by Shannon Nesseralla, Student Reporter
It’s 4:30 a.m. Lights turn on, and yells from drill sergeants fill the bay. This is what trainees experience on the first morning of basic training.
Deciding to be a part of the 1% who sacrifice to serve their country can be a huge step for anyone. Raising your right hand and officially becoming an enlisted soldier in the Oklahoma Army National Guard isn’t an easy commitment, but deciding to do so can be extremely beneficial.
The ARNG is different than the active-duty Army. While both organizations serve the same branch of the military, members of the ARNG serve part-time for the state they are enlisted in.
The part-time requirements consist of going to the unit of assignment once a month during the drill weekends. Also, a two-week yearly training will be required during the year.
If the state has any statewide emergencies, then the National Guard may be called in to assist with them.
The National Guard’s contract length is also longer than the active-duty contract length. While enlisted, an eight-year contract is the most common. Six of those years are active, and two years are inactive. The inactive years are years when a person may be called in on an as-needed basis.
The National Guard is a great option for college students who have the desire to serve their country and receive many different benefits. One of the biggest benefits that people can take advantage of is the college tuition assistance, which can be taken advantage of as soon as you’ve enlisted.
If you enlist and then do not ship out to basic training for a few months, then you can still take college classes that the Army will pay for.
According to Zach B. Zachary, the tuition waiver can only be used at colleges in Oklahoma and will cover a minimum of three credit hours and a maximum of 18 credit hours. Students must also maintain good standings in school and with the Army.
Soldiers who fail to report to their units without notifying their command team will receive an absent without leave, commonly called an AWOL, against them. If a soldier has received more than nine AWOLs in 12 months, he or she will not qualify for tuition assistance.
Soldiers must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to remain eligible for assistance.
While enrolled in a college program, you will also be eligible to receive the Montgomery GI Bill. This is a monthly allowance that can be as much as $300 extra per month.
This can be used toward school expenses such as books or other supplies, and can be used for personal expenses. Unlike the tuition assistance program, this allowance is automatically deposited into a personal bank account.
These benefits won’t come easily. Enlisted soldiers are still required to graduate from basic combat training at one of four training sites: Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Benning, Georgia; or Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Another requirement is graduation from advanced individual training, which is the training for the military occupational specialty that was chosen on the day of enlistment.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The Army offers a wide range of jobs, and the MOS is the chosen job that the soldier wishes to perform during his or her time enlisted. This training can range anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year depending on the complexity of the job.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University student Dylan Siler is serving in the Oklahoma ARNG and is taking advantage of the benefits it offers. He said he decided to join because it was a family tradition, and so that he could receive free college tuition.
“If you want to join, just know that it’s something you got to commit to and can’t just quit, because that’s not how the military works,” Siler said.
Since enlisting, Siler has matured and become more responsible in his daily life, he said. When asked if he’s gotten to experience anything he may not have experienced without the National Guard, he said: “I’ve gotten to shoot grenade launchers and smoke screens. I’ve also got picked up in a helicopter for a medevac, which was sick.”
Joining the National Guard can help a person financially, and it can help grow a person’s character.
Hunter Priest is a Northwestern student who is serving part-time in the Army.
He said he believes that, since joining, he has become more disciplined and has gained a better work ethic. He also said he views certain things differently, and he can react to his surroundings faster.
Since the coronavirus pandemic began, his monthly drills have all been online, which prevents hands-on training. He offered this advice about joining: “Basic training is the easiest and hardest thing you’ll ever do. Stay fully committed, and keep your mind right, and you’ll do great. Always strive for excellence.”
NETWORKING
The National Guard also provides networking opportunities. Everyone in your unit will have a civilian life and civilian job. Making connections within the chain of command can open up windows of opportunity.
You never know whose civilian job may be looking to hire entry-level workers. Also, making good connections and showing strong work ethics can help with promotions. Promotions are what will help with getting the most out of your military career.
Before joining, possible recruits should know some requirements. There is an age requirement of being 17 to 35 years old. Being able to attain a passing score of 31 on the ASVAB is required. The ASVAB determines what MOS you can choose. The higher you score, the more options you have.
Also, you must pass numerous medical and physical screenings before enlisting. The medical portion consists of a hearing test, vision test, urinalysis and blood test. The physical portion will consist of a short physical test with a deadlift, seated ball-throw and shuttle sprints.
Staying in shape and maintaining your physical ability are also important parts of being in any military branch.
A required physical test is given each year, and if the soldier receives a failing score twice in the same year, he or she may be removed from the branch for failure to meet requirements.
Another requirement is the height and weight standards. You must maintain a certain weight or body fat percentage depending on your age and height.