I have a question about joining the Army National Guard

Question

I want to join the Army National Guard, next year. It will be my junior year, so would I still get my high school diploma. and if so how?

[and yes i will be 17 by than]

thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, you can still get your high school diploma. You'll go Split Op meaning you'll go to Basic during your Junior summer and AIT after you graduate. You'll go to drills with an RSP unit and get paid while serving time on your enlistment contract instead of a DEP contract and even gain rank before you are a battle handoff where you ship out to your regular unit.  

Answer 2

Once you turn 17 you can join the Guard.  They will send you to boot camp after your junior year and wait for you to graduate to have you fulfill your service time.  

My son did this, joined on his 17th birthday and then 2 years later went to Army and is waiting deployment to Iraq.  He has already signed on for an additional 4 years.