Army Officer Careers - Tips For National Guard Officers

There are many different career paths an Army National Guard officer can follow.

Each state is different. Some states are predominately combat arms, whereas other states are combat support or combat service support oriented.

If you want to have a successful career in the Army National Guard, you must develop a game plan.

Here are some tips you can follow to help you progress your career.

1. Finish Your Military Education Quickly: As a company grade officer, finish your schools such as the Basic Officer Leadership Course and Captain's Career Course quickly. Try to finish your CCC as a senior First Lieutenant or Junior Captain.

2. Get a Company Command: As a junior to mid-level Captain, find a company command position. Spend 18-30 months in command. Learn new things. Challenge yourself.

3. After Command: For most officers, this is about the time they decide whether they want to stay in the Army National Guard or resign their commission. If you decide to resign, consider transferring to the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) in case you change your mind at a later date.

If you decide to stay in, you should determine which career path to follow. Sit down with your Battalion S1 and look at the state's Officer Manning Roster. Find out how many positions (MAJ and above) are available for someone with your branch.

For example, if you are an Infantry Officer and there are tons of Infantry Officer positions, you can continue following that career path, if you want to. On the contrary, if you are Infantry, but your state has mostly Combat Support and Combat Service Support positions, you might want to get an additional branch.

4. Consider an Additional Career Field: Consider Public Affairs, Information Operations, Acquisition, Instructor or another career field depending on the positions available in your state.

5. Strive for Vacancy Promotions: Whenever possible, don't wait around for your Department of the Army promotion board. That can take forever. Instead, look for vacancies that you are qualified for. Try to find vacancies 3-6 months before you are eligible for promotion. That way, you can submit your promotion packet at the earliest time in grade.

6. Take Tough Jobs: Always take tough jobs and be a superstar in every job that you have.

7. Go to School: Learn new things. Finish your military education requirements as soon as possible. Look in ATTRS to find courses and classes that will teach you new skills.

Remember, it's your career. And, it's your job to manage your own career. Stay proactive. Try to find a way to stand out amongst your peers.

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