Original enlistments and reenlistments in the National Guard shall be for such periods as may be now or hereafter prescribed by Congress or the Secretary of Defense under the provisions of the National Defense Act. Enlisted members shall not be recognized as members of the National Guard until they have signed an enlistment contract, and taken and subscribed to the oath prescribed by Congress or the Secretary of Defense under the provisions of the National Defense Act.
Ala. Code § 31-2-74 (1975)