How To Join

How To Join

READY TO MOVE FORWARD? HERE ARE YOUR NEXT STEPS:

1

Fill out a contact form

Fill out the form, and a Guard recruiter will contact you to answer all of your questions. Get the conversation started, with no obligations on your part.

Take Eligibility test

Once you and your Guard Recruiter agree that you’re a good fit for the Guard, your next step is to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, which determines which jobs you qualify for. If you haven’t already taken the ASVAB, you can get more ASVAB info here. To find out when and where you can take the test.
2

Enlist

At this point, you will lock in your Basic Combat Training ship date, confirm your Guard job and pay, and take your Oath of Enlistment.
3

Split Training Option

You enlist while you’re still a junior (you must be 17 years old to enlist and have permission from a parent or guardian), finish that year and attend Basic Combat Training during the summer between your junior and senior years.

4

Prepare for basic training

Until you ship, you’ll attend the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) one weekend a month. RSP is all about getting you ready to excel at Basic Training, so you’ll learn Guard rules and structure, and start fitness and classroom training.
5

Ship Out

It’s time for Basic Combat Training. In 10 weeks, you’ll be stronger than you’ve ever been, and ready to be part of the team that protects America.

6

BASIC COMBAT TRAINING

This 10-week sprint puts you on the road to greatness. You’ll meet your drill sergeant and learn the skills it takes to become a Soldier.

ARMY COMBAT FITNESS TEST

You’ll be required to pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) in order to graduate from BCT. Fitness is of critical importance in the DC Army National Guard, and only those who are in the best shape go further in their careers.

ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL TRAINING

After BCT, your life in the military begins. Advanced Individual Training (AIT) will teach you what you need to know to do your specific job (also called your Military Occupational Specialty or MOS).

BASIC TRAINING GUIDE

Basic Training will teach you the skills you need in the DC Army National Guard, and with this guide, you’ll show up prepared on Day 1.