TRAINING
Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), a Major Subordinate Command of the GSDF, conducts three primary missions:
1. Retention and Recruiting operations for the Force
2. Professional Military Education (PME) – the “schools” – of the Force:
- Initial Entry Schools
- Officer PME
- Noncommissioned Officer PME
- Specialty Schools – Search and Rescue, Rappelling, and others
- The Medical Center Of Excellence (MCOE) – including First Aid/CPR, Emergency Medical Responder, and others
- Training and doctrinal guidance, including delivering trained Observer/Controller-Safety Officers for missions and training exercises
TRADOC delivers trained, ready, and professional Soldiers to the Force; develops capable and effective leaders at all levels, and builds and shapes the future Force through innovative recruiting and sustainment, doctrine, training, and professional military education.
Elements of Orientation
- Drill is one weekend each month – specific weekend depends on the unit, training schedule, and missions. (OPFOR usually drills on Bravo weekend approx 0800-1500)
- One drill each year is GSDF Annual Training – normally in October, approximately three days long (Friday-Sunday), on a military installation, and requires overnight stays.
- Missions occur regularly throughout the state. GSDF members can’t do every mission, but everyone is expected to participate in monthly drills and support missions.
- Primary missions are Georgia Army National Guard Pre-mobilization Training Assistance (PTAE) and Opposing Force (OPFOR); Community Support; Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA); Search and Rescue (SAR) support; and other activities in support of the Georgia Army National Guard and the Georgia Air National Guard.
- Monthly drill and missions may include training with and supporting the National Guard or other organizations, providing security, access control, traffic control, instructing, and training for the GSDF’s Mission Essential Tasks (METs) that support our Basic Mission Essential Task List (BMETL) and Expanded Mission Essential Task List (EMETL).
- Extra opportunities for qualified, high-performing, and recommended GSDF members include the Color Guard, Funeral Honor Guard, GSDF Marksmanship Team, Medical Training, Leadership Training, Instructor Training, and more.
- Duty Levels- GSDF physical fitness test to determine mission eligibility. 3,2, and 1. OPFOR recruits must meet the requirements of duty level 1. OPFOR soldiers are training to complete the ACFT (ARMY Combat Fitness Test) at Infantry standards.
- Explain Height/Weight standards- GSDF candidates must meet the Height/Weight standards. Found on GSDF website.
- Discuss career counseling process/form completed when they return for MEPS. Details are located on www.gasdf.us .
- Provide an overview of what is involved with and expected during MEPS and IET. MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station), IET (Initial Entrance Training), Required online FEMA & IS courses to be completed before IET graduation.
- Provide dates for next MEPS and IET. TBD
- Valid and current CPR/First-Aid certification is required for members of the GSDF. Available during MEPS or individual responsibility. Must meet American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross, National Safety Council, or Emergency Care & Safety Institute ECSI) certification standards in accordance with (IAW) GSDFR 624-1 (JAN 2018).
- Explain uniform wear (ACU OCP Scorpion and dress blues), military appearance & bearing, and associated costs.
- GSDF uses the Army’s command, regulations, and rank structure.
Candidate Requirements:
All GSDF recruits are required to undergo a background check. This information will be kept confidential. All applications will be handled on an individual basis. While certain convictions do not bar entry, it will be very important to be honest when filling out the security packet as falsification of information will be grounds for dismissal.
All members of the GSDF are required to possess a high school diploma or equivalent, are between the ages of 18 and 64, a US Citizen or Legal Resident. Due to the cost of training and processing time of new personnel, the GSDF requires a minimum two (2) years commitment to serve.
The GSDF will prohibit any form of discrimination based on race, religion, national origin or gender in conduct of the activities of the command. The GSDF will provide an equal opportunity for advancement or selection to position. The GSDF policy on sexual harassment is clear and unequivocal. All GSDF members are entitled to serve in an environment free from any form of sexual harassment.
All personnel will be evaluated by the medical staff to determine their eligibility to serve in the GSDF.
Expectations and What’s Next
- Drill - One Weekend Each Month
- Uniform - ACU OCP Scorpion and dress blues
- Appearance - Adhere to US ARMY grooming standards
- Bearing- Always maintain military bearing
Annual Training
- One Weekend Per Year (approximately Friday-Monday)
- Usually at FT. Stewart, Air Force Reserve Base In Savannah or CPSTC
If You Choose To Join
- Submit Your Application And Security Form
- Your Package Will Be Submitted To TRADOC For Processing
- We will contact you when we receive security form results. Approx 3-4 weeks
Upon Acceptance
- You Will Be Notified To Report To MEPS
- Finalize Paperwork & Career Counseling ( select OPFOR!)
- Check Height/Weight, Blood Pressure, Medication, Injuries/Conditions Report To Initial Entry Training
- Swear In
- CPR Training
- Report to Initial Entrance Training (IET)
- Required Training (soldier’s creed, 3 general order, drill & ceremony, uniform wear, rank structure, military customs and courtesies, first aid, land navigation, and more)
Upon IET Graduation
- Report Back To OPFOR
- Continued Training
- Missions
Additional Training Questions?
Feel free to contact the Recruiting NCO anytime if you have questions or concerns.
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