42A Human Resources Specialist
About the role
The Army National Guard’s Human Resources Specialist is the primary point of contact for Soldiers with questions about benefits, policy, or sensitive issues. You will help Soldiers develop their Guard careers and provide personnel support to all divisions within the Guard.
Responsibilities
- Organize, maintain, and review personnel records
- Handle data entry and retrieval
- Process recommendations
- Arrange awards ceremonies
- Prepare, update, and coordinate requests for evaluations
- Prepare and monitor Soldier requests for ID cards and tags, leaves of absence, and passes
- Order and maintain office supplies
- Maintain filing systems
- Assist on all human resource support matters
- Oversee strength management and strength distribution actions
- Ensure the readiness, health, and welfare of all Soldiers
- Provide postal and personnel accountability support
- Maintain emergency notification data
Helpful Skills
- Aptitude for business administration
- Able to follow detailed orders
- Sound people skills
Civilian career opportunities
In civilian life, an HR Specialist could work in any business requiring personnel or human resources experience. The payroll, timekeeping, and human resources departments of most companies require the skills acquired as an HR Specialist in the National Guard.
Training
Job training requires 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 9 weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction. Training includes:
- Basic typing skills
- Preparing Army correspondence and forms
- Managing personnel records
- Computer update and retrieval procedures
Instead of paying to learn these skills, you will earn a regular paycheck and qualify for tuition assistance.
Benefits
- Paid training
- Monthly paycheck
- Montgomery GI Bill
- Federal and State tuition assistance
- Retirement benefits for part-time service
- Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
- 401(k)-type savings plan
- Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000 for existing loans)
- Health care benefits
- VA home loans
- Bonuses, if applicable
Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change.
Requirements
- Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
- Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
- Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
- Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
- Must meet citizenship requirements (see NATIONALGUARD.com for details)
Programs and benefits are subject to change. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.