Both National Guards serve both state and federal missions, is a reserve component of the respective military branch, and provides support during emergencies and deployments. Members serve part-time and can be activated for duty as needed.
Army National Guard (ARNG) specializes in ground operations.
Air (Force) National Guard (ANG) specializes in air and space operations.
Army National Guard: Enlistment typically involves a commitment of 3 to 6 years of active service, followed by time in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) to complete an 8-year total service obligation. Source
Air National Guard: The initial Military Service Obligation (MSO) is 6 years of active service, followed by 2 years in the IRR, totaling 8 years. Subsequent enlistments can range from 2 to 6 years. Source
Typically, members serve one weekend per month and two weeks annually.
However, time commitments can vary based on specific roles and deployments. Source
Both branches offer similar benefits but differ in mission focus and job roles. The Army National Guard focuses on ground operations, while the Air National Guard specializes in air and space operations. For more information, visit the official websites of the
Deployments can be voluntary or mandatory, depending on the mission and unit needs. Members may be called to serve both domestically and internationally. The duration of a mandatory deployment can vary, but the average length is approximately nine months. Source
Some challenges include:
- Potential for extended deployments
- Balancing civilian life with military commitments
- Physical and mental demands of service
Members are eligible for various benefits, including:
- Career: Career / training options. link
- Commissary Access: Discounted shopping at military commissaries. link
- Education Benefits: Access to the Montgomery GI Bill and Tuition Assistance programs. link
- Healthcare: Coverage through TRICARE. link
- Life Insurance: Options through Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI). link
- Military Pay: Pay scale based on rank. link
- VA Home Loans: Assistance in purchasing homes with favorable terms. link1 link2
You can receive lifetime military medical insurance only if you retire from the Guard with 20 qualifying years of service.
How it works (simple):
- 20 "good years" — A "good year" = 50 retirement points. Earn 20 of these and you become eligible for Guard/Reserve retirement (you'll get a 20-Year Letter).
- Before age 60: You can buy TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) if you want coverage; this requires paying a monthly premium.
- At age 60: Your Guard retirement pay begins and you qualify for standard retiree TRICARE (Prime or Select). This is the point you effectively gain lifetime military medical coverage.
How part-time Guardsmen earn a "good year" (50 retirement points):
- 15 points automatically every year just for being a member (credit for membership).
- Drill weekends: Each drill weekend = 4 drill periods → 1 point per period = 4 points. With about 12 drill weekends per year, that’s ≈48 points.
- Typical total: 15 (membership) + 48 (drill) = 63 points, which exceeds the 50 points needed for a "good year."
- Extra point sources (if needed): annual training (AT), schools, correspondence courses, or federal/state active duty can add points.
When you do NOT get lifetime coverage: if you leave before earning 20 qualifying years, stop drilling, or don't receive the official retirement eligibility — you won't have lifetime TRICARE.
One-sentence summary: Complete 20 qualifying years and retire from the Guard → at age 60 you get lifetime military medical coverage.
New Jersey offers:
- 100% free tuition at public colleges and universities for Guard members
- Free hunting and fishing licenses
- Free admission to state parks
- Education
For more information, visit the New Jersey National Guard website: Source
Members must meet Preventive Health Assessment (PHA) and physical qualifications, including current immunizations, to be eligible for Active Guard Reserve (AGR) tours. If you have already received required immunizations, you may not need to receive them again, but this can vary based on specific circumstances and unit requirements. It's advisable to consult with your unit's medical personnel for guidance. Source
Army National Guard – Initial Enlistment (Mandatory Vaccines)
Name Full Name Purpose MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella Prevents highly contagious viral diseases that spread easily in training environments Tdap Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis Protects against tetanus from wounds, diphtheria airway infection, and whooping cough Hep A Hepatitis A Prevents liver infection transmitted through contaminated food or water Hep B Hepatitis B Prevents chronic blood-borne liver disease Polio (IPV) Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine Prevents poliomyelitis, a potentially disabling disease Varicella Varicella-Zoster (Chickenpox) Required if no prior infection or immunity is documented Meningococcal (ACWY) Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine Prevents meningitis and bloodstream infections common in close living quarters Note: Vaccines may be waived if official medical records or blood titers confirm immunity.
