Frequently asked questions:

  1. What is armor? Armor in one word, is TANKS!
     
    Our Armor Battalion uses the "state of the art" M1 Abrams Tank.
  2. How long is my training? 
    Well, that depends. Your basic training will be 9 weeks long. You AIT or advanced individual training will depend on the MOS (military occupational specialty) that you choose. For instance an armor crewman will attend BCT and AIT at Ft Knox, KY. Your training will last approximately 15 weeks there.
  3. Where will my training be held? 
    That also depends on the type of specialty or MOS that you choose. You could go to Ft. Benning, GA or Ft. Leonardwood, MO or one of the many others.
  4. Will I be paid during training? 
    YES. During your training you will receive your pay through direct deposit. It would be a good idea to set up a savings account or checking account before you leave or you can create one when you get there.
  5. Will I be able to call home during my training?
    Normally, phone calls are for emergencies. Soldiers can earn special phone call privileges, too.
  6. How is the National Guard dealing with sexual harassment?
    Sexual harassment is unacceptable and has no place in today's or tomorrow's Army National Guard. The Army National Guard maintains a zer0-tolerance stance pertaining to sexual harassment or misconduct, and charges all soldiers to report any violation of this policy.
  7. How do I notify my son or daughter in the event of an emergency?
    Immediately notify your local Red Cross Chapter with pertinent information, and they will arrange to contact your loved one. Additionally, make sure your soldier leaves his or her unit phone number with you before leaving for BCT.
  8. May my new soldier attend college while in the Army National Guard?
    Yes. The Army National Guard believes that education is one of the keys to a successful future. And the Army National guard has an educational benefits program that can help, as well. Serving one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer with the Army National Guard will give your new soldier the time to go to college fulltime.

  9. How will he or she get home from BCT?
    The government provides for travel home, just as they provided for travel to BCT.

  10. What can I do to assist my son or daughter during BCT?
    The best thing you can do is write as many positive letters as possible, as often as possible. Soldiers look forward to daily mail call.

  11. How long do I have to join for?
    A: You have the option of joining for 3 to 8 years. However, if you want to be eligible for our educational benefit programs, a 6-year enlistment is required. All first enlistments contracts are for 8 years (6 years of drills, 2 years of inactive).
  12. What are my attendance requirements when I enlist?
    You must attend basic training (same one as active duty). You must attend job skill training (Advanced Individual Training or AIT). The length of this will vary depending upon what job you have selected. After you have completed these two things, you must attend 39 days per year (one weekend per month and a two-week annual training). Sometimes it will a 3-day weekend (Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday). Of course, you will be paid more then.
  13. How much will I make on a weekend drill?
    $134.08 for a two-day drill weekend to start.
  14. How much will I make while I'm away at basic training and AIT?
    $1,005.60 per month for each month of training.
  15. When will I begin making money with the Army National Guard?
    You can begin drilling in pay status 9 months prior to going to basic training.
  16. What will I do at drills before I go to basic training?
    You will be trained on basic soldiering skills, such as learning to march, how to wear the uniform, disassembly and reassembly of the M-16 rifle, first aid, and other tasks you will have at basic.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to email us or call HHC at 814-533-2353.