MISSOURI ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
Parent Center
The questions families should be able to ask before an enlistment decision.
Parents should be included in the conversation.
Especially for a 17-year-old applicant, questions from parents/guardians are part of making an informed decision.
Will my child have to leave college?
The Guard is designed as part-time service, but training, drill requirements, annual training, activations, and deployments can affect school schedules. Students should plan with both the school and unit.
Can they choose their job?
Applicants can discuss available MOS options, but choices depend on qualifications, unit vacancies, training seats, and current policy.
Is college actually paid for?
There are education programs, but eligibility, funding, school costs, and program rules matter. The College Reality Check is intentionally designed to avoid assuming every benefit applies automatically.
What happens at MEPS?
MEPS is part of the official qualification process and includes medical and administrative screening. Applicants should be fully honest about medical and legal history.
Can I be involved in meetings?
Yes. Families can ask questions and should understand the commitment before a minor signs anything requiring parental consent.
NEXT STEP
Parents: still have questions?
I am happy to talk with the whole family.
PARENT FAQ
Questions you should ask.
What exactly is my child signing up for?
A real military service obligation. Before signing, we should review the MOS, unit, training pipeline, contract, incentives, education plan and service expectations together.
Can I be part of the conversation?
Absolutely. I want families to understand the decision and ask their own questions.
Will my child have to deploy?
Deployment is possible. Guard Soldiers can also be activated for state missions. Nobody should join because they were promised they would never deploy.
Can they still attend college?
Yes, many do. Military training and duty still have to be planned around school.
What happens during initial training?
Basic Combat Training and AIT are full-time periods away from home. AIT length varies by MOS.
How much communication will we have during training?
Communication is more limited during initial training and varies by phase and training environment.
What should I verify before they sign?
MOS, unit location, contract length, training length, incentives, education benefits, drill expectations and deployment possibility.
WANT HELP WITH THIS?
Want to ask a recruiter directly?
Parents and students can use this to ask for a follow-up without entering sensitive applicant information on the site.
Do not enter SSNs, medical details, legal issues, waiver information, or other protected information here.
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