STEM – Science in the North Dakota Army National Guard
Science governs our world, and STEM Soldiers make science a Guard advantage. Specialists are trained in advanced fields, from weather patterns and geospatial mapping to radiological warfare and explosive chemistry. These Soldiers earn skills that make them experts in the strategy of science—both inside the lab and out in the field.
Start your journey here. Explore STEM careers and connect with a recruiter.
Enlisted MOS Options
35G Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst
OVERVIEW
Be the eyes of the commander. As a Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst, you use advanced radar technology, aerial imagery and electronic sensors to analyze and paint the picture of the battlefield. You provide critical information to Army personnel about enemy forces, potential battle areas and combat operations support.
JOB DUTIES
- Produce intelligence by analyzing images, fixed/moving targets and geospatial data
- Identify military installations, facilities, weapons systems, military equipment and defenses
- Determine the location and dimensions of objects
- Create ingress/egress and line-of-Sight products
TRAINING
Basic Combat Training is 10 weeks and Advanced Individual Training is 23 weeks and 5 days at Fort Huachuca, AZ.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Planning overhead and aerial imagery collection
- Preparing maps, charts, reports and geospatial intelligence
- Using computer systems and imagery exploitation software
- Analysis of fixed/moving target indicators, geospatial data and overhead/aerial images
- Understanding satellite orbitology
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Skilled Technical (ST): 101
Learn more about the ASVAB.
CERTIFICATIONS
Multiple nationally recognized certifications available.
EDUCATION
Qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships; allowances for books and fees; plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.
Completion of MOS training can lead to college credit. Learn more about college planning and assistance.
OPTIONS FOR A SIGNING BONUS
See your Recruiter for details.
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in remote sensing or photogrammetry with government agencies such as the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Learn more about related occupations.
35N Signals Intelligence Analyst
OVERVIEW
A Signals Intelligence Analyst is charged with helping protect Soldiers and national security by finding and analyzing enemy communication with sophisticated techniques and cutting-edge equipment. Place and operate surveillance equipment to collect foreign communications, deciphering patterns of behavior to paint an accurate picture of the threat situation.
JOB DUTIES
- Intercept messages and isolate the valid ones
- Recognize operational patterns of the enemy
- Maintain analytical databases
- Place, camouflage and recover surveillance systems
- Prepare technical and tactical intelligence reports
TRAINING
Basic Combat Training: 10 weeks, Advanced Individual Training is 24 weeks and 4 days at Goodfellow AFB, TX.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Identification of targets and operational patterns
- Analyzing communications information using technical references
- Preparing technical and tactical intelligence reports
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Skilled Technical (ST): 112
Learn more about the ASVAB.
CERTIFICATIONS
Multiple nationally recognized certifications available.
EDUCATION
Qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships; allowances for books and fees; and an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.
Completion of MOS training can lead to college credit. Learn more about college planning and assistance.
OPTIONS FOR A SIGNING BONUS
See your Recruiter for details.
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in government agencies such as the National Security Agency and jobs with electronic/communications companies. Learn more about related occupations.
68M Nutrition Care Specialist
OVERVIEW
The Nutrition Care Specialist works with registered dietitians (RDs) to counsel patients individually and in group settings, plans special diets for patients according to nutritional requirements, creates menus, and prepares small-quantity foods.
JOB DUTIES
- Perform basic dietetic functions in a hospital, clinic, or field environment
- Provide nutritional treatment and basic-level counseling to patients in nutrition clinics, health promotion and wellness clinics, and classroom settings
- Assist dietitians or superiors in food service supervision, planning, and production operations
- Perform nutrition assessment screenings of individual patients for nutritional requirements and restrictions; provide recommendations on food item selection
TRAINING
Job training for a Nutrition Care Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and seven weeks and two days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, TX to include small-quantity food preparation.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Individual and classroom presentations
- Assessment of a patient’s dietary requirements and restrictions
- Menu planning to include recipe modification for special diets
- Basic food preparation (large and small quantities)
- Food safety and sanitation
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in nutrition, health, biology, science, fitness, and chemistry
- Ability to communicate effectively to individuals and small groups
- Interest in helping and caring for others
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Operators & Food (OF): 95
Learn more about the ASVAB.
