Join THE CSG
Military Experience
55% of the CSG is prior military, so for those who have served, it’s an opportunity to get back into uniform. Even if it’s been 20+ years.
For those with no prior military experience, you’ll get to serve and learn from those who have.
Leadership training
Leadership training is crucial for any military service. Whether you have a large team or just got your first hire, leadership training can help you be the best possible leader.
A strong foundation of leadership training will help you effectively direct your team towards success. This is a key part of the CSG mission.
community service
Community service can be distinct from volunteering, since it is not always performed on a voluntary basis. Service is what we do. When the need is great, we are there to help California and it’s citizens.
camaraderie
You’ll create bonds with people that will last the rest of your life.
Educational benefits
The California Military Dept GI Bill issues educational awards to qualifying members of the California Army or Air National Guard and the California State Guard.
This State Grant can pay for up to 100% of the tuition and fees at a University of California, California State University, or a California Community College.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
State Active Duty (SAD) – CSG service members are eligible to apply for SAD positions with the CMD. These are full-time positions as State of California employees with full state benefits. There are approximately 1,000 of these positions ranging from fire fighters to procurement specialists and more.
General Requirements
Age
Applicants must be 18 years or older and we do not have a maximum age restriction. So yes, you still may be able to serve your community!
Residency/Citizenship
To be eligible for enlistment in the CSG, Applicants must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who has made legal declaration to become a citizen of the United States by filing Form N-300, Application to File Declaration of Intention with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Notice must be provided by the applicant.
Health
Health and fitness is a crucial part to a CSG Service Member’s success in the State Military. A medical assessment will be conducted during the accessions process, to include height and weight standards.
Morals & Values
Each applicant must be of good ethical and moral character. Volunteering to protect the State of California and its citizens requires a strong commitment to teamwork.
Criminal Record
CSG service is prohibited if you have ever been convicted by a civil or military court of any felony, any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, any misdemeanor involving domestic violence and/or any misdemeanor involving a sexual offense.
Tattoos & Gauging
Certain tattoos are authorized, while others are not. Any visible tattoos will be discussed with your recruiter. Any tattoos that promote gang affiliation, racism, or are sexually explicit will automatically disqualify an applicant. Large earring holes known as lobe ‘gauging’ is an automatic disqualifier.
Fitness Requirements
regular duty
Moderate work involves lifting 25 – 50 pounds, and occasional demand for moderately strenuous activity.
arduous duty
Arduous work involves above average endurance (aerobic fitness), lifting more than 50 pounds (muscular fitness), and occasional demands for extraordinarily strenuous activities associated with unit activities of Wildland Firefighting, Mountain Search & Rescue, and Maritime Search and Rescue.
Ardous Height and Weight requirements utilizes the Army’s 600-9 Standards which can be found at this link: ARMY 600-9
arduous duty Maritime
Maritime Boat Crews require passing a Water Survival test consists of a deep water jump, 200-yard swim in UNIFORM demonstrating 50 yards each of the crawl stroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, and elementary backstroke. Immediately after the completion of the swim, without leaving the water, students will prone float (face down) for 5 minutes then transition to a back float for 10 minutes, then transition to create a makeshift flotation device out of his or her inflated clothing to stay afloat for 20 mins before exiting the water.
Regular Duty PFT requirements
PUSH-UPS: (in 2 minutes):
Male: 15
Female: 8
SIT-UPS: (in 2 minutes):
Male: 25
Female: 18
2 MILE RUN:
Male: 24:00
Female: 30:00
arudous PFT requirements
PUSH-UPS: (in 1 minute):
Male <30: 44
Male 30-39: 37
Male 40-49: 29
Female <30: 27
Female 30-39: 19
Female 40-49: 16
SIT-UPS: (in 1 minute):
Male <30: 46
Male 30-39: 42
Male 40-49: 37
Female <30: 42
Female 30-39: 33
Female 40-49: 28
1.5 MILE RUN:
Male 18-39: Less than 13.14
Male 40-49: Less than 14.25
Female 18-39: Less than 15.50
Female 40-49: Less than 18.14
Initial Training or Orientation
BASIC TRAINING (BOC)
BOC introduces new non-prior service members to military customs and traditions, responsibilities, teamwork, and the operations of the CSG.
BOC is provided one day a month for three consecutive months. It is held at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, Camp San Luis Obispo, and CHQC in Rancho Cordova.
PRIOR SERVICE ORIENTATION (BOC-P)
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the structure and operations of the CSG and service members responsibilities for members who have served in the US Military within the last five years.
BOC-P is an online course. It is self-paced but must be completed within one year of joining the CSG.
Non-Commissioned Officer Academy
Basic Leadership Course (BLC)
Prepares junior enlisted service members for the responsibilities of an Army squad leader or equivalent Maritime and Air positions. Students must be E4 and promotable to E5 by the end of the course.
The BLC course is offered over three long weekends once a month at Camp San Luis Obispo. You may also have other assignments that must be completed outside of the school weekends.
Advanced Leadership Course (ALC)
ALC builds on the material in BLC, preparing the non-commissioned officer (NCO) for the responsibilities and duties of a detachment NCOIC, staff member platoon sergeant, or other service equivalent. Students must be at least an E5 and be promotable to E6 by the end of the course.
