TAKE THE FIRST STEP
TO A STRONGER FUTURE
Step-by-step process to join the DC Army National Guard
step 1
Talk to a Recruiter
Your first step is speaking with a DC Army National Guard recruiter. They’re here to answer your questions and walk you through the process, with no obligation.
You have two easy ways to connect:
- Call your local recruiting office
- Fill out a contact form — A recruiter will follow up with you directly.
step 2
Take Eligibility Test
Once you and your Guard Recruiter agree that you’re a good fit for the Guard, your next step is to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, which determines which jobs you qualify for. If you haven’t already taken the ASVAB, you can get more ASVAB info here. To find out when and where you can take the test.
TAKING THE ASVAB
Before you join the DC Army National Guard, you’ll need to take a standardized test called the ASVAB— Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.
Every applicant has to take the ASVAB, so don’t let it intimidate you (it’s not supposed to). It’s designed to help us determine your strengths, so we can find where you’ll fit best and be most likely to succeed. The test measures your knowledge in nine areas:
- General Science – Life, earth, space and physical sciences
- Arithmetic Reasoning – Ability to solve basic math and word problems
- Word Knowledge – Ability to grasp the meaning of words through synonyms
- Paragraph Comprehension – Ability to understand written material
- Mathematics – Math concepts and applications
- Electronics – Electrical current, circuits, devices and electronic systems
- Auto and Shop – Car maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop
- Mechanical – Principles of mechanical devices, structural support, properties of materials
- Assembling Objects – Ability to determine how an object will look when its parts are put together
The ASVAB is timed and takes about 3½ hours to complete. It’s a good idea to practice in advance, to get familiar with the process, and to find any areas you might need to improve before you take the actual exam.
You’ll most likely take the exam at your school, at one of over 14,000 Military Entrance Testing Stations (METS), or at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in your area. Check with your local recruiter to find METS and MEPS locations near you.
step 3
Enlist
At this point, you will lock in your Basic Combat Training ship date, confirm your Guard job and pay, and take your Oath of Enlistment.
step 4
Split Training Option
You enlist while you’re still a junior (you must be 17 years old to enlist and have permission from a parent or guardian), finish that year and attend Basic Combat Training during the summer between your junior and senior years.
step 5
Prepare for Basic Training
Until you ship, you’ll attend the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) one weekend a month. RSP is all about getting you ready to excel at Basic Training, so you’ll learn Guard rules and structure, and start fitness and classroom training.
step 6
Ship Out
It’s time for Basic Combat Training. In 10 weeks, you’ll be stronger than you’ve ever been, and ready to be part of the team that protects America.
BASIC COMBAT TRAINING (BCT)
This 10-week sprint puts you on the road to greatness. You’ll meet your drill sergeant and learn the skills it takes to become a Soldier.
ARMY COMBAT FITNESS TEST
You’ll be required to pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) in order to graduate from BCT. Fitness is of critical importance in the DC Army National Guard, and only those who are in the best shape go further in their careers.
ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL TRAINING
After BCT, your life in the military begins. Advanced Individual Training (AIT) will teach you what you need to know to do your specific job (also called your Military Occupational Specialty or MOS).
BASIC TRAINING GUIDE
Basic Training will teach you the skills you need in the DC Army National Guard, and with this guide, you’ll show up prepared on Day 1.
CONTACT A RECRUITER
LEARN MORE
Complete this form, and a National Guard recruiter will reach out to answer your questions and provide details about serving. Start the conversation today—no commitment required.