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
922A Food Service Technician
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you’ll learn will help prepare you for a career within civilian hospitals, weight management clinics, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. With a Nutrition Care Specialist background, you may consider a career as a dietetic technician, dietary manager, nutrition technician, clinical dietetic technician or dietary aide.
Through your extensive Army National Guard medical training, real-world experiences, and with some additional study, you may be able to test for certification as an Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals certified dietary manager (CDM) or the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics dietetic technician, registered (DTR) credential.
68Q Pharmacy Specialist
OVERVIEW
The Pharmacy Specialist is primarily responsible for preparing and dispensing prescribed drugs and medicines, while also maintaining pharmacy supplies and records.
JOB DUTIES
- Prepare, control and issue pharmaceutical products
- Evaluate orders to verify dosage, dosage regimen and quantity to be dispensed
- Provide instructions to patients regarding medication consumption and side effects
- Perform quality control checks on medications
TRAINING
Job training for a Pharmacy Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 22 weeks of Advanced Individual Training, including practice in pharmaceutical tasks.
Advanced Individual Training: 22 weeks at Fort Sam Houston, TX
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Pharmacy laws and regulations
- Drug types and uses
- Mixing and dispensing drugs
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in mathematics, chemistry, biology, physiology and anatomy
- Experience with precise measurements and standards
- Ability to follow strict procedures and directions
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Skilled Technical (ST): 95
Learn more about the ASVAB.
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a future as a pharmacy helper at pharmacies, drug stores, hospitals or clinics.
With additional study and the completion of a written exam, you may qualify for certification as a pharmacy technician.
68S Preventive Medicine Specialist
OVERVIEW
Preventive Medicine Specialists are primarily responsible for conducting or assisting with preventive medicine inspections, surveys and preventive medicine laboratory procedures. They also supervise preventive medicine facilities or serve on preventive medicine staffs.
JOB DUTIES
- Conduct preventive medicine inspections
- Assist with preventive medicine laboratory procedures
- Conduct survey and control operations
TRAINING
Job training for a Preventive Medicine Specialist requires completing 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 16 weeks and 1 day of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, TX, which includes on-the-job instruction and practice in testing specimens.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Sanitation inspection procedures
- Understanding of parasites and diseases affecting humans
- Bacteriological analysis of potable water
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in biology, chemistry and algebra
- Ability to follow detailed procedures precisely
- Interest in scientific and technical work
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Skilled Technical (ST): 101
Learn more about the ASVAB.
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
640A Veterinary Services Technician
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a future with privately owned research institutions, public health departments and environmental sciences professions.
Through your extensive Army National Guard training and some additional study, you may be able to qualify for certification as a registered environmental health specialist/registered sanitarian and certified radiation protection technologist. Specific educational criteria must be met before you can qualify for certification.
74D Chemical, Biological, Radiological And Nuclear (Cbrn) Specialist
OVERVIEW
Be the first line of defense against weapons of mass destruction. You will be responsible for defending a nation against the biggest and most powerful threats that exist. You will be trained and trusted to handle defense measures, response operations, detection equipment and decontamination equipment.
JOB DUTIES
- Maintain chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) equipment
- Conduct CBRN reconnaissance and surveillance
- Operate decontamination equipment in the event of a disaster
- Camouflage recon and surveillance equipment
REQUIREMENTS
To serve in the Guard, you must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), it’s a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identifies which Army National Guard job is best for you.
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Skilled Technical (ST): 91
Learn more about the ASVAB.
