42A Human Resources Specialist
About the Role
As an HR Specialist in the Army National Guard, you serve as the primary point of contact for Soldiers with questions about benefits, policy, or sensitive issues. You’ll provide personnel support and assistance to all divisions within the Guard, helping Soldiers develop their careers while managing critical administrative functions.
Responsibilities
- Organize, maintain, and review personnel records
- Perform data entry and retrieval
- Process recommendations and arrange awards ceremonies
- Prepare, update, and coordinate requests for evaluations
- Manage Soldier requests for ID cards, 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
- Ability to follow detailed orders
- Strong people skills
Civilian Career Opportunities
In civilian life, the skills you acquire as an HR Specialist translate to roles in payroll, timekeeping, and human resources departments across various industries.
Training
Job training includes 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you’ll learn fundamental Soldiering skills, followed by 9 weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction. Training covers:
- Basic typing skills
- Preparation of Army correspondence and forms
- Management of personnel records
- Computer update and retrieval procedures
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 GED certificate
- Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
- Must 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.