Q: ARE THESE 'REAL' OFFICER AND ENLISTED RANKS?Ī: According to Washington law, State Guard officer and enlisted personnel normally rank amongst themselves. While in uniform, all rules of military courtesy must be observed.Ī: Currently, all officers and enlisted personnel are required to purchase and maintain their own uniforms and accessories.Ī: Applicants are interviewed, evaluated, and enlisted or appointed to an appropriate rank based on the availability of an authorized billet (job position) for the applicant within the unit, as well as on the basis of prior military service, education, civilian occupation, and other factors in accordance with established laws and regulations, and without regard to race, religion, sex, or national origin. You may only wear your uniform at drill or at other WSG functions. You must wear the assigned uniform correctly, and otherwise conform to the personal and grooming standards according to established Army Regulations. Repeated unexcused absences are not acceptable and will result in discharge. If for any reason you cannot attend a drill, you must call your commander or supervisor and explain the situation. When they are required, you are expected to attend your monthly drills. You must be able to perform all assigned tasks without endangering yourself or others.Ī: You take an oath when you join, and you are expected to live up to that oath. Q: AM I REQUIRED TO PASS A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION?Ī: Applicants are required to submit a Report of Medical History on a standard form. However, the only reimbursable expenses are those to which prior approval is given.

Occasionally, missions may allow for per diem and reimbursed expenses. When that happens, members are considered State employees and are paid at the same rate of pay for their rank or grade as their regular Army or National Guard counterparts. Members are paid only if the Governor calls you to State Active Duty. Q: WILL I BE PAID FOR MY TIME AND OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES?Ī: Generally, no. These additional hours may be done at home according to your own schedule and at your leisure. Your particular assignment may require additional hours of work to organize your section or staff, complete necessary projects, or recruit. Drills usually last 8 hours and are held on Saturdays. Drills are training sessions and are also used to coordinate activities. Q: WHAT OBLIGATION OF TIME WOULD I BE EXPECTED TO GIVE?Ī: Members are required to attend a monthly drill (meeting). Current members of the Active or Reserve Components of the United States Armed Forces and individuals who have been convicted of a felony or who have received a less than honorable discharge from the Armed Forces are excluded. Q: WHO CAN JOIN THE WASHINGTON STATE GUARD?Ī: Any United States citizen who is a resident of the State of Washington between the ages of 18 and 64. Members serve for a period of not less than one year. All WSG members take an oath of allegiance to the United States of America and the State of Washington, and to obey the orders of the Governor of the State of Washington and the officers appointed over them.

Unlike the National Guard, the Washington State Guard is to be used for service exclusively within the State of Washington.

The Washington State Guard is a component of the authorized military forces of the State of Washington, and stands separate and apart from the National Guard. A: The Washington State Guard is an all-volunteer, uniformed public service organization which serves under the command of the Governor as Commander-in-Chief and directed by the Adjutant General.

Enlisted oath