As a warrant officer, you spend your career developing a level of expertise in a certain field. This places you in a leadership role that will always have relevance in the army. There are many tangible benefits of the Army National Guard, such as a steady income, healthcare, life insurance, and retirement planning. [2] X Research source The career is good for longterm stability and income. However, as you’ll need to have up-to-date information regarding technical aspects of army training, there will be continual training throughout your career. You may have to spend time away from your home or family at training sessions. [3] X Research source
Join in a gym and work on both cardiovascular fitness and weight lifting. You’ll need to have both stamina as well as basic strength to become a member of an army. Consider hiring a personal trainer or talking to your doctor before starting a fitness program. If you are currently sedentary or otherwise out of shape, you’ll need to start working out gradually and build your strength. A doctor or trainer can take stock of your current physical health and provide workout recommendations and fitness goals for you.
You can enlist in the Army when you reach 17 years old. You must be between 17 and 35 years-old to enlist. Education wise, you should be at least a junior in high school or have a GED. [4] X Research source You must be a U. S citizen or permanent resident. [5] X Research source You must meet the moral, physical, and medical requirements. You can review the National Guard’s website for further details of physical and medical requirements. A height/weight chart is provided online to gauge whether you would qualify. You may have to gain or lose weight to meet requirements. A medical exam is usually conducted sometime during the application process to make sure you don’t have any medical problems that would disqualify you for service. [6] X Research source
To prepare for basic training, know what you are and are not allowed to bring to training. There is a Basic Training Essential checklist on the Army website that keeps up-to-date information regarding the necessary supplies. Make sure you inform your school or employer that you will be away and get any necessary leaves of absences. Any unresolved legal or financial issues should be resolved before you leave for training. [7] X Research source During basic training, you’ll be trained in all the necessary skills for combat. Training is physically and emotionally demanding, but by the end of training you will be well prepared for an army related career. At the end of training, you’ll be required to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test. [8] X Research source Once you complete basic training, you will receive advanced individualized training. The duration and details of this training depend on what area of military operations you choose as a specialization. [9] X Research source
The education requirements are the same for the Army National Guard. No additional education is needed beyond high school. However, as becoming a warrant officer requires a great deal of technical skill a degree in an engineering field related to your specialization could help. For example, if you want to become a flight warrant officer consider a bachelor’s degree in something like aviation technology. [10] X Research source You must be between 18 and 33 at the time you apply. You must also be a US citizen. [11] X Research source You must have at least 12 months remaining on your enlistment contract to apply. [12] X Research source You will once again have to complete a physical exam to assure you meet all medical and physical requirements. [13] X Research source
Regardless of specialization, all warrant officers need a score of at least 110 on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam. Waivers may be available for this exam if you have a long history of service. [14] X Research source If you’re aiming to become a Flight Warrant Officer, you will have to take the Selection Instrument for Flight Training (SIFT) test. Qualify scores change with time, so consult the Army National Guard website for information about what score you should aim for. You cannot retake the SIFT test and scores indefinitely valid. No waivers are available for this exam. [15] X Research source
The most common MOS is for a 153A aviator position. This requires no prior skill or training. However, you do have to have at least 20/50 distance vision that is correctable to 20/20 with glasses or contacts. [16] X Research source All other specializations require 4 to 6 years of experience in a field that’s highly related to your specialization. You can browse all specializations and their specific requirements on the Army National Guard website. [17] X Research source
