Non-Prior Service
The Army National Guard has physical, academic, and legal qualifications that you must pass to join. You must be in good health and have no major physical handicaps.
You are eligible to join the Army National Guard if you meet the following criteria*:
- High School graduates or GED holders.
- Note: If you do not meet this requirement, we can help; just contact a recruiter. If you have not graduated High School or do not have a GED, you still may qualify through the GED Plus Program.
- High school juniors/seniors as long as they meet the age requirement.
- Between the ages of 17 and less than 35 (Persons under age 18 must obtain the consent of a parent or legal guardian.)
- Meet citizenship requirements.
* Obtain a minimum qualifying score on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery exam (ASVAB). Your ASVAB score will also determine which job, known as a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), you are qualified for. Your recruiter will provide you with more exact information and make recommendations regarding your qualification status.
Prior Service/Transfers
RE-DISCOVER THE CHALLENGES & REWARDS!
Service in the Mississippi Army National Guard rewards you in many ways that are both immediate and long term.
- For 2 days of weekend training, you'll receive four days of active duty pay.
- An Enlistment Bonus of up to $15,000 may be available to prior service members who have completed their Military Service Obligation. The eligibility requirements for enlistment bonuses vary by MOS and Unit. Check with your local Recruiter for details. (Link Contact a Recruiter)
- Re-Enlistment/Extension Bonus An extension bonus of up to $10,000 may be available to current Guard members. (Eligibility requirements for extension bonuses vary)
- Continue to build towards your Retirement
- Enlistment term of service available from 1 to 6 years.
- Contact a Recruiter for qualifying benefits and enlistment qualifications for MS-ARNG opportunities.
Relocating to Mississippi?
The following procedure was designed to make your transition into the MSARNG smoother. Please start the process prior to your move, if possible.
Obtain approval from your unit commander. The unit will then complete an Interstate Transfer (IST) worksheet and forward it through the losing state IST Manager. You will need to provide your unit with your new address, or at least the area you will move to for the worksheet. You MUST clear supply before the gaining state can pick you up. Please refer to NGR 600-200 section VII, paragraph 5-35 for restrictions and guidelines.
The losing IST Manager will forward the worksheet to the MSARNG. We will try and find a position compatible to grade and MOS for the transferring soldier. If no position exists, other positions will be offered as an alternative. Line scores must meet AR611-21 in order to change MOS.
The MSARNG IST Manager will forward the completed worksheet to the losing IST Manager. Either the losing or gaining IST Manager will complete form 22-5 and send to corresponding IST Manager.
If you move prior to coordination with your current unit, you should contact the MSARNG IST Manager to help with the process. For additional information please contact the MSARNG IST Coordinator at (601) 313-6173 or (601) 313-6417.