National Guard & reserves

Eligibility

Jobs within a National Guard unit are in the excepted service, so it's important to read the Who May Apply section of the job announcement to understand if you're eligible or what you need to do to be eligible. Some jobs:

• Require you to already be a National Guard member in a specific state.
• Require you to already be a National Guard member, but willing to transfer to a specific state.
• Are open to anyone, but you must join the National Guard to accept the job.
• Require you to wear a National Guard uniform.

The Who May Apply section may say:

• Restricted to CURRENT members of the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, reserves or active duty military—only a current member of one of these groups is eligible for this job.
• United States citizens—anyone is eligible, but you have to join the National Guard to accept the job.
• AREA 1—Open to current, permanent technicians of the Michigan National Guard. (Does not include temporary technicians).
• AREA 2—Open to current military members of the Michigan National Guard. You must already be a member of the Michigan National Guard to be eligible. Preference is given to current technicians, because the job is specific to that skill set.
• Current warrant officer (CW3 & below) or enlisted (E6 or above) members of the North Dakota Army or Air National Guard—you must have a specific rank within the North Dakota National Guard to be eligible for this job.
• U.S. Citizens and federal employees with status—anyone or federal employees with status are eligible, but you have to join the National Guard.

How do I know a job is open to National Guard or reserves?

In the job announcement look for the This job is open to section. When a job is open to National Guard & Reserves, or those willing to join, you'll see this icon: There may be other groups listed that can also apply.

In search you can also select the National Guard filter. Your results will display all jobs open to the National Guard, reserves and those willing to join.

Documents you may need

The National Guard for each state requires different forms. You will likely need to complete forms to demonstrate prior military or federal service if appropriate. Standard forms that you may need to complete are listed below.

Upload and submit through USAJOBS

You can upload and save documents to your USAJOBS account. Once uploaded, you can submit these forms with your job application as needed. Sign into USAJOBS or learn how to upload documents.

How to join the National Guard

First, make sure you're qualified to join the National Guard. Whether you've served in the military before, or you've never served, you must meet the mandatory requirements to join the National Guard.

• 1. If you've never served in the United States Armed Forces (active duty, reserves or National Guard)

  If you've never served in the United States Armed Forces (active duty, reserves or National Guard), you must:

  • Be between the ages of 17 and 35.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be at least a junior in high school, have a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
  • Meet medical, physical and moral requirements.
• 2. If you've served in the military (active duty, reserves or National Guard)

  If you've served in the military (active duty, reserves or National Guard), you must:

  • Qualify for non-regular retired pay by age 60.
  • Meet the height, weight and current medical requirements.
  • Meet the education standards for the Military Occupational Series (MOS) or option for which you're enlisting.
  • Have the most current DD-214, NGB-22 or discharge order and have an approved DD-368 conditional release form.

Additional requirements

In addition to the above mandatory requirements, you must also:

• Attend basic training. If you served in the United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Coast Guard and have not completed Army or Marine Corps Basic Training you must attend Basic Combat Training (BCT). There are some exceptions to this requirement.
• Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). If you have a break in service of over 10 years, you must re-take the ASVAB to establish current scores.

Learn more about eligibility and the National Guard.