You must meet certain enlistment criteria to qualify for membership in the Air National Guard. These criteria ensure that those who join have the right mental, physical, and moral aptitudes to perform the tasks required for military service. General requirements include: 

• AGE. Must be between the age of 17 and 42. Consent from a parent or legal guardian is required if 17.
• CITIZENSHIP. Must be a United States citizen or naturalize citizen.
• EDUCATION. High school seniors or those with a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma (GED) are eligible.
• MENTAL APTITUDE. Must achieve a minimum score of 31 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. Must also qualify in a specific area of the ASVAB depending on occupational choice.
• PHYSICAL CONDITION. Must be able to pass an initial military entrance physical exam, be in good health and meet minimum height and weight standards. Certain illnesses, past injuries or diseases may disqualify an individual for enlistment.
• MORAL CHARACTER. Must meet standards which cover arrests, convictions and drug usage.
• TERM OF ENLISTMENT. An enlistment contract is for a total of eight (8) years. As few as four ( 4) years can be served in a drill status, with the remainder served in an inactive status. NOTE: You must enlist for six (6) years to receive educational or incentive benefits.

If you had a honorable discharge you may be eligible to join the South Carolina Air National Guard. 

• Prior service in any branch is accepted
• Part time job which requires attendance at Guard Drills one weekend per month and 15 days of annual training each year.
• Must be able to complete 20 years combined service time by age 60. 
  Rank is determined by grade held on separation and current unit vacancies.
• Do not need to attend basic military training again, but may have to attend an Air Force technical school if not qualified in a convertible skill. Cross training is an option, dependent on current unit vacancies.
• Enlistment term options are one (1) year (if never been a member of the Air National Guard and qualified in Air Force Specialty Code), three (3) years or six (6) years.

Group Insurance $5,000-$50,000 for member, spouse + dependents w/payroll deduction. Free $5,000 for new enlistees through basic + technical training. 
Medical Benefits State Active Duty: worker's comp 
State Tax Advantage Pay for required service exempt 
Miscellaneous Auto tags, no extra charge. State empl: 15 days mil leave-training. 30 days mil leave-emergency. 
Injury / Death Benefits State Active Duty: worker's comp 
Worker's Compensation Yes 
Reimbursement State Active Duty: approved expenses. 

• The first step is to contact an Air National Guard recruiter to find out if you are eligible.
• Initial screening will be conducted based on qualification criteria.
• Your recruiter will schedule you to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test (if not taken in high school) and physical exam.
• Once "qualified" you will look at the possible list of career fields for you to choose from.