To join the Army National Guard you generally need to be 17 to 35, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and able to meet medical, moral and fitness standards. This guide lists what the National Guard Bureau and Army sources say, checked on October 21, 2026, so you can arrive at a recruiter meeting with the right questions.
What are the basic requirements to join?
The National Guard Bureau's FAQ says most people aged 17 to 35 can join, and you must enlist on or before your 35th birthday. A 17-year-old needs a parent's or guardian's consent. You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, have a high school diploma, GED or 15 college credit hours, and meet medical and moral requirements.
The FAQ lists exceptions to the age range for prior military service and some professional skills, such as chaplains, lawyers and certain medical specialties (National Guard Bureau FAQ). Federal law sets the outer limit for original enlistment in the National Guard at 17 to under 45 (32 U.S.C. 313). Confirm your case with a recruiter.
Do you need to pass a fitness test before you ship?
Yes. Recruits take the Occupational Physical Assessment Test, four events done on the same day within one hour: a standing long jump, a seated power throw, a strength deadlift and an interval aerobic run. You must reach the physical demand category your job requires before shipping to training.
ATP 7-22.01 says retests are unlimited after an appropriate training interval and results are valid for up to 90 days (ATP 7-22.01, March 2026).
What fitness test applies after you join?
The Army Fitness Test, which replaced the Army Combat Fitness Test on June 1, 2025. It has five events: deadlift, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, plank and 2-mile run. Combat specialties need 350 points with at least 60 per event; other specialties need 300. Guard Soldiers who fail have 180 days to retest.
Source: U.S. Army: Army Fitness Test. Soldiers in combat specialties, such as infantry, armor and combat engineers, also take the Combat Field Test, a pass or fail test of seven events. Guard Soldiers in those jobs who are not AGR or on active-duty orders of 365 days or more alternate a record AFT one year and a record Combat Field Test the next (Army Directive 2026-07). The AFT guide linked below covers both.
What training comes before you are fully trained?
If you have never served, the National Guard Bureau says you attend the Army's Initial Entry Training, also known as Basic Training, and then Advanced Individual Training for the job, or Military Occupational Specialty, you are assigned. AIT length varies widely by job, and new Soldiers normally go right after Basic Training.
Source: National Guard Bureau FAQ.
What commitment are you signing up for?
The FAQ says the total enlistment period is eight years. You can serve as few as three or six years in a unit and spend the rest in the Individual Ready Reserve, which does not train with a unit but can be called up. Drilling members attend one weekend a month and two weeks of annual training.
Source: National Guard Bureau FAQ.
What should you have ready for a recruiter meeting?
Bring documents that show you meet the basic requirements: your age, citizenship or permanent residence, and a diploma, GED or college credits. Add questions about the medical and moral standards that apply to you. Ask which jobs fit your goals and what physical demand category each requires on the OPAT, so you can train for the right standard before shipping.
- Documents for the FAQ requirements: age, U.S. citizenship or permanent residence, and a high school diploma, GED or 15 college credit hours (National Guard Bureau FAQ).
- A list of jobs you are considering and their physical demand categories (ATP 7-22.01).
- Questions about the 8-year commitment and drill schedule (National Guard Bureau FAQ).
- If you are a green card holder interested in citizenship through service, read the citizenship guide linked below, then confirm the details with a recruiter and USCIS.
Related TakeOath guides
- AFT alternate aerobic events and the 2-mile run
- Army National Guard FAQ for Virginia prospects
- Army National Guard citizenship: green card guide
Sources
- Army National Guard frequently asked questions, National Guard Bureau, retrieved October 21, 2026
- 32 U.S.C. 313, National Guard enlistment age limits (2023 edition), GovInfo, U.S. Government Publishing Office, retrieved October 21, 2026
- ATP 7-22.01, Holistic Health and Fitness Testing (March 12, 2026), Army Publishing Directorate, retrieved October 21, 2026
- Army Fitness Test, U.S. Army, retrieved October 21, 2026
- Army Directive 2026-07, Army Physical Fitness Standards (April 17, 2026), Army Publishing Directorate, retrieved October 21, 2026