The National Guard is one branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Tennessee National Guard contains both an Army National Guard and Air National Guard component. The National Guard is composed of reserve forces - civilians who serve their country on a part time basis. Each state has their own National Guard as required by the constitution, in fact, the National Guard is the only branch of the military who's existence is actually required by the constitution.

National Guard members are required to attend one drill weekend a month. These are usually during a Saturday and Sunday but sometimes include a Friday night. In addition all guard units have a two week annual training (AT) period every year which is normally during the summer.

The Army Reserve is controlled by the Federal Government and serves as a reserve to the Active Army. The National Guard, on the other hand, has a dual mission, both state and federal. It is controlled by the governor of its state and the federal government. The governor can call the Guard into action to assist in the case of local emergencies or civil disturbances. In addition, the President of the United States can activate the National Guard to serve either alone or along with the Active Army. This was most recently portrayed during the Persian Gulf Crisis,  the Bosnian Peace Keeping Mission, and both Homeland Defense and the War on Terrorism.

The Tennessee Army National Guard offers a series of benefits ranging from education assistance to low cost airfare.

If you have never served in any branch of the military, there are two enlistment options. The first is the 6 & 2 option which entitles you to serve in the National Guard for 6 years and then in the Inactive National Guard for 2 years. While in the Inactive National Guard you do not have to attend drills or Annual Training, but you may be called to serve in a National Emergency. The other option is the 3 & 5 tour during which you would serve for 3 years in the National Guard and 5 years in the inactive National Guard. Not all benefits are available for a 3 & 5 enlistment.

Veterans who have served in any branch of the military have additional options available to them including a " Try One" program which allows a veteran to serve for only one year on a trial basis before committing to a full enlistment.

If you have never served in any branch of the military, you will have to attend the Army's eight week basic training. In addition, you will have to attend a period of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) which teaches your specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). The length of AIT varies widely with MOS. Normally new soldiers will attend AIT immediately after Basic Training, however, if you are a student who is only available for training during the summer you have the option of going to Basic Training one summer and AIT the next.

The Tennessee Army National Guard offers a large selection of specialties (MOS's) ranging from cavalry scout to band member. Different MOS's have different qualifications and your recruiter can help you determine which MOS would be best suited for you.

The National Guard has physical, academic, and legal qualifications. You must be in good health and have no major physical handicaps. The minimum age to join the National Guard is 17. Persons under age 18 must obtain the consent of a parent or legal guardian. You must be either currently in High School or have a High School Diploma or GED. You must also obtain a minimum qualifying score on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery exam (ASVAB).

Soon after you contact a recruiter, they will take you to where this test is administered to see if you are qualified. Your ASVAB score will also determine which MOS's you are qualified for. Finally, you must have no major criminal convictions. This information is only a basic outline of the qualifications. Before enlisting you will be receive a detailed medical examination and background check. Your recruiter will provide you with more exact information and make recommendations regarding your qualification status.

Transfers within the National Guard are handled within the units involved on a case-by-case basis. If you move further than 50 miles away from your unit you will be allowed to transfer.

Your membership within the National Guard should not effect your civilian employment. There are Federal Laws which prevent employers from terminating an employee due to his or her membership in the National Guard. In addition, if you are called to active service, your employer is required by law to allow you to return to the same job you had when you left. The Tennessee National Guard can assist in solving a civilian employment conflict.

There's a good chance it is. Thousands of veterans from all branches of service join the Guard each year and find that it gives them the best of both military and civilian life. In the Guard you keep many of the benefits you received in active service. You can improve technical skills you've already acquired. And because the Guard is only part time, you can hold a civilian job or go to school. You also get the chance to serve your state and nation while staying close to home. And help your neighbors when disasters and emergencies strike.

A lot. Your local Guard unit needs your recent experience with advanced military equipment, weapons and tactics. Your leadership skills are in demand too. You can help train other soldiers with less knowledge and experience and share with them the strength and maturity you've gained in active service.

No. As long as you have previously completed Basic Training with any branch of service.

At age 60, after at least 20 years of satisfactory service, you may begin collecting retirement pay. Your 20 years of service can include any combination of active, reserve, and Guard duty, as long as your last eight years is spent in the Guard or Reserve. The amount of your starting retirement pay will be in proportion to the length of your total service, the highest pay grade you held in the service, and the Army pay tables in effect at the time you retire. Retirees also receive periodic cost-of-living pay increases, based on the consumer price index. If you were on active duty for 5 years and a member of the Guard for 15 years, for example, your starting retirement pay would be about 20 percent of your highest salary in the service. Compare this to an equivalent commercial plan, and you'll find that the Guard's pension plan is generous, and costs you nothing.

Yes. your experience may qualify you for an occupational specialty other than the one you held when you left active duty. You can also change your specialty by attending an active service school.

More than you may realize. Here are just a few of the benefits:

Continued education in the military
A chance to earn promotions or become an officer
Good pay
Retirement benefits at age 60-after 20 years of combined active and reserve service-including medical benefits and PX and commissary privileges
Servicemen's Group Life Insurance coverage
Job contacts in civilian life
Possible full-time employment
Free air travel when space is available

Plus you get benefits you can't see or touch, but that touch you in a very real way. Like prestige in your community. The friendship of people with interests like yours. And the satisfaction and self-respect that comes from giving time and attention to others.

For each Guard training assembly you attend, you will receive a full day's pay for your military grade, based on active service pay tables. Your starting pay depends on your grade at the time you enter the Guard. and the number of years you've spent in the service.

At age 60, after at least 20 years of satisfactory service, you may begin collecting retirement pay. Your 20 years of service can include any combination of active, reserve, and Guard duty, as long as your last eight years is spent in the Guard or Reserve. The amount of your starting retirement pay will be in proportion to the length of your total service, the highest pay grade you held in the service, and the Army pay tables in effect at the time you retire. Retirees also receive periodic cost-of-living pay increases, based on the consumer price index. If you were on active duty for 5 years and a member of the Guard for 15 years, for example, your starting retirement pay would be about 20 percent of your highest salary in the service. Compare this to an equivalent commercial plan, and you'll find that the Guard's pension plan is generous, and costs you nothing.

Yes, they do. What and where they are depend on the geographical area, troop structure, and strength of the unit you contact. Usually, though, you can find a vacancy within commuting distance of your home, since there are over 3,000 company-size Army Guard units around the country.

As a noncommissioned officer or specialist, your experience on active duty may qualify you for an occupational specialty other than the one you held when you left. You can also change your specialty by attending an active or reserve component service school. As an officer, you can be appointed in the Army National Guard in a branch other than your current one, as long as you have the necessary qualifications.

When you've decided where you want to live, get information from the unit commander at the Army National Guard Armory in your community. If you can't find an armory near you, call the number below. We'll send you information promptly. If you are still in the Active Army, ask at your Retention Office.

Usually you'll attend one weekend a month of training assemblies-two periods of at least 4 hours on Saturday and two on Sunday. You'll also attend 2 weeks of annual training each year. Guard members must attend all scheduled assemblies.

To be promoted in the Guard, you must fill a TOE vacancy for that grade, serve in your current grade for at least the time specified in Guard regulations and be recommended by your superiors.

All you have to do is go to the Guard armory nearest you or contact your local Army National Guard recruiter. If you can. bring a copy of your discharge, your discharge physical if you have it, and personal records such as training certificates. These will help us better explain all your opportunities in the Guard. And don't forget. If you have questions, call the number below. We will give you answers!