Join The S.C. State Guard


S.C. State Guard Recruiting

 
 
 

Benefits Of Service
  • FREE Certified Training Opportunities
    • Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)
    • MEMS (Military Emergency Management Specialist) Academy
    • FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Emergency Management Institute
    • State Guard Military Academy
    • Emergency Medical Care
    • High Angle Rescue
    • Mountaineering
    • Wilderness Search and Rescue
    • Scuba Training
    • Dive Recovery Operations
    • Incident Management
  • SGAUS (State Guard Association of the United States) Academies
  • Leadership Development Instruction
  • $3,000 Annual Tax Deduction with 192 Hours of Service
  • Paid for 12 Drill periods per year
  • Contribution to your Community in Times of Emergency

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The South Carolina State Guard is recognized under Title 32, Sec 109 in South Carolina's Code of Laws, and the National Guard Bureau before being delegated to the States. It is a formal military organization which follows normal military courtesies and customs. The US Army rank structure is used.

South Carolina citizens between the ages of 17 and 70 who are interested in serving their communities may apply to join the State Guard. Many State Guardsmen have prior military experience, but that is not required for membership.

Our members typically serve at a National Guard armory located in their area. Some members with special military qualifications may be asked to serve at the State Guard headquarters in Columbia. The State Guard is not usually deployed outside the state. Some units, however, did serve in New York after the attacks of 9/11 and in Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Having urgently needed skills may result in an entry rank that reflects an applicant's professional experience. Candidates without prior military experience may - based on education and civilian experience - qualify for commissioned or non-commissioned officer rank.

An Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform is supplied to all new recruits. Members may purchase the ASU dress uniforms if they wish to have one.

The South Carolina State Guard trains in specialized techniques such as crowd control, urban evacuation, traffic control, military security, first aid, disaster relief, and family services. Members receive comprehensive homeland defense training.

Absolutely! Many of our members have served in the United States Armed Forces and find that belonging to the Guard allows them to use their background and skills in their local communities while reconnecting to the military lifestyle they are familiar with.

The duty uniform of most members of the South Carolina State Guard is the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP). The Army Service Uniform (ASU) is worn on special occasions.

For more information, contact the State Guard's recruiting section at recruiting@sg.sc.gov or by phone (803) 319-5940 or (843) 822-6145.


Do You Have What It Takes?

If you are interested in growing in your personal and professional life, gaining valuable experience in the South Carolina State Guard, as well as giving back to your community, please use the form below to contact us.  Or begin the Application process Online NOW! 

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