Discover ANG - Parents, Families, Influencers

Providing a foundation for tomorrow's leaders

Parents, Families, Influencers

In the Air National Guard, we cultivate men and women of character. We provide a supportive learning environment, and use our experience to teach members the discipline and resilience required to achieve great things, both in the military and in civilian life.

When you talk, they listen

As a family member, teacher, or coach, your voice matters. If you know a young person who is interested in military service, talk to them about the Air National Guard. The flexibility offered by the Air Guard allows members to attend school full time or pursue a civilian career, while still receiving military training and the pride that comes with military service. Plus, the financial benefits offered by the Air Guard can help students pay for school and other education-related expenses.

Learning to lead

Of all the skills Airmen learn while training in the Air National Guard, the ability to lead will stick with them for the rest of their lives. We teach Airmen to make quick decisions and maintain composure in the face of adversity, and to solve real-world problems as part of a team.

Downloadable Brochure

Cover Image of Non Prior Service Brochure

Non Prior Service Brochure

For more information on joining the Air Guard as a Student or Newcomer, download our brochure.

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Common Questions

Why Air Guard?
The Air Guard offers a part-time position that can make a big difference in your son's or daughter's life. We provide state-of-the-art training in a wide range of high-tech positions. The result is real-world career skills that employers are looking for - the kinds of skills that can make all the difference in today's competitive job market. The Air Guard can also help with college tuition. And since the Air Guard allows members to serve part-time at a unit close to home, they can also pursue a civilian career in their chosen field. The Air Guard also offers many federal benefits to unit members and their families, such as the Base Exchange, Commissary, use of Morale Welfare and Recreation facilities, life insurance at reduced rates, and low-cost health and dental insurance. In addition to the federal benefits listed above, each state may offer additional benefits for their members in the Air National Guard.
What are the requirements to join?
Those interested in joining the Air Guard who have never served before must be between the ages of 17 to 39 years old, a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, be a high school senior, or have a high school diploma or a GED. They will be required to pass a written examination called the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) as well as an Entrance Physical (medical) Examination. Using the results from both the ASVAB and physical tests, the local recruiter reviews available positions within the local unit to see what jobs might be of interest to the applicant. Once a job is selected, they can be scheduled to enlist and actually join the Air Guard. Everything prior to swearing in is preliminary processing and does not obligate anyone to join.
What does ANG look for in potential members?
Individuals who show a sense of duty, responsibility, and caring for others are particularly likely to be successful Airmen in the Air Guard. There are all kinds of jobs in the Air Guard, so no matter what their strengths are, we have a career that will most likely help them reach their potential. A career in the Air Guard is also a great way for young people who want to start a career right away to gain technical knowledge and experience that can carry over into the civilian career of their choice. The Air Guard holds high standards and requires anyone interested in joining to have a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition to gaining skills and experience, those desiring to further their education can go to college and take advantage of the educational assistance programs we offer. The Montgomery G.I. Bill helps students pay for books and living expenses while in college. State educational assistance programs* are designed to aid students with the costs of going to college. You don't have to wait until your service commitment is up, you can attend college full-time and work with us one weekend a month while you earn your degree.
How do they sign up for ASVAB?
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a timed multi-aptitude test that is given at over 14,000 schools and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) nationwide and is developed and maintained by the Department of Defense. To prepare for enlistment in the Air Guard, students can now take practice ASVAB tests that can easily be found online. These tests will give them an idea of how they'll score, and identify areas that might need improvement. The public library will also most likely carry books and materials to help them study for the ASVAB. Once they are ready to take the ASVAB, have him/her contact the nearest Air Guard recruiter. The Air Guard recruiter will then set up an appointment for your student at the nearest MEPS to determine his/her eligibility for enlistment in the Air Guard.
Where will they work?
One of the primary benefits of joining the Air Guard is the ability to serve at a unit close to home, making members even more involved in the community they are already invested in. After the initial training, Air Guard members serve one weekend a month and two weeks a year at a unit near their home, and have the opportunity to pursue an education or career on a full-time basis.
Where will they be deployed?
There is always the possibility of being tasked for deployment. When trouble strikes your state, your Governor may call up the Air Guard to do a number of things, including but not limited to, performing air rescue or medical response missions, or assisting the local authorities during a natural disaster. Likewise, the President may call up the Air Guard to support our country's homeland defense mission. Every effort is made to use volunteers first but, in some cases, individuals may be tasked to deploy when volunteers are not available to meet the mission’s requirements.

Requirements

New to ANG

Age

Those interested in joining the Air Guard who have never served before must be between the ages of 17 and 39.

Written Examination

New recruits are required to pass a written examination called the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.

If you would like to be an Officer, you must have a college degree or be close to graduating to apply. As an Officer in the Air Guard you'll develop leadership skills you can't get in the civilian world.

Medical Screening Test

New applicants are required to pass a medical screening test.

Strong Moral Character

Air Guard applicants must pass a rigorous background check before they can be accepted into the Air Guard.

Tattoos

Certain body art may not be allowed based on size, location, and content. Your recruiter will make the final decision.

Air Force to ANG

Age

You must be below the magic number of 40. Subtract your years of service from your age. If the result is less than 40, you may be eligible to join the Air National Guard.

Written Examination

You must have valid ASVAB scores for the career selection process.

Entrance Physical Examination

You must have or get a current military physical.

Strong Moral Character

Air Guard looks for new recruits to have a strong sense of pride and respectable moral character.

Tattoos

Certain body art may not be allowed based on size, location, and content. Your recruiter will make the final decision.

Other

You must have a good RE code on your DD 214, or an eligible Discharge Order. Your recruiter will review your entire military service time to determine eligibility.

Prior Service

Age

Must complete 20 years service time (combined, Active and participating Guard or Reserve) before the age of 60. For example, a person serving 4 years active duty and serving in a reserve component for 3 years is eligible to join up to their 47th birthday.

If you would like to be an Officer, you must have a college degree or be close to graduating to apply. As an Officer in the Air Guard you'll develop leadership skills you can't get in the civilian world.

Written Examination

If you are prior Air Force and your ASVAB scores are valid, you most likely won’t have to retest. All other services will likely have to retake the ASVAB test. Your local recruiter will check to determine if your current scores can be converted.

If you would like to be an Officer, you must have a college degree or be close to graduating to apply. As an Officer in the Air Guard you'll develop leadership skills you can't get in the civilian world.

Medical Screening Test

If you have had a separation physical within 24 months, your local recruiter will be able to check and see if it will satisfy this requirement. Otherwise, you must pass the standard medical screening test.

Strong Moral Character

If you are a Prior Service member who has honorably served, the Air Guard is proud to take you in and make you one of our own.

Tattoos

Certain body art may not be allowed based on size, location, and content. Your recruiter will make the final decision.

Integrity. Service. Excellence. Driven forward by common values

Is ANG For Me?