Here is the break down of the 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training (BCT), including the Red, White, and Blue phases, so you know what to expect.. link
A detailed PDF guide offering information about basic training expectations, what to know before you go, and what happens after BCT.. link
For more information or to speak with a recruiter:
For more information or to speak with a recruiter:
This table maps selected Army MOS codes to civilian careers. The Law Enforcement Officer career is a common path for all roles based on military training, discipline, and operational experience. Salaries are approximate 2024–2025 averages.
Intelligence clips
US Navy Intelligence YT: 2:42-4:39
Code (MOS) Army Job Civilian Equivalent Civilian Salary
(National Avg)Civilian Salary
(Northeast Avg)Veterans Hiring Preference Law Enforcement Track
(Local / State / Federal)35M Human Intelligence Collector Intelligence Collector, Field Interviewer, Security Analyst $85,000 $100,000 Strong Federal/State Intelligence, Local Security Operations 35G Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Analyst Geospatial Analyst,
GIS Specialist,
Mapping Analyst,
Remote Sensing Analyst$85,000 $100,000 Strong State Crime Analysis Units
Federal (DHS, NGA support)35F Intelligence Analyst Intelligence Analyst,
Data Analyst,
Threat Analyst,
Research Analyst$80,000 $95,000 Strong
(AI notes)Local Detectives,
State Fusion Centers,
Federal (FBI, DHS, ICE),15W Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (Drone Pilot) UAS / Drone Pilot,
Aerial Survey Technician,
Remote Sensor Operator$75,000 $90,000 Strong Local / State UAS Units,
Federal Border & Surveillance Agencies15T UH-60 Black Hawk Repairer Aviation Maintenance Technician,
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P),
Helicopter Maintenance Specialist$70,000 $85,000 Moderate–Strong State Police Aviation Units,
Federal Air Operations19K M1 Armor Crewman (Tank Crew) Heavy Equipment Operator,
Industrial Equipment Technician,
Security Operations Specialist$65,000 $80,000 Strong Local / State Police,
Federal Tactical & Protective Units19D Cavalry Scout Security Specialist,
Surveillance Specialist,
Private Investigator$65,000 $78,000 Strong Local Patrol,
State Police, Highway / Tactical Units11B Infantryman Security Manager,
Emergency Response Specialist,
Tactical Instructor$60,000 $75,000 Very Strong Local Patrol, SWAT,
State Police,
Federal Protective Service12B Combat Engineer Construction Supervisor, Demolition Specialist, Safety Inspector, Emergency Management Technician $62,000 $75,000 Strong Local/State Police Bomb Squad, Federal Emergency Response 12P Prime Power Production Specialist Power Plant Operator, Electrical Technician, Energy Systems Specialist $70,000 $85,000 Moderate–Strong Federal Infrastructure Security, State Utility Emergency Response 12Q Power Line Distribution Specialist Lineworker, Utility Technician, Electrical Distribution Specialist $68,000 $82,000 Moderate State Utility Police, Federal Infrastructure Protection 12R Interior Electrician Electrician, Building Maintenance Supervisor, Electrical Inspector $65,000 $80,000 Moderate State/Local Building Code Enforcement, Federal Facilities 12T Technical Engineer Civil Engineering Technician, Surveyor, Construction Project Manager $72,000 $88,000 Strong Federal/State Forensic Engineering, Disaster Response 12W Carpentry and Masonry Specialist Carpenter, Mason, Construction Foreman, Building Inspector $60,000 $75,000 Moderate State/Local Code Enforcement, Federal Facilities 12Y Geospatial Engineer GIS Analyst, Cartographer, Survey Technician $70,000 $85,000 Strong Federal/State Crime Mapping, Disaster Response 13B Cannon Crewmember Heavy Equipment Operator, Emergency Response Technician $60,000 $75,000 Moderate Local/State Emergency Services, Federal Protective Units 13F Fire Support Specialist Communications