TRAINING
To become a CBRN Specialist, you will train for 10 weeks at Basic Training, where you will learn basic soldiering skills. After that, you will participate in 9 weeks and 2 days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Operation of CBRN decontamination, defense, detection and monitoring equipment
- Preparation for CBRN defense actions/procedures
- Use of CBRN protective equipment
- Hazardous materials certification (at the awareness level)
- Exposure to toxic agents while wearing CBRN protective equipment
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Effective communication skills
- Interest in algebra, chemistry, physics, geometry and trigonometry
- Ability to plan and organize
- Ability to work efficiently and calmly under high stress
89D Explosive Ordnance Disposal (Eod) Specialist
OVERVIEW
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist Soldiers are the Army National Guard’s preeminent tactical and technical explosives experts. They are warriors who are properly trained, equipped and integrated to attack, defeat and exploit unexploded ordnance, improvised explosive devices and weapons of mass destruction.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialists are the culmination of the best tactical and technical training the Army National Guard and civilian academia can provide. They are prepared to perform missions in support of Army National Guard units worldwide, across all operational environments.
JOB DUTIES
- Research and identify ordnance
- Assist in the preparation and use of advanced robotics
- Explosively dispose of hazardous ordnance
- Prepare and maintain tools, equipment and vehicles
TRAINING
Job training for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist requires completing 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 36 weeks of Advanced Individual Training.
Advanced Individual Training: 7 weeks, 4 days at Fort Gregg-Adams, VA, and 28 weeks, 3 days at Eglin AFB, FL
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Basic electronics/electricity fundamentals
- Hazards and identification of United States and foreign munitions
- Demolition materials, procedures and operations
- Chemical and biological procedures and operations
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in algebra, chemistry, physics, geometry and trigonometry
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Aptitude for planning and organizing
- Ability to work calmly under stress
- Ability to use computers effectively
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Skilled Technical (ST): 110
Learn more about the ASVAB.
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
890A Ammunition Warrant Officer
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with government agencies, civil law enforcement and private industries performing ordnance research and development. You might also consider a future as a bomb disposal expert, gunsmith or munitions handler.
92L Petroleum Laboratory Specialist
OVERVIEW
A Petroleum Laboratory Specialist refines and tests the fuel that moves the Guard. Use specialized science to evaluate and recommend petroleum products to fit the needs of the ever-changing battlefield. Conduct laboratory tests on samples and apply safety procedures in handling volatile products.
JOB DUTIES
- Gather samples and test petroleum products
- Evaluate test results and make recommendations on products
- Follow the American Society for Testing and Materials guidelines
- Safely handle volatile products in case of a fire or emergency
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Skilled Technical (ST): 91
Learn more about the ASVAB.
TRAINING
Job training for a Petroleum Laboratory Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 7 weeks and 2 days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gregg-Adams, VA, and an on-the-job split between the classroom and the field.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are
- Testing methods
- Use of lab equipment, such as the centrifuge and spectrometer
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in chemistry and mathematics
- Ability to follow detailed procedures
- Interest in performing technical work
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills and experience you acquire as a Petroleum Laboratory Specialist could lead you into the petroleum industry or in a chemistry-related field doing testing in a lab.
92W Water Treatment Specialist
OVERVIEW
Water Treatment Specialists are primarily responsible for supervising or performing the installation and operation of water purification equipment, as well as dealing with water storage and distribution operations and activities. They also inspect facilities and food supplies for the presence of disease, germs or other conditions hazardous to health and the environment.
JOB DUTIES
- Perform water quality analysis testing and verification
- Assist in water reconnaissance and site preparation
- Operate and maintain water treatment equipment
- Assist in setup of water treatment activity
TRAINING
Job training for a Water Treatment Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 12 weeks of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gregg-Adams, VA with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field, including practice in testing different products.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Identification of health hazards
- Inspection of food products, food service operations, wastewater and waste disposal facilities
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in algebra, biology, chemistry and general science
- High attention to detail
- Interest in protecting the environment
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
General Maintenance (GM): 88
Learn more about the ASVAB.
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
923A Petroleum Systems Technician
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with local, state or federal government agencies. You’ll be able to consider a future as a food and drug inspector, public health inspector, health and safety inspector, or industrial hygienist.
