Frequently Asked Questions

Enlisting

1. How do I Enlist? 
   Contact your local Wyoming Army National Guard recruiter.
2. How tall do I have to be to enlist?
   Males must be between 5ft and 6’8ft. Females must be between 4’10ft and 6’8ft. A waiver may be acquired for 2in for men and women
3. What if I am overweight?
   You do not need to be in great shape to join or be in the Army. The standards are set that it doesn't take a great athlete to meet them. Before you leave for basic training, you will need to be able to do around 15 push-ups and a handful of situps. You do not have to run but, you will get plenty of running in while you're at basic training. If you go to basic training and you put forth the effort, there is no chance that you will not be able to meet the minimum standards to pass. The real issue is only your body weight. If you are overweight by a gross amount then, you will need to shed some weight to join.To enlist in the Army Guard, you must be under a certain body fat percentage. Males 17 to 20 years old must be at 24% body fat or under. Females 17 to 20 years old must be at 30% body fat or under. The body fat percentages go up slightly with age.
   
   If you would like to test yourself to see if you are in basic training shape, try this little test.
   
   Males: 13 pushups in 1 minute
   17 sit-ups in 1 minute
   Run 1 mile in 8:30 minutes
   
   Females: 3 pushups in 1 minute
   17 sit-ups in 1 minute
   Run 1 mile in 10:30 minutes
   
   
4. How old do I have to be to join?
   18 or at least 17 with parental consent [or show an official emancipation document] and not older than 35.
5. What is the ASVAB?
   The Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery is a series of tests developed by the Department of Defense. The series of test consists of 8 sections to judge your knowledge in various areas to find out which military occupation will best fit you.
6. What is MEPS?
   Joining the military requires two (or more) trips to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). At a very minimum, you make a trip to MEPS for initial processing, then a second trip to MEPS for final processing on the day you ship out to basic training.
7. Basic Combat Training
Don't let the name fool you. Basic Combat Training (BCT) is anything but basic. It's nine weeks of hard-core mental and physical drills that change you forever and prepare you for your new job: Citizen-Soldier, protector of a nation.
Basic Training is a physical challenge for even the most highly athletic people. Doing PT (physical training) on your own before and during this period—especially push-ups, sit-ups and running—will help greatly and can prevent many injuries.
Another important tip: Listen to your drill sergeant from day one. Never let your attention wander. Everything they do and say is for a reason.

Phases of BCT

• Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) Also known as pre-boot camp. Prepares you mentally, physically and administratively for the rest of BCT, and for the work of a Warrior.
• Reception This is your first taste of service. It's hectic and confusing. You'll love it. Any administrative or paperwork problems are resolved here.
• Red Phase (Weeks 1 - 3) Fast-paced. Extremely challenging. You'll grow physically strong, and learn discipline, honor and integrity. Drills include the Obstacle Course, Victory Tower and Bayonet Course.
• White Phase (Weeks 4 - 6) You're a Soldier now. No longer a recruit. Emphasis on personal courage. You'll learn to live the Army values. Drills include Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM) and Grenades.
• Blue Phase (Weeks 7 - 9) Your Soldier responses are second nature now. You think like a warrior. Your Final Field Training Exercises (FTX) include Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and Convoy Live Fire.
• The Warrior This phase determines whether you're ready to graduate from BCT. You'll be tested for physical fitness, mastery of drills and understanding of the seven Army values.

8. Questions to ask your recruiter:
   
   1. Which special enlistment programs or bonuses do I qualify for?
   2. Do you have any films or literature about military life and particular jobs?
   3. What jobs are available to me according to my ASVAB score?
   4. How much will I be making while in training?
   5. How much will I make during my weekend drills?
   6. What are the steps I must make to enlist?
9. How can I join with more rank?
   There are many ways to enter the Army Guard with a higher pay grade. Things like enlisting with your buddies, having college credits, eagle scout, ROTC, and more. Ask your recruiter about other options.
10. Will I lose my job if I join the Guard?
    Generally, membership in the Guard has a positive influence on civilian jobs. Many employers seek after the skills and leadership that you acquire. Some soldiers find that their civilian and military jobs compliment each other while others seek to add diversity to their lives and skills by serving in a capacity that is quite different than their civilian occupation. Regardless, your membership within the Guard should not negatively impact your civilian employment. There are Federal Laws that prevent employers from discriminating against an employee due to his or her membership in the National Guard. In addition, if you are called to active service, your employer is required by law to allow you to return to the same job you had when you left. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization has a web site located at www.esgr.org that can provide additional information.
11. Why choose the Wyoming Army National Guard over other military branches?
    The National Guard offers you virtually the same benefits as other services and active duty/reserve components. The difference that makes the Guard stand out is the time commitment. As a member of the Wyoming Army National Guard, you serve one weekend a month, two weeks a year. Also, your service occurs in the State of Wyoming, where you live, work and spend time with your family when you are not in uniform.
12. What if I am still in high school?
    High school students can enlist and undergo Basic Combat Training (BCT) and drill periods prior to graduating, but can’t begin AIT (Advanced Individual Training) or be deployed until after they graduate. This is a great way to get ahead and prepare your college and military career! You can start your training as early as your junior year in High School. That's means you will be receiving a monthly paycheck and invaluable skills while you're completing your diploma! Click here to find out more about this opportunity in the Wyoming Army National Guard.
13. What if I am in college?
    You've heard it time and again: There's nothing more important than going to college. The National Guard agrees. Your education is high on our priority list. That's why we created College First. A progressive, comprehensive enlistment option just for college students, College First lets you attend a four-year degree program full time, with a guarantee of no deployment for the four years of college. The program also includes many financial benefits that could potentially pay for your entire education.
14. What about my family?
    The Wyoming Army National Guard knows family is a critical element to every Soldiers success. The Guard has many programs in place to provide information, resources, and services to your family members. To learn more about family resources the Wyoming Army National Guard offers, click here.