Specialist, Emergency Dispatcher $62,000 $77,000 Strong State/Federal Emergency Operations, Local Dispatch 13J Fire Control Specialist Control Room Operator, Emergency Management Specialist $65,000 $80,000 Moderate State/Federal Emergency Management, Local Operations 13M Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember Heavy Equipment Operator, Emergency Response Specialist $62,000 $77,000 Moderate Federal/State Emergency Response, Local Protective Services 13R Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator Radar Technician, Surveillance Specialist $68,000 $82,000 Strong Federal/State Surveillance, Local Emergency Services 13T Field Artillery Surveyor/Meteorological Crewmember Survey Technician, Meteorological Analyst $65,000 $80,000 Moderate Federal/State Disaster Response, Local Emergency Services 15B Aircraft Powerplant Repairer Aviation Maintenance Technician, Aircraft Mechanic $72,000 $88,000 Strong State/Federal Aviation Units, Local Emergency Response 15C MQ-1 Operator/Repairer Drone Operator, Remote Sensor Technician $75,000 $90,000 Strong Federal/State UAS Units, Local Surveillance 15D Aircraft Powertrain Repairer Aviation Maintenance Technician, Aircraft Mechanic $72,000 $88,000 Strong State/Federal Aviation Units, Local Emergency Response 15E Unmanned Aircraft Systems Repairer Drone Technician, Remote Sensor Operator $75,000 $90,000 Strong Federal/State UAS Units, Local Surveillance 15F Aircraft Electrician Aviation Electrician, Electrical Technician $70,000 $85,000 Strong State/Federal Aviation Units, Local Emergency Response 15G Aircraft Structural Repairer Aerospace Structural Technician, Sheet Metal Mechanic, Aircraft Maintenance Specialist $68,000 $82,000 Strong State/Federal Aviation Units, Local Emergency Response 15H Aircraft Pneudraulics Repairer Hydraulics Technician, Pneumatics Specialist, Aircraft Maintenance Technician $70,000 $85,000 Strong State/Federal Aviation Units, Local Emergency Response 15K Aircraft Components Repair Supervisor Maintenance Supervisor, Aircraft Systems Technician, Quality Control Inspector $75,000 $90,000 Strong State/Federal Aviation Units, Local Emergency Response 15N Avionic Mechanic Avionics Technician, Electronics Specialist, Aircraft Systems Installer $72,000 $88,000 Strong State/Federal Aviation Units, Local Emergency Response 15Q Air Traffic Control Operator Air Traffic Controller, Airport Operations Specialist, Flight Dispatcher $80,000 $95,000 Very Strong FAA, State/Local Airports, Federal Aviation Operations 15R Attack Helicopter Repairer Helicopter Mechanic, Aviation Maintenance Technician, Armament Systems Specialist $70,000 $85,000 Strong State/Federal Aviation Units, Local Emergency Response 15T UH-60 Black Hawk Repairer Aviation Maintenance Technician, Aircraft Mechanic (A&P), Helicopter Maintenance Specialist $70,000 $85,000 Moderate–Strong State Police Aviation Units, Federal Air Operations 15U CH-47 Helicopter Repairer Helicopter Mechanic, Aviation Maintenance Technician, Heavy Lift Specialist $70,000 $85,000 Strong State/Federal Aviation Units, Local Emergency Response 15V Observation/Scout Helicopter Repairer Helicopter Mechanic, Aviation Maintenance Technician, Reconnaissance Systems Specialist $70,000 $85,000 Strong State/Federal Aviation Units, Local Emergency Response 15Y AH-64D Armament/Electrical/Avionics Systems Repairer Avionics Technician, Armament Systems Specialist, Electrical Systems Technician $72,000 $88,000 Strong State/Federal Aviation Units, Local Emergency Response 17C Cyber Operations Specialist Cybersecurity Analyst, Network Security Specialist, Information Security Consultant $95,000 $110,000 Very Strong Federal/State Cybersecurity, Local Digital Forensics 25B Information Technology Specialist IT Specialist, Network Administrator, Systems Analyst $80,000 $95,000 Strong Federal/State IT Security, Local Government IT 25C Radio Operator-Maintainer