How to Become an Officer in the National Guard

Working for the National Guard is a way to serve your country while acquiring transferable skills you can use for the rest of your life. Officers serve in one of 11 combat branches; as medical, law or chaplaincy officers; or as commissioned specialists who train others in a certain subject of expertise. You can become a National Guard officer with soldier experience or educational qualifications, as well as some military leadership training.

• 1

  Earn a college degree or spend some time in the military as a soldier to qualify for officer training.

• 2

  Enroll in one of the Basic Officer Leadership Courses (BOLC). Choose between the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, Officer Candidate School, Warrant Officer Candidate School and the U.S. Military Academy. If you have been serving in the military, you can skip this phase by being directly commissioned by an officer.

• 3

  Complete your Leadership and Branch Training, the second phase of BOLC. This course will give you specific experience and "in-the-field" training to be a leader in your chosen department.

• 4

  Ask your commanding officers about job placement opportunities in your branch or field of interest.

• 5

  Apply for the most attractive placements.