Getting started is easier than you think. Below is the path you can expect to take when you're ready to join the Army National Guard.

• GET STARTED: Contact your local recruiter and let them know you’re interested in learning more about serving your country, state and community. No obligation required.
  
  
• TEST: Once you have met with your Army National Guard recruiter and have determined the Army National Guard is right for you, you will be scheduled to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery or ASVAB. Learn more about the ASVAB.
  
  
• DAY AT MEPS: Once you have passed the ASVAB and determined to be morally eligible you will have a medical physical at the Military Entrance Processing Station or MEPS.
  
  
• ENLIST: At this point, you will select in your Basic Combat Training ship date, confirm your Army National Guard job, incentives and take your Oath of Enlistment.
  
  
• PREPARE: Until you ship to Basic Combat Training, you'll attend the Recruit Sustainment Program one weekend a month in order to learn Army regulations, structure, and start your physical fitness.
  
  
• SHIP: It's time for Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. Basic Combat Training, often known as “boot camp”, is your introduction to Army service, and where you will learn the traditions, tactics and methods of becoming a Soldier in the Army National Guard.
  
  
• JOB TRAINING: After 10 weeks of Basic Training you will graduation and move to you Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training. This training is call Advance Individual Training or AIT. AIT is where you will learn your job in the Army National Guard. AIT length and location is dependent on your MOS.
  
  
• JOIN YOUR UNIT: Once you have returned from Basic Training and AIT, you will join your unit in a ceremony called a Battle Handoff, where you will receive your unit patch and sponsor.