EPHRATA - Washington National Guard recruiters gave potential enrollees a look at the job training and educational benefits available to the people who serve the country during a weekend job fair.

Army National Guard units are in the army. "Once you swear into the Guard, you're in the military," said Sgt. Justin Morris, a local Army recruiter. But the rationale behind the National Guard and its mission are slightly different.

National Guard units can be called to active duty, Morris said, although fewer units have been called recently. The units are called to duty by the state governor and most of the work done by Washington units is within the state, he said.

The National Guard is open to men and women 17 to 34 years of age, Morris said, and high school juniors and seniors can enlist and participate, with basic training for juniors the summer before the senior year of high school.

National Guard units train one weekend per month, Morris said. There are Guard units in Ephrata and Moses Lake.

Recruits pick a specialty and train for that, Morris said. Along with the training they are eligible for educational grants and loans, including benefits available through the GI Bill.

For most public and many private colleges, financial aid through the National Guard and the GI Bill will pay most or all tuition, Morris said. There are a few colleges that don't accept military benefits, he said.

There are also a number of scholarships available to active duty personnel and veterans, he said. Most people, including those who are eligible - don't know about them, he said. "One of the best-kept secrets."

When it comes to qualifying for financial aid, National Guard tuition assistance and GI Bill benefits don't count as income, Morris said. After college, the military tries to assist National Guard participants and veterans in finding jobs, Morris said. A representative, Ray Villareal, can be contacted at the armory in Ephrata, 509-754-4541. "His job is to find you a job," Morris said. While National Guard participants must train at least one weekend each month, training can be deferred for class, Morris said.