Radio Technician, Communications Specialist, Field Service Technician $65,000 $80,000 Moderate State/Federal Emergency Communications, Local Dispatch 25U Signal Support Systems Specialist Communications Technician, Network Support Specialist, Field Service Engineer $70,000 $85,000 Strong Federal/State Emergency Communications, Local IT Support 27D Paralegal Specialist Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Compliance Specialist $60,000 $75,000 Moderate Federal/State Legal Services, Local Government 31B Military Police Security Officer, Corrections Officer, Emergency Management Specialist $62,000 $77,000 Very Strong Local/State Police, Federal Law Enforcement 31D Criminal Investigations Special Agent Detective, Criminal Investigator, Fraud Examiner $75,000 $90,000 Very Strong Federal/State Criminal Investigations, Local Detective Units 35L Counterintelligence Agent Counterintelligence Analyst, Security Consultant, Intelligence Officer $90,000 $105,000 Very Strong Federal/State Intelligence, Local Security Operations 36B Financial Management Technician Accountant, Financial Analyst, Budget Specialist $70,000 $85,000 Moderate Federal/State Finance, Local Government Budgeting 42A Human Resources Specialist HR Specialist, Personnel Coordinator, Benefits Administrator $65,000 $80,000 Moderate Federal/State HR, Local Government Personnel 42R Musician Musician, Band Director, Music Instructor $55,000 $70,000 Moderate Federal/State Bands, Local Music Programs 56M Religious Affairs Specialist Chaplain Assistant, Religious Program Specialist, Community Services Coordinator $60,000 $75,000 Moderate Federal/State Chaplaincy, Local Community Services 68W Combat Medic Specialist EMT, Paramedic, Emergency Medical Technician $60,000 $75,000 Strong Federal/State EMS, Local Emergency Services 68X Behavioral Health Specialist Mental Health Technician, Behavioral Health Assistant, Crisis Intervention Specialist $58,000 $72,000 Moderate Federal/State Health Services, Local Crisis Response 74D Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist Hazmat Technician, Environmental Health Specialist, Emergency Management Specialist $65,000 $80,000 Strong Federal/State Hazmat Response, Local Emergency Services 88M Motor Transport Operator Truck Driver, Transportation Specialist, Logistics Coordinator $55,000 $70,000 Moderate Federal/State Transportation, Local Logistics 89B Ammunition Specialist Explosives Handler, Munitions Technician, Safety Inspector $60,000 $75,000 Moderate Federal/State Bomb Squad, Local Emergency Response 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic Automotive Technician, Fleet Mechanic, Maintenance Supervisor $60,000 $75,000 Strong Federal/State Fleet Maintenance, Local Public Works 92G Food Service Specialist Food Service Manager, Chef, Institutional Cook $50,000 $65,000 Moderate Federal/State Food Services, Local Institutional Kitchens 92Y Unit Supply Specialist Logistics Specialist, Inventory Manager, Supply Chain Coordinator $60,000 $75,000 Moderate Federal/State Logistics, Local Supply Chain 92M Mortuary Affairs Specialist Funeral Director, Mortician, Forensic Technician $55,000 $68,000 Moderate Federal/State Forensic Services, Local Medical Examiner 92R Parachute Rigger Rigger, Safety Inspector, Logistics Technician $58,000 $72,000 Moderate Federal/State Emergency Response, Local Logistics 92S Shower/Laundry and Clothing Repair Specialist Laundry Supervisor, Textile Repair Technician, Facility Manager $48,000 $60,000 Moderate Federal/State Facility Services, Local Institutional Support 92W Water Treatment Specialist Water Treatment Operator, Environmental Technician, Utility Supervisor $60,000 $75,000 Moderate Federal/State Environmental Services, Local Utilities 94A Land Combat Electronic Missile System Repairer Electronics Technician, Missile Systems Specialist, Field Service Engineer $70,000 $85,000 