You must meet certain enlistment criteria to qualify for membership in the Air National Guard. These criteria ensure that those who join have the right mental, physical, and moral aptitudes to perform the tasks required for military service. General requirements include:
- AGE. Must be between the age of 17 and 42. Consent from a parent or legal guardian is required if 17.
- CITIZENSHIP. Must be a United States citizen or naturalize citizen.
- EDUCATION. High school seniors or those with a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma (GED) are eligible.
- MENTAL APTITUDE. Must achieve a minimum score of 31 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. Must also qualify in a specific area of the ASVAB depending on occupational choice.
- PHYSICAL CONDITION. Must be able to pass an initial military entrance physical exam, be in good health and meet minimum height and weight standards. Certain illnesses, past injuries or diseases may disqualify an individual for enlistment.
- MORAL CHARACTER. Must meet standards which cover arrests, convictions and drug usage.
- TERM OF ENLISTMENT. An enlistment contract is for a total of eight (8) years. As few as four ( 4) years can be served in a drill status, with the remainder served in an inactive status. NOTE: You must enlist for six (6) years to receive educational or incentive benefits.