Reasons to Join the Army National Guard: 7 Things to Consider

Last updated on June 21st, 2026 at 10:21 pm

In today’s post, I want to share 7 reasons to join the Army National Guard, based on my own experience as a former Citizen‑Soldier. Before we get started, let me be clear: I’m not a recruiter, and I’m not in the military anymore. I’m a civilian now. My only goal is to give you an honest, firsthand look at why I believe the Guard is a great option for many people.

I spent six years in the Maryland Army National Guard after serving on Active Duty and spending a year in the IRR. I joined as a Logistics Officer, started out as a Company XO, deployed to Kosovo, and worked with some of the best people I’ve ever met. When my commitment ended, I resigned my commission for personal reasons — but I’ve never regretted my time in uniform.

Even now, years later, I still look back on my service with pride. If you’re considering joining the Guard, I hope these insights help you understand the real reasons to join the Army National Guard and decide whether it’s the right path for you.

7 Reasons to Join the Army National Guard

Let’s get started with my top 7 reasons to join the Army National Guard.

1. Purpose, Direction, & Discipline

One of the biggest reasons to join the Army National Guard is the sense of purpose, direction, and discipline it gives you. Before I joined the military, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I lacked structure and confidence. The military helped me find both.

The military teaches life skills you’ll use forever — responsibility, punctuality, teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Even if you don’t stay in long‑term, you walk away with a stronger sense of who you are and what you’re capable of. And unlike Active Duty, you don’t have to serve full‑time. You can build a civilian career while still serving your state and country.

If you want to explore this more, check out:

• Army National Guard official site: https://www.nationalguard.com

2. Learn New Skills

Another major reason to join the Army National Guard is the opportunity to learn new skills. The Guard taught me leadership, time management, conflict resolution, public speaking, and job‑specific technical skills. These skills make you more competitive in the civilian job market and help you grow personally and professionally.

One thing I loved about the Guard was the diversity of its people. You’ll meet Soldiers from every background — doctors, teachers, mechanics, entrepreneurs, and college students. You learn from each other, and those experiences broaden your perspective.

Whether you want to start a new career or strengthen your current one, the Guard gives you tools you can use for the rest of your life.

You can pick a MOS or officer branch that is completely different from your civilian job, or you can pick something similar.

3. Serve Your State & Country

If you’re looking for meaningful reasons to join the Army National Guard, serving your state and country should be near the top of the list. Less than 1% of Americans serve in the military today. Wearing the uniform connects you to a long tradition of service and sacrifice.

The Guard is unique because you serve both your state and the nation. When natural disasters strike — hurricanes, floods, wildfires, riots, snowstorms — the Guard is often the first military force on the ground. You get to make a real difference in your own community.

For more on the Guard’s state missions, visit:

• National Guard Bureau: https://www.nationalguard.mil

4. Get an Education or Degree (Without Debt)

Education benefits are one of the most practical reasons to join the Army National Guard. College is expensive, and many students graduate with massive debt. The Guard offers tuition assistance, scholarships, and the GI Bill — often allowing you to attend school for free.

When I served, I told every Soldier the same thing: There is no reason to leave the Guard without a degree if you want one.

You can attend school part‑time or full‑time, in person or online. The Guard gives you flexibility and financial support that most people simply don’t have.

Learn more about education benefits here:

• GI Bill info: https://www.va.gov/education
• Tuition assistance: https://www.nationalguard.com/education

5. Travel

Travel is another fun reason to join the Army National Guard. During my six years, I traveled to Germany, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Hungary, and Macedonia — places I never would have visited on my own. These experiences were unforgettable.

Beyond deployments, the Guard offers opportunities to attend military schools in different states, serve on ADOS orders, and participate in overseas training missions. You can even take advantage of discounted or free military flights.

If you enjoy adventure, the Guard opens doors you didn’t even know existed.

6. Time‑Honored Tradition

The National Guard has a proud history that predates the founding of the United States. Citizen‑Soldiers have served in every American conflict with honor and distinction. Joining the Guard connects you to a tradition of service that spans centuries.

Most people want to belong to something bigger than themselves. The Guard gives you that opportunity. You become part of a legacy built on courage, sacrifice, and community service — one of the most meaningful reasons to join the Army National Guard.

7. Extra Income & Retirement

If you’re looking for practical reasons to join the Army National Guard, the extra income and retirement benefits are hard to beat. Most Soldiers receive four days of pay for a typical two‑day drill weekend. You also have opportunities for ADOS orders, deployments, and military schools.

For nearly two years, I was a “Guard Bum,” bouncing between schools and ADOS missions. It was fun, challenging, and financially rewarding.

And let’s not forget the pension. After 20 years of service, you earn a retirement — even as a part‑timer. You typically can’t draw it until age 60, but it’s still an incredible benefit. Very few part‑time jobs offer anything close.

Bonus Reason: The People

I didn’t mention this earlier, but it deserves its own section: the people. The Soldiers I met in the Guard were patriotic, hardworking Americans who loved their country and wanted to serve. I don’t miss the meetings or the bureaucracy — but I absolutely miss the people.

The friendships you build in the Guard are unlike anything else.

Final Thoughts

In summary, these are my top reasons to join the Army National Guard. If you’re thinking about becoming a Citizen‑Soldier, talk to people who are currently serving — not just recruiters. Ask questions. Learn from their experiences. Then sit down with a recruiter to explore your options.

Military service is a good thing. If you want to serve without giving up your civilian career, the Army National Guard is a fantastic option. It truly is the best of both worlds.

If you want to learn more, visit:

• National Guard Careers: https://www.nationalguard.com
• Military OneSource: https://www.militaryonesource.mil

What do you think? What are your reasons to join the Army National Guard? Share your thoughts below — I’d love to hear your story.

Suggested Articles:

1. 24 Facts About Army National Guard Special Forces
2. Understanding The Civilian Employer And The National Guard Duty Relationship
3. Air National Guard Loadmaster: Duties, Responsibilities and Job Description
4. Air National Guard vs. Army National Guard: What they Have in Common and How They Are Different
5. My Top Military Career Tips