In today’s economy, more people are beginning to take a closer look at the benefits of joining the Army. Great training, outstanding benefits and steady work make the Army a smart choice many Americans

Careers in Information Technology

Nothing is hotter right now than Information Technology and Computer System Analysis. And there is no place to get better training in these areas than the service. What other opportunity is available to get paid while you learn, then walk into a career with unlimited potential?

It is certainly possible to get a good education in Information Technology in a civilian college, but you won’t get the hands on application opportunities and true work experience you can find in the Army. By serving, you enjoy GI benefits — meaning you won’t be starting your career in debt with massive school loans.

Cutting Edge Technology

People in the Army are always working with the most up to date technological and computer equipment, and frequently set up networks and undertake complicated trouble-shooting. You will gain experience in the Army National Guard that would take you years to achieve in a civilian position. Civilian companies love Army National Guard veterans because they know these professionals have received the best training possible, and they know what hard work and dedication mean.

Networking is second nature to Army veterans who have worked in systems analysis or other areas of information technology in the service. You can almost do it in your sleep. And the pressure of work deadlines is nothing to the skilled men and women with Army National Guard service behind them. You will learn how to stay focused on the job and work at your optimal performance no matter what’s going on around you with Army training under your belt.

Companies know the prize they’re getting when they hire former Army recruits. There’s no worry about choosing someone with a poor work ethic or someone who is difficult to supervise. After time working as part of a skilled team with respect for authority and everyone’s individual responsibility you’re an employee to rely on. You’re the first person to come to mind when an advancement opportunity is available because as an Army National Guard veteran you’re a known commodity and a proven leader.

Our country’s interests are protected by active service personnel, but also by Army National Guard reservists. The nation’s military could not protect our interests, both at home and abroad, without the partnership it enjoys with the National Guard. It’s not a second string military – it is a first rate defense.

The War on Terrorism

Prior to the devastating effect of 9/11 on our country units of the Army National Guard were required to serve only one year cumulative active duty with no more than half of that time served overseas. This worked well to meet peacetime military needs. The effect of the horrible September day changed the world forever, and immediately and dramatically increased our demands on our Armed Forces. Active duty personnel were stretched thin following these attacks however and it became necessary to increase mobilization time for those in the Reserves.

Today Army National Guard units may serve up to two years (twenty four months) of active duty during a six year enlistment period. One weekend a month, two weeks a year used to be the standard for Guards. That’s no longer true, however. In 2008 more than one quarter of our deployed forces in Afghanistan and Iraq are Guardsmen. These troops are now an essential part of our national safety.

Presence on the Home Front

When crises strike at home the National Guard is there. In the event of a hostile invasion our safety will depend on these highly skilled soldiers to protect our interests and repel enemy forces. But the threats to our safety don’t always come from outside our borders. Natural disasters require a quickly deployable, highly dependable, and capable force to protect our citizens. The Army National Guard is just right for the job.

The military offers training in teamwork, problem solving, and crisis intervention unsurpassed by anything offered in the private sector. Army careers have changed exponentially in the last few decades. Military careers were once thought to consist mostly of hand to hand combat skills but reserve and active service positions today include highly skilled, technical and professional career choices always on the cutting edge of technology.