Alaska Army National Guard: Multiple Careers in Anchorage and Across Alaska

The Alaska Army National Guard is a part-time branch of the U.S. Army based in Alaska. Members serve their community and their country while keeping a civilian job, running a business, or attending school.
 
Typical service is one weekend a month plus two weeks of training each year. Members are paid for every day they serve, including initial training.
 
Guard members respond to emergencies in Alaska such as wildfires, floods, and search and rescue, and they can also support national missions. The Guard trains you for a specific job, and that training often carries over to civilian employment.

PART TIME SERVICE. FULL TIME BENEFITS

Basic Enlistment Criteria
The following is a general overview. Final eligibility depends on your individual qualifications and a recruiter's review. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee enlistment, and some situations may qualify for a waiver.
 
To join without prior military service, applicants generally must: 
- Be between 17 and 42 years old. Applicants who are 17 need parental or guardian consent.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be at least a junior in high school.
- Achieve a qualifying score on the ASVAB, the military's career aptitude test.
- Meet medical, physical, and moral standards.
 
Prior service applicants have separate criteria. A recruiter can confirm your status.
 
Career Fields
The Army National Guard trains members in well over 100 job specialties. Below is an overview by field. Not every job is available in Alaska at all times; a recruiter can tell you which fields are currently open.
 
**Aviation.** Fly, maintain, and support helicopters and aircraft operations. Roles include helicopter repairer, avionics technician, and flight operations specialist. Civilian equivalent: aircraft mechanics, avionics, and aviation operations.
 
**Engineering.** Build and repair roads, bridges, and structures, and operate heavy equipment. Roles include construction engineer, heavy equipment operator, and carpentry and masonry specialist. Civilian equivalent: construction trades and heavy equipment operation.
 
**Medical and Healthcare.** Provide emergency and routine medical care. Roles include combat medic, dental specialist, and medical laboratory specialist. Civilian equivalent: EMT and paramedic, dental assisting, and lab and clinical support.
 
**Logistics and Supply.** Manage inventory, warehousing, and distribution of equipment and supplies. Roles include supply specialist, automated logistics specialist, and food service specialist. Civilian equivalent: supply chain, inventory management, and warehouse operations.
 
**Communications and Signal.** Set up and maintain radio, satellite, and network communications. Roles include radio operator and signal support specialist. Civilian equivalent: telecommunications and field network technicians.
 
**Information Technology and Cyber.** Operate and defend computer networks and systems. Roles include information technology specialist and cyber operations specialist. Civilian equivalent: IT support, network administration, and cybersecurity.
 
**Maintenance and Mechanical.** Repair and maintain vehicles, generators, and equipment. Roles include wheeled vehicle mechanic, power generation equipment repairer, and utilities equipment repairer. Civilian equivalent: diesel and automotive technicians, electricians, and HVAC.
 
**Administrative and Support.** Keep personnel, finance, and records running. Roles include human resources specialist, financial management technician, and paralegal specialist. Civilian equivalent: HR, accounting, and office and legal administration.
 
**Intelligence.** Collect and analyze information to support decision making. Roles include intelligence analyst and geospatial intelligence imagery analyst. Civilian equivalent: research and analysis, data analysis, and security.
 
**Military Police and Security.** Provide law enforcement and security for people and facilities. Roles include military police. Civilian equivalent: law enforcement, corrections, and private security.
 
**Infantry and Combat Arms.** Serve on ground teams that require teamwork, fitness, and leadership. Roles include infantryman, cavalry scout, and field artillery crewmember. Civilian equivalent: leadership, team operations, and safety-focused fields such as fire and emergency services.
 
**Transportation.** Move people, equipment, and supplies by road and water. Roles include motor transport operator and watercraft operator. Civilian equivalent: commercial driving, fleet operations, and maritime work.
 
**Other Specialized Fields.** Additional specialties include public affairs, religious support, chemical and hazardous materials response, and musician. Ask a recruiter about specialties that match your background.
 
Why Consider the Alaska Army National Guard 
- Get paid to train. Every drill, training day, and school is paid.
- Education support. Programs are available to help pay for college, trade school, and certifications. Amounts and eligibility vary; a recruiter can explain current programs.
- Job skills. Training in a specific career field, with many skills that transfer to civilian work.
- Benefits. Access to low-cost health and life insurance options and a retirement plan.
- Serve close to home. Train and serve in Alaska while keeping your civilian job or school schedule.
- Community. Respond when Alaska needs help.
 
Specific pay, bonuses, and benefit amounts change over time and depend on your job, rank, and situation. Confirm current details with a recruiter.
 
Next Steps
Find out if you qualify and which career fields are open right now.

***The Alaska Army National Guard is an equal opportunity employer.