The United States of America is divided into 50 states and each state has its National Guard. The National
Guard is primarily divided into two categories: the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. The role of the National Guard in United States is twofold; first, it is a national force that
serves the country at times of emergency or war, and second, it is a state force, under the control of the governor, ready
to assist citizens in times of domestic crisis or catastrophe.
Almost all of the positions within the National
Guard are part-time, as members are expected to serve just one weekend a month, and are trained for only two weeks in a year.
Hence, the members can enjoy both lives; as full time civilians, while getting the benefits of a military career, which has
excellent benefit packages, like the waiver of school and college tuition, enhancing career skills, and a regular salary.
In return, they have to be ready to serve the country when the need arises. The members of the National Guard serve the people
closest to them and society as a whole.
Primary Duties
The primary duty of the Air National Guard as
well as the Army National Guard is to help protect the people at times of crisis, and serve the country in emergencies. Natural calamities
like earthquakes, storms or floods, and communal disturbances such as riots, are some of the emergencies wherein the National
Guard is expected to come to the aid of the people.
The Air National Guard is responsible for the air defense
of the entire nation. It also serves as a backup force to the regular United States Air Force. A person who wants to enroll
for the Air National Guard must comply with some academic and non-academic constraints like being in the age group of 17 to
34, having a high school diploma or GED, being free of major law violations, being free of illegal drug use etc., to be eligible.
Aside from that, he or she must pass a physical test and clear the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
Test (ASVAB). Once this is done, a recruit can choose a specific career interest and reserve a position before the start of
the training program. In addition to paychecks and fee waivers at some schools in their state, the other benefits enjoyed
by members are life insurance at very low premium rates, and shopping benefits at military canteens and base exchanges, where they can buy electronic goods and other commodities at cheaper rates.
Career
Options
The state as well as the federal government is in command of the Army National Guard. The career options in the Army National Guard can be primarily classified into
three sections - combat, combat support and combat service support. Combat can be further classified into infantry, armor,
artillery, aviation and air defense, while combat support can be subdivided into engineering, chemical, military policing,
signaling, military intelligence and civil affairs, combat service support can be sub-grouped into finance, personnel, public
affairs, maintenance supply and transportation.
Enlisting in the National Guard is not only patriotic, but can
prove to be very useful for those pursuing higher education and seeking to enhance their career skills. While it provides
a regular paycheck and free education, it also opens the doors to other job opportunities that require experience and expertise.
A career as a Coast Guard officer in the U.S. demands a conscientious and dedicated approach to the duties
and responsibilities that accompany the job profile. There are a number of options open for people that want to pursue this
career path. The job not only gives you a chance to serve a humane purpose but also gives you the opportunity to stretch your physical and mental
capabilities beyond the ordinary.
The department was founded in 1790 as the United States Coast Guard or USCG,
as part of the Department of Treasury. Initially, the job involved countering smuggling off the U.S. coastline. However, today
the Coast Guard is responsible for the promotion of peace and rescue operations.
Basic Requirements
The
following are some of the requirements for becoming a Coast Guard officer:
-You should be a citizen of the U.S.
or a resident alien. -You should be between 17 to 27 years of age to qualify for active service. -You should be
a high school graduate. -You should have cleared the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test or ASVAB. -You should have
passed a military entrance exam.
Benefits Of Becoming A Coast Guard Officer
-Steady Income: You are
paid twice a month, depending on the specified pay grade at the time of recruitment. -Chances Of Promotion: Your work
is periodically appraised on the basis of performance, time served in a particular pay grade and service requirements. -Paid Vacation: You are eligible for paid leave, comprising of 30 days in a year. -Health Care: You are eligible for
complete medical and dental health care, absolutely free. -Life Insurance: You are covered under a $400,000 life insurance
plan.
Training
The training for a Coast Guard officer involves training at a boot camp at Cape May,
New Jersey. The training lasts for 8 weeks and is mentally and physically challenging. Water survival techniques are taught
hands on. The physical fitness regime adopted differs for the male and female recruits. Candidates are grouped to instill
teamwork and co-ordination from the very start. The ability to swim is not a prerequisite for the Coast Guard. The selected
candidates are given lessons in swimming and basic water rescue operations.
The Coast Guard Academy
The
academy is one of the five federal military service academies in the U.S. Candidates are not charged a tuition fee and the
academy offers various options to recruits. Some of them are:
-Civil Engineering. -Mechanical Engineering. -Naval Architecture. -Marine Engineering. -Operations Research and Computer
Analysis.
All the options within the job profile of a Coast Guard involve rigorous training and detailed, specific
education with regards to the department chosen.
How To Apply
Applications are accepted online, with
the deadline being March 1st of each year. All inquires can be made directly to:
The Director of Admissions U.S. Coast Guard Academy 15, Mohegan Avenue New London CT-06320 9807
Other Options
The
U.S. Coast Guard Reserves offers part-time recruitment also. It is the perfect way for those in college or already working to gain experience with the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard also welcomes the services of physicians,
dentists and pharmacists. The job involves rescue operations, aircraft missions, interception of illegal migrants and
port safety checks. The diversity of activity handled by the Coast Guard is attractive and a planned approach to becoming
a part of the United States Coast Guard is not difficult at all.
