Army vs National Guard Requirements: What is the difference?
The call to serve your country can be fulfilled in many ways – from protecting the borders to safeguarding your local community. But which one is right for you, and most importantly, Army vs National Guard Requirements: What is the difference? Let’s find out.
Age and Citizenship
Army: 17-39 years old (17 with parental consent) and US citizen.
National Guard: 17-35 years old and US citizen or legal permanent resident.
Education and Testing
Army: High school diploma or GED required. Must pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) with qualifying scores for the desired job (Enlisted) or score high enough on the SAT/ACT and meet other criteria for the Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Officer).
National Guard: High school diploma or GED preferred. ASVAB is required for both enlisted and officer paths, but minimum scores may vary depending on specific unit requirements.
Physical Fitness
Army: Must meet body composition standards (Body Mass Index, waist circumference) and pass a fitness test. Specific requirements vary slightly depending on the desired job and program (e.g., Special Forces have more stringent standards).
National Guard: Similar body composition and fitness test requirements, but specifics may vary according to specific units.
Commitment
Army: Full-time commitment, living on base or in assigned quarters, and ready for deployment at any time. Offers specialized training in combat roles, engineering, and various technical fields.
National Guard: Part-time commitment with one weekend per month for drills and two weeks per year for annual training. Can be activated for full-time service during emergencies or deployments. Offers diverse job options like infantry, medic, and cyber security, or even research depending on your unit.
Which one is right for me?
If you are ready for a rigorous, full-time commitment, mastering combat skills, and possibly deploying around the globe, the Army might be your boot camp of choice.
However, if you prioritize balancing civilian life with military service, serving your local community directly, and learning a range of skills applicable to both worlds, the National Guard could be your perfect training ground.
Talk to your local recruiter today and get answers to all your questions.