Strong Federal/State Defense Contractors, Local Security Services 94D Air Traffic Control Equipment Repairer Electronics Technician, Air Traffic Control Systems Specialist $75,000 $90,000 Strong FAA, State/Local Airports, Federal Aviation Operations 94F Computer Detection Systems Repairer Computer Technician, Security Systems Specialist, Electronics Repair Technician $68,000 $82,000 Strong Federal/State Security Services, Local IT Support 94H Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment Support Specialist Calibration Technician, Electronics Tester, Quality Assurance Specialist $65,000 $80,000 Strong Federal/State Quality Control, Local Technical Services 94M Radar Repairer Radar Technician, Electronics Repair Specialist, Field Service Technician $70,000 $85,000 Strong Federal/State Surveillance, Local Emergency Services 94W Electronic Maintenance Chief Electronics Supervisor, Maintenance Manager, Technical Operations Chief $80,000 $95,000 Strong Federal/State Technical Operations, Local IT/Communications 96B Intelligence Analyst (Legacy) Intelligence Analyst, Data Analyst, Threat Analyst $80,000 $95,000 Strong Local Detectives, State Fusion Centers, Federal (FBI, DHS, ICE) 98C Signals Intelligence Analyst (Legacy) Signals Intelligence Analyst, Cryptologic Technician, Communications Analyst $85,000 $100,000 Strong Federal/State Intelligence, Local Security Operations Notes:
• Northeast salaries (NY, NJ, PA, MA) are higher due to union contracts, overtime, cost of living, and pension benefits.
• Most law enforcement agencies grant veterans preference points, age waivers, and academy credit for military service.
• Federal agencies heavily favor MOSs with intelligence, aviation, or reconnaissance backgrounds.
Acronym Meaning Category 1LT First Lieutenant O-2 Military Ranks 1SG First Sergeant E-8 Military Ranks 2LT Second Lieutenant O-1 Military Ranks AC Active Component Air National Guard General AC Active Component General ACCESS Army Credentialing and Continuing Education Services for Soldiers General ADT Active Duty for Training Air National Guard Training & Pay ADT Active Duty for Training Training & Pay AFR Air Force Reserve Air National Guard General AFRC Air Force Reserve Command Air National Guard General AGR Active Guard Reserve Air National Guard General AGR Active Guard Reserve General ANG Air National Guard Air National Guard General ARCG Army Reserve Careers Group General AT Annual Training Air National Guard Training & Pay AT Annual Training Training & Pay BA Battle Assembly (monthly weekend drill) Air National Guard Training & Pay BA Battle Assembly (monthly weekend drill) Training & Pay BCT Basic Combat Training Training & Pay BGEN Brigadier General O-7 (1 star) Military Ranks BRS Blended Retirement System Benefits / Admin / Pay CAC Common Access Card Benefits / Admin / Pay COL Colonel O-6 Military Ranks CONUS Continental United States Mobilization / Travel COOL Credentialing Opportunities Online General CPL Corporal E-4 Military Ranks CPT Captain O-3 Military Ranks CSM Command Sergeant Major E-9 Military Ranks DEERS Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System Benefits / Admin / Pay DEMOB Demobilization Mobilization / Travel GEN General O-10 (4 stars) Military Ranks IDT Inactive Duty Training Air National Guard Training & Pay IDT Inactive Duty Training Training & Pay IMA Individual Mobilization Augmentee Air National Guard General IMA Individual Mobilization Augmentee General IRR Individual Ready Reserve Air National Guard General IRR Individual Ready Reserve General LES Leave and Earnings Statement Benefits / Admin / Pay LTC Lieutenant Colonel O-5 Military Ranks LTG Lieutenant General O-9 (3 stars) Military Ranks MAJ Major O-4 Military Ranks MGEN Major General O-8 (2 stars) Military Ranks MOB Mobilization Mobilization / Travel MSG Master Sergeant E-8 Military Ranks MSO Military Service Obligation