| There are many different career paths an Army | | | | available for someone with your branch. |
| National Guard officer can follow. | | | | For example, if you are an Infantry Officer and there |
| Each state is different. Some states are predominately | | | | are tons of Infantry Officer positions, you can continue |
| combat arms, whereas other states are combat | | | | following that career path, if you want to. On the |
| support or combat service support oriented. | | | | contrary, if you are Infantry, but your state has mostly |
| If you want to have a successful career in the Army | | | | Combat Support and Combat Service Support |
| National Guard, you must develop a game plan. | | | | positions, you might want to get an additional branch. |
| Here are some tips you can follow to help you | | | | 4. Consider an Additional Career Field: Consider Public |
| progress your career. | | | | Affairs, Information Operations, Acquisition, Instructor or |
| 1. Finish Your Military Education Quickly: As a company | | | | another career field depending on the positions |
| grade officer, finish your schools such as the Basic | | | | available in your state. |
| Officer Leadership Course and Captain's Career | | | | 5. Strive for Vacancy Promotions: Whenever possible, |
| Course quickly. Try to finish your CCC as a senior First | | | | don't wait around for your Department of the Army |
| Lieutenant or Junior Captain. | | | | promotion board. That can take forever. Instead, look |
| 2. Get a Company Command: As a junior to mid-level | | | | for vacancies that you are qualified for. Try to find |
| Captain, find a company command position. Spend | | | | vacancies 3-6 months before you are eligible for |
| 18-30 months in command. Learn new things. Challenge | | | | promotion. That way, you can submit your promotion |
| yourself. | | | | packet at the earliest time in grade. |
| 3. After Command: For most officers, this is about the | | | | 6. Take Tough Jobs: Always take tough jobs and be a |
| time they decide whether they want to stay in the | | | | superstar in every job that you have. |
| Army National Guard or resign their commission. If you | | | | 7. Go to School: Learn new things. Finish your military |
| decide to resign, consider transferring to the Inactive | | | | education requirements as soon as possible. Look in |
| Ready Reserve (IRR) in case you change your mind | | | | ATTRS to find courses and classes that will teach |
| at a later date. | | | | you new skills. |
| If you decide to stay in, you should determine which | | | | Remember, it's your career. And, it's your job to |
| career path to follow. Sit down with your Battalion S1 | | | | manage your own career. Stay proactive. Try to find |
| and look at the state's Officer Manning Roster. Find | | | | a way to stand out amongst your peers. |
| out how many positions (MAJ and above) are | | | | |