Happy Valley National Night Out

The Oregon Army National Guard is a community-based military force serving both state and federal missions. Soldiers train part-time in their home communities, respond to state emergencies under the Governor, and can be called to federal active duty. It is one of the oldest components of the U.S. military and a core part of Oregon's emergency response.

Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers receive education benefits including state tuition assistance programs (available in many states), the federal GI Bill, Federal Tuition Assistance, and Army ROTC scholarships for college students. Service also includes paid monthly training (one weekend a month, two weeks a year), full medical and dental while on duty, low-cost TRICARE family health coverage, retirement benefits, and career skills ranging from medical to cyber to aviation. Service is part-time, so most Soldiers keep their civilian job or continue school.

Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) is a college-based leadership program available at hundreds of participating universities, offering Army ROTC scholarships that can cover full tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend. Through the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), Oregon National Guard Soldiers can serve in a local Guard unit while completing ROTC, earning Guard drill pay and an officer stipend at the same time. Cadets graduate with both a college degree and an Officer commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Army National Guard. ROTC builds leadership skills, military knowledge, and a guaranteed career path as a commissioned officer. Oregon Army National Guard Recruiters can connect prospects with local Army ROTC programs and help map out the path from enlistment to commission.

Yes — most Guard Soldiers are full-time students or working adults. Drill is one weekend a month plus two weeks of annual training, which is designed to fit around a civilian career or college schedule. Many Soldiers use state tuition assistance and the GI Bill together to graduate debt-free.

It depends on your job field. Career fields range from infantry and aviation to medical, cyber, intelligence, military police, engineering, logistics, and more. On a normal drill weekend you train in your specific job with your unit. During annual training you do more hands-on field work. Outside of drill you live a civilian life — school, work, family.

You can reach a Oregon Army National Guard Recruiter directly through our contact form. A local Recruiter will follow up to answer your questions — no obligation, no pressure.