Membership

GREAT PART TIME JOB

The Air National Guard is all about service. Be it your local community, your state, nation or our global community, you will be part of an organization that serves. Today, ensuring the security of America's skies is a mission the Air National Guard shares equally with the active Air Force. Though most Air National Guard members serve just two days a month and 15 days a year, the readiness and performance of each member is a crucial part of our national defense, and an example of citizen service at its finest.

The 114th Fighter Wing has assisted the state and local communities during critical times and disasters such as floods, tornadoes, and drug interdiction. The 114th Fighter Wing's dual federal-state mission enables highly skilled and trained members to use their training, equipment and facilities to perform two vital roles: one of national defense, the other of assistance to the state of South Dakota.

After basic military training and technical training you will fulfill your mission as a citizen airman here at home - because the Air National Guard is part time. You serve as little as one weekend a month, also called "Guard Drill", at Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and two weeks of annual training each year.

QUALIFICATIONS

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 35. Consent from a parent or legal guardian is required if 17.

CITIZENSHIP: Must either be a United States citizen or an immigrant alien possessing immigration and naturalization documents.

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. Six (6) years is served in a drill status with the remainder served in an inactive status.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

The first step is to contact an Air National Guard recruiter to find out if you are eligible. Initial screening will be conducted based on qualification criteria. Your recruiter will schedule you to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test (if not taken in high school) and physical exam. Once "qualified" you will look at the possible list of career fields for you to choose from. You will see the section first hand, allowing for a sound decision on your career options.

You have the option of delaying basic military training for up to one year from the time you enlist. During this "delayed entry" time, you are welcome and encouraged to attend Guard Drills. This is good preparation time for basic military training and technical training.

COMMISSIONED OFFICER


While serving as an enlisted person, you may be eligible to apply for an officer position. You must be a college graduate and pass the Air Force Officer Qualitative Test (AFOQT) and physical exam. If you are selected for an officer position, you will attend the Academy of Military Science for six (6) weeks. Upon graduation from the Academy of Military Science you will become a Second Lieutenant in the South Dakota Air National Guard. You may also be required to attend a technical training school.