Sgt. Donald Cuchens is looking for a few good men – or women – who are interested in part-time work.

The Alabama Army National Guard recruiter said he has openings for infantry, calvary scouts, and a few artillery slots, as well as combat medics, drivers, heavy equipment operators and workers for food operations.

And he’s willing to talk to people between ages 17 and 35.

“It could be students in high school going to college, someone who’s interested in military, but not full-tome, or someone who just wants to serve close to home.

Recruits must have a high school degree or hold a GED, and score a minimum of 31 on the ASVAB. The ASVAB tests mathematics knowledge, reasoning, paragraph comprehension and word knowledge.

In addition, recruits can’t have any felony charges, and no charges for drugs or domestic violence. Juvenile charges count, he said. In addition, there are height and weight requirements.

High school students can even “early entry” before they graduate.

“The can enlist as juniors in high school,” he said.

At present, the National Guard is offering bonuses for prior service; bonuses to stay in; and bonuses for prior services in other branches.

“There also is an enlistment bonus for certain jobs if you score over 50 on the ASVAB,” Cuchens said. “I have two people in high school who are now close to $10,000 in bonuses.”

The beauty for high school students, he said, is that they can begin earning money their junior years; complete basic training in the summer, and continue to earn in their senior years.

“If they are careful they can start college with a nice nest egg, plus have the college money we give them and their drill pay in college,” he said. He does, however, caution student who think they will join just to have cash in high school.

“You are committed to us for six years if you join,” he said.

While he can recruit for any unit in the state, his priority is to keep the Guard units in Andalusia and Florala staffed.

Basic training is a 10 to 12 week commitment, he said, adding that all drills fall on Saturdays and Sundays. Summers, Guard members train for two weeks, and most employers are understanding about allowing employees the time off to meet those commitments.

In addition, Guard members are eligible for Tri-Care health insurance.

“It’s a part-time job with full-time benefits,” he said. “Find me another job where you can work two days a month and get retirement and full-coverage health care.”

Those interested in joining can contact Cuchens at 334-796-6825, or visit him in his office in the Adult Education Center on the campus of LBW Community College.