How Long Are You Gone In The National Guard?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The full National Guard service term is

eight years

. However, we offer several active service options within that time frame. For example, your child can commit to just three active years then enter IRR (Individual Ready Reserve

How long are you gone for National Guard training?

All National Guard members must complete

10 weeks

of Basic Combat Training, the same boot camp attended by full-time Army Soldiers.

Can you quit the National Guard?

Getting out of the Army for depression may be possible through a medical or disabilty discharge. According to the Army Times

How often does National Guard get deployed?

Like the odds of seeing combat, there's no set rule for the length of deployment. If you're called up by your state government, active duty missions usually run from 15-to-60 days.

Federal deployments are usually a year

, at the minimum.

What is the shortest National Guard contract?


Two years

is the shortest amount of time a new enlistee can sign up for active duty, however, there is a catch. You actually have an eight-year commitment but you can perform this commitment as an active duty member, a Reservist, or Individual Ready Reservist (IRR).

What happens if I miss a drill weekend?

Entry Level airmen who refuse to participate in a weekend drill or refuse orders to IADT are

almost always discharged

. Most such discharges are characterized as entry level. However, Reservists who go AWOL during IADT are processed the same as active duty members.

Can I get out of National Guard before basic?

You have signed a contract,

yes

. … If you HAVE taken the Oath of and have shipped out to basic training, you still haven't fully committed to yet.

Does 6 years in the National Guard make you a veteran?

Does 6 years in the National Guard make you a veteran?

Yes

, if you spent at least 180 days of that 6 years deployed on federal active duty orders. A 2016 change to federal law expanded the definition of “veteran” for many National Guard members.

Does National Guard see combat?

Could I be sent into combat?

Yes

. Because of the National Guard's dual state-federal mission, Guard members can be mobilized to protect and defend America in battle domestically or overseas.

Is joining the National Guard worth it?

Great networking opportunities. The National Guard can be a great way to

network

professionally. Since National Guard members serve in their home state and the vast majority have civilian careers, you can meet people who could be your “in” to a better opportunity in your civilian life.

Do you go to jail if you quit the military?

Besides, the maximum punishment according to the law is

death or life in prison if desertion

is carried out to avoid war. In fact, the vast majority of AWOL and desertion cases are disposed of with an administrative discharge.

Can you leave the military after 4 years?

You aren't pot-

committed after

four years. Get out of the military and pursue another career, go to college (for free), and ensure you are happy in life. The military isn't for everyone, so don't try and force it. This is why it is important to get your finances in check during your first enlistment.

Is there a 2 year contract in army?


The Army offers enlistment contracts of two years

, three years, four years, five years, and six years. Only a few Army jobs are available for two and three year enlistees (mainly those jobs that don't require much training time, and that the Army is having a hard time getting enough recruits).

Can I quit the reserves?


You can't officially quit the reserves

but you can just not show up, exceed the maximum allotment for unauthorized absences and then you're processed for admin-separation.

Where do you stay during drill weekend?

A lot , barracks, warehouses, in the woods, and on the side of a Mountain. Yes and no, Dependant on how far it is to drill. During drill weekends we often stay at

the armory, in barracks

, or in the field. Yes, you can sleep on a cot to save gas and prevent from spending money on a hotel.

Can you reschedule a drill weekend?

Every drilling reservist is authorized 48 drills per FY, but

they cannot be rescheduled across fiscal years

.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.