What Is Georgia Army National Guard? Joining Guide

The Georgia Army National Guard is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense and a reserve component of the United States Army. It is one of the largest and most storied National Guard organizations in the country, with a rich history dating back to 1751. The Georgia Army National Guard is a dual-status force, meaning it can be called upon to serve both state and federal missions. This includes responding to natural disasters and civil unrest within the state, as well as deploying overseas in support of national security objectives.

As a member of the Georgia Army National Guard, you will have the opportunity to serve your community, develop valuable skills, and advance your education and career. The Georgia Army National Guard offers a wide range of career fields, known as Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), including infantry, artillery, engineering, logistics, and medical specialties, among others. Whether you are looking to serve part-time or pursue a full-time career in the military, the Georgia Army National Guard has opportunities to suit your goals and interests.

Joining the Georgia Army National Guard: Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible to join the Georgia Army National Guard, you must meet certain basic requirements. These include being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, being between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates), and meeting certain physical fitness and medical standards. You will also need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. The ASVAB is used to determine your aptitude for various military careers and to identify areas where you may need additional training or education.

In addition to these basic requirements, you will need to complete the enlistment process, which includes taking the ASVAB test, undergoing a physical exam, and completing a background check. You will also need to attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for your specific MOS. BCT is a 10-week training course that teaches you the fundamental skills you need to succeed in the Army, including first aid, map reading, and combat techniques. AIT is a more specialized course that provides training in your specific MOS.

Steps to Join the Georgia Army National Guard

If you are interested in joining the Georgia Army National Guard, here are the steps you can follow:

1. Meet the basic eligibility requirements: Make sure you meet the age, citizenship, education, and physical fitness requirements for joining the Guard.
2. Talk to a recruiter: Contact a recruiter from the Georgia Army National Guard to learn more about the enlistment process and to get answers to any questions you may have.
3. Take the ASVAB test: The ASVAB is used to determine your aptitude for various military careers. You will need to score well on the test to qualify for certain MOS.
4. Undergo a physical exam: You will need to pass a physical exam to ensure you are fit for military service.
5. Complete a background check: A background check is required to ensure you do not have any criminal convictions or other issues that would make you ineligible for military service.
6. Attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT): Once you have completed the enlistment process, you will attend BCT and AIT to learn the skills you need to succeed in the Army.

After completing your training, you will be assigned to a unit in the Georgia Army National Guard. You will typically serve one weekend a month and two weeks a year, although you may be called upon to serve more frequently in times of crisis or conflict. As a member of the Guard, you will have access to a range of benefits, including education assistance, health insurance, and retirement savings plans.

Benefits of Joining the Georgia Army National Guard

Joining the Georgia Army National Guard can provide you with a range of benefits, including:

• Education assistance: The Guard offers several education assistance programs, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Army National Guard's Education Assistance Program.
• Health insurance: As a member of the Guard, you will have access to low-cost health insurance for yourself and your family.
• Retirement savings plans: The Guard offers a range of retirement savings plans, including the Thrift Savings Plan and the Army National Guard's Retirement Plan.
• Career advancement opportunities: The Guard offers a range of career advancement opportunities, including training and education programs to help you develop new skills and advance your career.
• Sense of purpose and camaraderie: As a member of the Guard, you will be part of a close-knit community of soldiers who are dedicated to serving their country and their community.

Georgia Army National Guard Units and Locations

The Georgia Army National Guard has units located throughout the state, including in Atlanta, Macon, Savannah, and Augusta. Some of the major units in the Georgia Army National Guard include:

• 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team: The 48th IBCT is a brigade combat team that is headquartered in Macon, Georgia. The unit is trained to conduct a range of missions, including infantry and armor operations.
• 108th Cavalry Regiment: The 108th Cavalry Regiment is a cavalry regiment that is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The unit is trained to conduct reconnaissance and security missions.
• 122nd Regional Support Group: The 122nd RSG is a regional support group that is headquartered in Savannah, Georgia. The unit provides logistical support to other units in the Guard.
• 165th Airlift Wing: The 165th Airlift Wing is an airlift wing that is headquartered in Savannah, Georgia. The unit operates C-130 aircraft and provides airlift support to other units in the Guard.

These units, and others like them, play a critical role in the Georgia Army National Guard's ability to respond to state and federal missions. As a member of the Guard, you will have the opportunity to serve in one of these units and contribute to the important work that they do.