Those who are interested in supplementing their incomes with part-time work and also serving their country can learn more about National Guard opportunities this Thursday.

The 1-117th Field Artillery will host an open house at Fort Frank F. Horton, 1011 Prestwood Bridge Road, Andalusia, from noon until 7 p.m.

Sgt. Donald Cuchens, a National Guard recruiter, said unit equipment and artillery pieces will be on display, and Reid State Technical College also will be on hand.

“It’s a chance for the public to come and see what Guard’s all about,” Cuchen said. “If you’re interested, make sure you talk to me.”

The unit also will have open houses at the armories in Troy and Elba, he said.

“They are all part of the 1-117th field artillery,” he said.

At present, the local unit needs combat medics, people to fill artillery slots, human resources and supply administration, Cuchen said.

No medical experience is necessary for the medics job, he said. “We’ll train them for it,and they’ll actually have EMT certification when they’re done.”

Applicants have to meet the minimum requirements for the military, including completing the ASVAB test.

Cuchens said the benefits offered by the Guard make it the best part-time job in the state.

In addition to a monthly drill paycheck, Guard members qualify for tuition assistance, health insurance, receive specialized training, and have retirement benefits.

The average soldiers spends 39 days a year with the Guard – one weekend each month, and two weeks training some time around the summer.