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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Basic Training
Purpose
BT introduces new non-prior service members to military customs and traditions, responsibilities, teamwork, and the operations of the CSG.
When and Where
BT is provided in two phases. First, training is provided during weekend drills, usually over two drills. The second part of the course is conducted at Camp San Luis Obispo over a single three-day period and is offered three times per year.
Prior Service Orientation
Purpose
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the structure and operations of the CSG and service members responsibilities.
When and Where
This course is offered annually at the Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) in Los Alamitos, and Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ) in Sacramento.
Non-Commissioned Officer Academy
NCOA courses train and develops the CSG’s future leaders at the squad and team levels. There are three leadership courses offered by NCOA.
Basic Leadership Course (BLC)
Prepares junior enlisted service members for the responsibilities of an Army squad leader or equivalent Maritime and Air positions.
Advanced Leadership Course (ALC)
ALC builds on the material in BLC, preparing the non-commissioned officer (NCO) for responsibilities and duties of a detachment NCOIC, staff member and platoon sergeant or other service equivalent.
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.
Become an Officer
OCS / WOCS
Officer Candidate School / Warrant Officer Candidate School (OCS/WOCS) are rigorous programs that prepare service members to be the leaders of the CSG.
These schools are held to National Guard standards and require a high level of devotion and work.
Basic requirements
Commissioned Officer candidates must have a baccalaureate degree or higher. 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.
length of course
The OCS/WOCS are one year programs completed over six residential phases at Camp San Luis Obispo.
Direct 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.
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.
inquiry form
The inquiry form starts the process to join the CSG. It’s a basic questionnaire to help us put you with a recruiter in your area and choice of component (Army, Air, Maritime).
conversation
The next step will be a telephone conversation with a recruiter within a week or two of submitting the inquiry (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 next complete a detailed online application.
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, 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.
Meps
Once your application has passed the initial review, you will be invited to attend a MEPS session in Sacramento or Los Alamitos. During MEPS, a medical evaluation will be conducted.
Physical examinations are vitally important because everyone entering the CSG must be in good health to endure the challenges of military service.
Any physical disqualifications that appear during your MEPS 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 the Live Scan is complete, you will be invited back to MEPS to take the oath as a member of the California State Guard.
With your signature, your accession into the CSG will be processed with orders to Joint Recruiting Command for Basic Training or Prior Service Orientation.
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 the component you join and represent.
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 State Guard, also known as ESAD – Emergency State Active Duty. In that status, you earn a paycheck.