mission
The National Guard is a unique element of the U.S. military that serves both community and country. Our members are dynamic, purpose driven individuals who wish to make a difference in their community.
Service to the community
The Army National Guard is the oldest component of the United States armed forces. Militia companies were formed with the first English settlement at Jamestown in 1607. The first militia regiments were organized by the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1636, and from the Pequot War in 1637 until the present day, the Army National Guard has participated in every war or conflict this nation has fought.
The RIARNG has responded to emergencies in RI, as it’s their duty to do so. During the floods in March of 2010, the National Guard was activated to provide aid to the citizens in the state. When major storms or hurricanes come through, the National Guard is always there to support the local community. The 861st Engineer Company work to remove debris from roads and travel-ways. The Military Police provide aid by re-routing traffic away from blocked roadways and assisting the local police. In 2019, many units including the Military Police and the Field Artillery were activated to help evacuate homes in Newport, RI when there was a gas outage in the middle of the winter. Most recently the RIARNG was activated to help with COVID-19 relief efforts as directed by the Governor. Troops set up vaccination and testing clinics throughout the state and were directly responsible for administering more than 336,000 vaccines to the residents of Rhode Island.
The Enlistment Process
Eligibility
- Be between the ages of 17 and 35 (exceptions can be made up to 40 years)
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Be at least a junior in high school, have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
- Achieve a minimum score on the ASVAB test
- Meet medical, physical and moral requirements
Aptitude
Non prior service recruits are required to take and pass a written examination called the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The results of this test are valid for two years and will be used to qualify you for different military occupations.
The test measures your knowledge in eight areas:
- General Science - Life, earth, space and physical sciences
- Arithmetic Reasoning - Ability to solve basic math and word problems
- Word Knowledge - Ability to grasp the meaning of words through synonyms
- Paragraph Comprehension - Ability to understand written material
- Mathematics - Math concepts and applications
- Electronics - Electrical current, circuits, devices and electronic systems
- Auto and Shop - Car maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop
- Mechanical - Principles of mechanical devices, structural support, properties of materials
Prior Service
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL SERVICES
- Age – Must qualify for non-regular retired pay by age 60.
- Physical – Must meet height/weight and current medical requirements.
- Education – Must meet education standards for the MOS or option for which you enlist.
- Background – Must have most current DD 214, NGB22 or discharge order and have an approved DD Form 368 Conditional Release.
Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS)
Once you meet all the enlistment requirements you and your recruiter will travel to MEPS. At MEPS you'll conduct an in depth medical screening, lock in your Basic Combat Training ship date, confirm your rank and your Guard pay, and take your Oath of Enlistment. After MEPS
SPLIT OPTION TRAINING:
If you enlist while you’re still a junior in high school (you must be 17 years old to enlist and have permission from a parent or guardian), finish that year and attend Basic Combat Training during the summer between your junior and senior years. After your senior year of high school you'll complete the remainder of your initial entry training. Speak with a recruiter for more information about this opportunity!
BEFORE YOU SHIP:
Until you ship, you’ll attend the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) one weekend a month. RSP is designed to prepare you for Basic Training, and is conducted in Rhode Island. You'll learn military rules, regulation and structure and begin physical fitness and classroom training.