In the Minnesota National Guard, we live here, we work here, and we serve here. That service extends to not only the Nation, but to our communities we call home in ways only the Guard can. Within our joint force, our members can serve as Airmen, attending training through the U.S. Air Force, or Soldiers, training through the U.S. Army.

• Contact an Air recruiter
  • 133rd Airlift Wing (St. Paul) 
  • 148th Fighter Wing (Duluth)
• Contact an Army recruiter

Joining the Minnesota National Guard means joining an accomplished team with a purpose greater than ourselves. With hundreds of different job specialties and opportunities for leadership experience, members can serve in ways that meet their interests, accelerating their civilian careers, setting themselves up for a successful future.

With career and leadership opportunities, healthcare and education benefits, and the freedom to choose how you serve, you're able to become the best you in the Minnesota National Guard. Benefits include:

• Education benefits: Joining the Guard gives you more than just the pride that comes from serving your state and nation. You can earn benefits to help pay for your education and expenses, and you can complete your education while you serve. The National Guard offers many programs for every type of student, whether you're still in high school, attending college or working toward a vocational certification.
• Career training: With hundreds of different jobs in nearly every career field imaginable, members can find the opportunity to serve how they want.
• Bonuses: An exciting future in the Guard offers huge benefits—and can include a $20,000 bonus. Enlistment Bonuses are available for new recruits who meet education and contracting requirements.
• Pay: You will be paid for every day you serve, whether in training, weekend drills, annual training or deployment. Your rank, job and education level will determine your specific pay level. The higher you go, the more you make. And the more time you serve, the more you earn.
• Insurance: Most serve because they want to give back to their state and nation. Then they find out that being part of the National Guard comes with other rewards. Beyond earning additional pay and getting help with their education costs, Soldiers and Veterans—and their families—enjoy even more real benefits, such as inexpensive healthcare and low-cost life insurance that pays up to $400,000. Take care of your health, your family and your future.
• Retirement: You probably won't be thinking about retirement for many years, but think about this: The Guard can continue to pay you every month if you have 20 years service while serving in the Guard by age 60 (including service in other branches). And considering that retirement will probably mean time to travel, play, or even start a second business, financial security would be a nice part of your plan.

To join the National Guard without prior service, you must meet these mandatory requirements:

• Be between the ages of 17 and 35 (Soldiers), 39 (Airmen) or 40+ (Medical professionals and Chaplains)
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
• Achieve a minimum score on the ASVAB test
• Meet medical, physical and moral requirements
• For full requirements, apply now and speak to a National Guard recruiter.