Up to $20,000 on top of your paycheck.

Up to $20,000 on top of your paycheck.

Learn real-world job skills.

Learn real-world job skills.

Go to college for free + over $300 a month.

Go to college for free + over $300 a month.

Drive your career to the top.

Drive your career to the top.

Get your GED through the Guard.

Get your GED through the Guard.

Pause

Great benefits make the Guard a great deal.

You’ll get a lot out of serving in the National Guard. In addition to the pride of serving your country and community, you’ll learn career skills, earn cash bonuses—on top of your paycheck—and receive educational opportunities you can’t get anywhere else.

Check out these great Guard benefits.

Bonuses 

There are a lot of ways to make extra money in the Guard. You can earn big bonuses when you begin your military service as a full-time Soldier under the Active First enlistment option, or when you go into one of the Guard’s specialized Cash Bonus jobs. And we've got big incentives for officers and healthcare professionals. Learn more about how you can make the most of your Guard service.

Guard Pay 

As a Soldier, you’ll earn a paycheck for every day you serve. Whether you’ve just shipped to Basic Training Basic Training:
Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a nine-week course of intense physical and mental training, during which recruits develop essential Soldier skills, discipline and values.
X
, you’re drilling one weekend a month, or you’re attending annual training during the summer—or any time you’re called up to serve—you’ll be getting paid. And every promotion puts more in your check.

Money for College 

You can qualify for up to 100% tuition, plus over $300 every month—in your pocket—with the Montgomery G.I. Bill Montgomery G.I. Bill:
$333 mailed directly to you every month, to spend on books, housing or anything you want.
X
  and another $350 per month with the Army National Guard Kicker Army National Guard Kicker:
For qualified Soldiers, an additional $350 per month payment for living expenses.
X
. There are also Student Loan Repayment Programs up to $65,000 for certain career fields. From GED GED:
General Educational Development - If you left high school without completing your studies, a GED certifies that you have mastered high school-level skills. The Guard's GED Plus program can help you pass your GED exam.
GED Plus
X
  assistance to graduate exam preparation, nobody beats the Guard for education benefits.

Enlistment Options 

Let your Guard enlistment work for you. Go Active First for a big bonus. Or get started on your trucking career with Drive the Guard. Join the Guard while you’re still in high school with the Split-Training option, or finish your diploma with GED Plus. Or combine Guard service, ROTC ROTC:
Reserve Officers' Training Corps is a college elective that allows you to earn a commission straight out of college as a second lieutenant in the Army. The course consists of both academic classes and hands-on training.
ROTC
X
, full tuition and cash for college with the Simultaneous Membership Program.

Additional Benefits

There’s more! Catch free flights in the continental U.S., enjoy discount shopping privileges at military bases world-wide, qualify for low-cost health coverage and life insurance, and get a home loan through the Veterans Administration. Earn extra cash now when your friends enlist, and set yourself up for later through the Federal retirement plan. Add benefits from your state, and you can see how Guard service really benefits Guard Soldiers.


 — or —