54 reasons to join the Army National Guard

Soldiers Magazine, Jan, 2004

1. Defend Freedom.

2. Uphold the tradition of the Minuteman, ready to serve at a moments notice.

3. Be a member of America's oldest military institution.

4. Learn new skills and gain experience that will change your outlook on life.

(5.) Be a part of something greater titian yourself.

6. Have the satisfaction that comes with serving in your community.

7. Make history while creating your future.

8. Become part of a team that values making a difference by serving others.

9. Become an officer.

10. Serve part, time While attending school or pursuing a fulltime career.

11. Serve your country and community with pride.

12. Build a military retirement while serving part-time.

(13.) You may qualify for a different MOS upon joining theGuard.

14. Get money that you need to help pay for college or vocational training.

15. Get colleges credits for Guard training.

16. Train for the challenges that lie ahead in life.

(17.) Guard members train part-time, but their commitment is full-time.

18. Get a sense of pride and confidence.

19. Use your enlisted experience to become a warrant officer.

20. Help a community survive a flash flood or a forest fire.

21. Gain self-knowledge that will held you achieve more than you ever thought possible.

22 Earn state educational incentives up to 100% free tuition.

23. Keep your body in great shape so you'll be ready to face any challenge that comes your way.

(24.) Be an important part of America's Homeland Defense.

25. Earn the equivalent of 4 days of active duty pay for each weekend drill you attend.

26. Serve in one of thousands of Guard units located in cities and towns across the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

27. Receive an Affiliation Bonus for accepting a Guard position in your current MOS.

28. Test what you're made of. And go further than you could ever dream of.

29. Enjoy the rewards of teamwork.

30. Join a team that counts 19 U.S. presidents among its distinguished alumni.

31. Help your community and neighbors in times of natural disaster.

32. Learn skills that can help you in your civilian career.

33. Maintain your discount shopping privileges at PXs.

34. Maintain your discount shopping privileges at commissaries.

35. Serve in the community you live in and serve your country.

36. Participate in peacekeeping and humanitarian support missions throughout the globe.

37. Maintain your free educational testing benefit.

38. Operate the same types of equipment as you did while on Army active duty.

39. Join a tradition that has proven itself in war and in peace for over 365 years.

40. Boost your retirement income by participating in the Thrift Savings Plan.

41. Make friendships that last a lifetime.

42. Continue to stand for values as timeless as our nation: duty, honor and country.

43. Serve as a mentor to a neighborhood youth in need.

(44.) Accept the challenge of leading. soldiers who will look up to you, personally and professionally.

45. Continue to take advantage of Space-A travel.

46. Have the chance to transfer to another Guard unit should you need to do so.

47. You may qualify for a full-time or active position in the Guard.

48. Earn benefits like the Montgomery GI Bill.

49. The Guard is family and values the family members of our soldiers.

50. Network with other Guard members in your community.

51. Experience all of what you liked in the active service, just do it part-time.

52. Enjoy military drills and still make it home for dinner.

53. Trade up from MRE's to college cafeteria food.

Join 350,000 Guard members serving in 54 U.S. states and territories.