General, Air National Guard MUTA Multiple Unit Training Assembly (e.g., MUTA-4) Air National Guard Training & Pay MUTA Multiple Unit Training Assembly (e.g., MUTA-4) Training & Pay OCONUS Outside Continental United States Mobilization / Travel PFC Private First Class E-3 Military Ranks PHA Preventive Health Assessment General PV2 Private E-2 Military Ranks RC Reserve Component Air National Guard General RC Reserve Component General RMA Readiness Management Assembly Air National Guard Training & Pay RMA Readiness Management Assembly Training & Pay SELRES Selected Reserve Air National Guard General SELRES Selected Reserve General SFC Sergeant First Class E-7 Military Ranks SGLI Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Benefits / Admin / Pay SGM Sergeant Major E-9 Military Ranks SGT Sergeant E-5 Military Ranks SMA Sergeant Major of the Army E-9S (special) Military Ranks SOCOM GEN Special Operations Command General (5 stars, wartime only) Military Ranks SPC Specialist E-4 Military Ranks SSG Staff Sergeant E-6 Military Ranks TDY Temporary Duty Mobilization / Travel TPU Troop Program Unit Air National Guard General TPU Troop Program Unit General TRS TRICARE Reserve Select Benefits / Admin / Pay TSP Thrift Savings Plan Benefits / Admin / Pay USAR United States Army Reserve General USARC U.S. Army Reserve Command Other Army Abbreviations USAREUR U.S. Army Europe Other Army Abbreviations USARNORTH U.S. Army North Other Army Abbreviations USARPAC U.S. Army Pacific Other Army Abbreviations UTA Unit Training Assembly Air National Guard Training & Pay UTA Unit Training Assembly Training & Pay
Acronym Meaning
Benefits / Admin / PayBRS Blended Retirement System CAC Common Access Card DEERS Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System LES Leave and Earnings Statement SGLI Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance TRS TRICARE Reserve Select TSP Thrift Savings Plan
GeneralAC Active Component ACCESS Army Credentialing and Continuing Education Services for Soldiers AGR Active Guard Reserve ARCG Army Reserve Careers Group COOL Credentialing Opportunities Online IMA Individual Mobilization Augmentee IRR Individual Ready Reserve PHA Preventive Health Assessment RC Reserve Component SELRES Selected Reserve TPU Troop Program Unit USAR United States Army Reserve
General, Air National GuardAC Active Component AFR Air Force Reserve AFRC Air Force Reserve Command AGR Active Guard Reserve ANG Air National Guard IMA Individual Mobilization Augmentee IRR Individual Ready Reserve MSO Military Service Obligation RC Reserve Component SELRES Selected Reserve TPU Troop Program Unit
Mobilization / TravelCONUS Continental United States DEMOB Demobilization MOB Mobilization OCONUS Outside Continental United States TDY Temporary Duty
OtherUSARC U.S. Army Reserve Command USAREUR U.S. Army Europe USARNORTH U.S. Army North USARPAC U.S. Army Pacific
RanksPV2 Private E-2 PFC Private First Class E-3 SPC Specialist E-4 CPL Corporal E-4 SGT Sergeant E-5 SSG Staff Sergeant E-6 SFC Sergeant First Class E-7 MSG Master Sergeant E-8 1SG First Sergeant E-8 SGM Sergeant Major E-9 CSM Command Sergeant Major E-9 SMA Sergeant Major of the Army E-9S (special) Military Ranks 2LT Second Lieutenant O-1 1LT First Lieutenant O-2 CPT Captain O-3 MAJ Major O-4 LTC Lieutenant Colonel O-5 Military Ranks COL Colonel O-6 Military Ranks BGEN Brigadier General O-7 (1 star) Military Ranks MGEN Major General O-8 (2 stars) Military Ranks LTG Lieutenant General O-9 (3 stars) Military Ranks GEN General O-10 (4 stars) Military Ranks SOCOM GEN Special Operations Command General (5 stars, wartime only) Military Ranks
Training and PayADT Active Duty for Training AT Annual Training BA Battle Assembly (monthly weekend drill) BCT Basic Combat Training IDT Inactive Duty Training MUTA Multiple Unit Training Assembly (e.g., MUTA-4) RMA Readiness Management Assembly UTA Unit Training Assembly