Army Reserve?

The total Army concept includes all three branches of the Army: the active Army, the Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard.

While soldiers train full time in the active Army, both the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard train one weekend a month plus two weeks a year. Both offer the same job specialties, train together at basic training, attend the same leaderships schools, and work with the active Army.

While different units may have different missions, both the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard assist in the national defense of our country. When activated into combat, all three branches of the Army work together.

The Army National Guard has an added role of serving in our local communities. When the Governor calls out the Guard in the wake of a natural disaster, you'll find us there, helping our communities and neighbors. If needed to keep order during civil disturbances, the Army National Guard stands ready and prepared.

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Why Join The Army National Guard And Not Another Branch Of Service?

Chances are good that you will find a National Guard Armory in or near your home town, as there are 67 armories across Wisconsin. You will experience a great sense of camaraderie by being part of the local Army National Guard team. There is also great pride in protecting both the United States and the state of Wisconsin. The community activities the Guard participates in provides a feeling not felt by members of any other military branch.

The National Guard is a state's military force and is funded by both the U.S. Government and the respective state. The Governor of Wisconsin is the Commander-In-Chief of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. In the time of national need, the President of the United States will contact the Governor to call up troops.

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What Is The Difference Between The National Guard And Reserve College Benefits?

The Wisconsin Army National Guard Tuition Grant pays up to 100% of UW-Madison resident, undergraduate tuition rates.

The Montgomery G.I. Bill and the Federal Tuition Grant is available to all National Guard and Reserve branches. This amount is equal among all reserve branches. Contrary to popular belief, these funds cannot "dry up" in one service and not the other, as the money comes from the same funding. The Army National Guard also offers the G.I. Bill Kicker, as do some of the other reserve branches. The amount of this benefit varies between services, and can vary between units and jobs.

Because the National Guard is also the state's military force, it can offer additional tuition assistance. In Wisconsin, the National Guard pays 100% college tuition assistance. This may be used at colleges and technical schools, universities and private schools. This benefit may be used at colleges in the state of Wisconsin plus many out-of-state colleges. A soldier may use this benefit, the Montgomery G.I. Bill, and the G.I. Bill Kicker, all for the same courses.

For further details about college benefits in the Guard, visit our College Benefits page, or contact a representative.

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How Does The Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant Program Work?

The Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant Program is simple. This is available to all Wisconsin National Guard members, whether first-term or prior-service members, who enlist for one or more years. You may use the grant while receiving the Selected Reserve Montgomery G.I. Bill or the Active Duty Montgomery G.I. Bill. In addition, you are still eligible for this entitlement if your are receiving the G.I. Bill Kicker.

To qualify for this entitlement, you must be a member of the Wisconsin National Guard who is in good standing, and must be working towards a degree or diploma. This entitlement will pay up to eight semesters of college or a bachelors degree. A flexible program, the Tuition Grant program will reimburse you for tuition at most colleges in Wisconsin. A check is mailed to the soldier, on average within two to six weeks after the claim is mailed in. This entitlement is paid at the end of every college semester. For detailed information on all of these programs, contact your local Guard representative or the Education Services Office at (800) 292-9464, Ext. 2