The ALC course is offered over three long weekends once a month at Camp San Luis Obispo. You may also have other assignments that must be completed outside of the school weekends.
senior leadership course (SLC)
Prepares a senior grade NCO to serve as operations, staff, and command NCO for all components and provides an opportunity for Soldiers selected for promotion to E7 to acquire the leadership, technical, and tactical skills, knowledge, and experience needed to lead platoon and company-size units. Students must be at least E7 and be promotable to E8 by the end of the course.
The SLC course is offered over three long weekends once a month at Camp San Luis Obispo. You may also have other assignments that must be completed outside of the school weekends.
Officer Commissioning
Accelerated Commissioning Program (ACP)
ACP is a course to help transition successful Non-Commissioned Officers to Commissioned Officers. The education focuses on reinforcing leadership and introducing skills that are required for commissioned officers.
ACP is offered over four long weekends in Camp San Luis Obispo.
Officer Candidate School (OCS) and Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)
Officer Candidate School / Warrant Officer Candidate School (OCS/WOCS) are rigorous programs that prepare service members to be the leaders of the CSG.
Commissioned Officer candidates must be eligible for commissioning in the CSG. Both Commissioned and Warrant Officer candidates must meet all current physical fitness standards. Additional requirements can be found in the JTC Annual Course Catalog under OCS/WOC Schools.
The OCS/WOCS is an eight-month program completed over six residential phases at Camp San Luis Obispo. You will have other assignments that must be completed outside of the school weekends.
Direct Officer Commissions
Medical, Legal, ChaplAins
Direct commission officers are civilians who have special skills needed for military operations. These are usually individuals who have earned professional degrees in fields such as medicine, law and religious studies.
other fields
Other fields are considered on a case-by-case basis required for specialty duties for those who have advanced degrees.
OFFICER Basic Course (obc)
BOOC introduces new Direct Commission Officers to military customs and traditions, responsibilities, teamwork, and the operations of the CSG.
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the structure and operations of the CSG and service members responsibilities.
OBC is a three-month program offered annually over three long weekends at Camp San Luis Obispo. You will have other assignments that must be completed outside of the school weekends.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The CSG application process is your first assignment. It will test your ability to properly complete forms, and to gather and submit documents. Your prompt response will signal your willingness and eagerness in joining our team.
application form
The application form starts the process to join the CSG. It’s a comprehensive questionnaire that helps us to pre-qualify you for service. Once submitted a recruiter in your area will be assigned to you to help you complete the accession process
conversation
The next step will be a telephone conversation with a recruiter within 10 working days of submitting the application (sometimes depending on work load the recruiter may take longer to contact you). The goal of the call is to gauge your wiliness and match your goals to the needs of the service. If there is a fit, you will then be given a list of documents to send to the recruiter.
the application Package
The application package includes a medical history questioner and your documents supporting the information provided in the application: proof of CA residency, US citizenship/permanent resident, education transcripts, DD214 if prior service and a resume. Other documents may be requested. The goal is to complete the application and submit the supporting documents within two weeks of receiving the application links.
Package Review
Once you have submitted a complete package, it will be reviewed by the recruiter, medical staff, legal staff and unit personnel you intend to join. This stage may result in more questions and more supporting documentation. The time in this stage is based on how long it will take you to respond to our questions and submit documentation.
Medical
If your application or health questionnaire indicate any possible medical issues you will be referred to a virtual or in-person examination by one of our medical staff.
Any physical disqualifications that appear during your physical exam may bar you from entry into the CSG.
Live Scan background
Live Scan is a form of background check required by the State of California typically for state-issued licenses, employment, or volunteer work. It is also often required for people who work or volunteer in positions of trust.
swear in & Accession
Once your package is completed and reviewed you will be issued conditional orders and assigned to a unit, and you will be scheduled for the Basic Orientation Course. Permanent orders will be issues upon your completion of the orientation course and the Live Scan shows no issues.
Our goal is from the date you apply to receiving your conditional orders is 30 days, but it depends on how long it takes you to send us the requested documents and any medical or legal issues may delay the process.
ARE YOU READY TO RESPOND?
FAQ
Health & Fitness is a crucial part to a CSG Service Member’s success in the State Military. A medical assessment will be conducted during the accessions process, to include height and weight standards (seen below).
Applicants must be 18 years or older, and we do not have a maximum age restriction. So if you’re worried about “aging out”, yes, you still may be able to serve your community!
Yes, after you have served one year and attended all 12 drill sessions, a stipend may be
paid out. Joining our organization will require out-of-pocket expenses, such as uniform, this
stipend helps to off-set that expense. The uniform you wear will be Air Force, Army, or
Navy, based on your unit assignment.
We are an all-volunteer, non-paid organization 90% of the time, however, there are times you are directed to complete training that would allow you to claim travel reimbursement. The only way to receive your travel expense claim reimbursement is through EFT.
The other 10%, can be in a paid status. During state disasters and emergencies, the Office of Emergency Service and Cal-Fire, can request the assistance of the California Military Department, and you may be placed on Emergency State Active Duty (ESAD). In that status, you earn a paycheck.