Joining the National Guard is a significant decision that comes with substantial rewards. One of the primary attractions for many is the comprehensive package of National Guard benefits available. These perks provide both financial stability and opportunities for personal growth, making service a smart choice for your future.
Serving part-time allows you to maintain a civilian career while enjoying many of the advantages offered to full-time service members. Let’s look at the specific benefits you can expect when you join the ranks of the National Guard.
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Table of Contents:
- Education Benefits for National Guard Members
- Healthcare Benefits for National Guard Members
- Financial Benefits for National Guard Members
- Career Benefits for National Guard Members
- Family Support Programs
- Travel and Adventure Benefits
- Personal Growth Benefits
- Conclusion
Education Benefits for National Guard Members
The National Guard strongly supports the educational goals of its members. Several powerful education programs are available to help you advance your learning and career. These benefits can significantly reduce or eliminate the financial burden of higher education.
Tuition Assistance
The Federal Tuition Assistance program is a significant benefit for members of the Army National Guard. It is designed to help soldiers pursue higher education goals and improve their professional skills. The program covers up to 100% of tuition and authorized fees.
Currently, the program offers up to $250 per semester hour, with an annual cap of $4,000. This assistance can be used for associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees, making advanced education more accessible. Many states also offer their own tuition assistance programs, which can be used in conjunction with federal aid for even greater support.
Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
The Montgomery GI Bill for the Selected Reserve is another valuable tool for funding your education. This program provides a monthly payment directly to you to help cover education and training costs. It applies to college degrees, technical or vocational courses, and various licensing programs.
To be eligible, you must have a six-year service obligation in the Selected Reserve. The monthly payment rate changes periodically, so it’s good to check the current rates. This benefit is a flexible way to support your educational journey while serving.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
If you have completed at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001, you may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This is one of the most generous education benefits offered by the armed forces. It can cover full tuition and fees at public schools, provide a monthly housing allowance, and offer a stipend for books and supplies.
The percentage of the benefit you receive depends on the total length of your active duty service. A key feature of this bill is the ability to transfer unused benefits to a spouse or children under certain conditions. This makes it a powerful tool for family educational planning.
Healthcare Benefits for National Guard Members
Access to quality health care is a priority, and the National Guard provides excellent options. These benefits ensure that you and your family have medical coverage. The plans are often more affordable than comparable civilian options.
TRICARE Reserve Select
TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) is a premium-based health plan available to qualified members of the Selected Reserve and their families. It provides comprehensive and affordable health coverage. You can see any TRICARE-authorized provider, giving you flexibility and access to a wide network.
TRS covers most medical needs, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive care. The monthly premiums for TRS are considerably lower than what many would pay for a civilian plan with similar coverage. This makes it a fantastic option for a guard soldier or air guard member who needs reliable insurance.
Dental and Vision Insurance
Beyond standard medical care, you can also enroll in dental and vision insurance plans. The TRICARE Dental Program offers cost-effective coverage for a wide range of dental services. The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) provides additional options for comprehensive vision care for service members and their families.
Financial Benefits for National Guard Members
Serving in the National Guard offers a steady source of extra income and long-term financial advantages. From regular drill pay to robust retirement plans, these guard benefits support your financial well-being. These perks can help you build a secure future.
Pay and Allowances
National Guard members are compensated for their time, including drill weekends and the annual two-week training period. Your guard pay is based on your rank and time in service. You can use an online pay calculator to estimate your earnings.
In addition to base pay, you may qualify for special pays and allowances. These can include housing allowances when on active duty orders or bonuses for certain high-demand specialty careers. For instance, a warrant officer in a technical field might receive additional incentive pay.
| Rank | <2 Years Service | 4+ Years Service |
|---|---|---|
| E-4 | $339 | $412 |
| E-5 | $394 | $467 |
| O-1 | $486 | $608 |
Retirement Benefits
A career in the National Guard can lead to a comfortable retirement. After completing 20 years of qualifying service, you become eligible for a military pension, typically payable at age 60. The retirement system is points-based, with points earned for drills, annual training, and any active duty service.
The Blended Retirement System (BRS) is available to newer members and combines a pension with a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP is a government-sponsored retirement savings plan similar to a civilian 401(k). The government provides automatic and matching contributions to your TSP account, helping your savings grow faster.
Life Insurance
Members of the National Guard are eligible for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI). This program offers up to $500,000 in low-cost life insurance coverage. You can also get coverage for your spouse and dependent children through Family SGLI.
Career Benefits for National Guard Members
The experience and training gained in the National Guard are highly valued in the civilian workforce. From technical job skills to leadership, your service prepares you for success. The enlistment timeline is straightforward, and the long-term career advantages are immense.
Job Training
When you join, you go to basic training and then receive advanced training in a specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC). This training is fully paid and provides you with marketable job skills. Many of these skills are in high-demand fields like IT, health care, engineering, and technical support.
Whether you pursue STEM careers or special forces, the Guard offers specialized schools to hone your abilities. This training is transferable to the civilian world, giving you a competitive edge. For individuals with prior service experience, the transition into a new role can be even smoother.
Leadership Experience
The military structure provides numerous opportunities to develop leadership and management skills. As you progress in rank, you take on more responsibility for other service members and equipment. This experience is directly applicable to leadership roles in any civilian organization.
Networking Opportunities
Serving in the Guard connects you with a diverse group of people from various backgrounds and professions. This network can be a valuable resource for your civilian career. Your fellow soldiers and airmen can become lifelong friends and professional contacts.
Family Support Programs