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Education Guide.8 Tell Me About the National Guard

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Frequently Asked Questions

Joining the Guard

What is the Guard?

The Guard is a military branch that serves both state and federal governments, at home and overseas.

Find out more about the Guard.

How long do I have to sign up for?

Your total enlistment period will be eight years, but you can serve as little as three or six years, and spend the remainder in IRR (Individual Ready Reserve).

Learn more

Can I go to college and be in the Guard?

Absolutely. Your Guard service is only part time—just one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year.

See how the Guard helps with school.

Am I eligible to join the Guard?

Recruits need to meet certain standards of height, weight, age, fitness and education in order to enlist.

Learn about the Guard's eligibility requirements.

Could I be sent into combat?

Yes. Guard members can be mobilized to protect and defend America in battle domestically or overseas.

Learn more about about training.

What do MEPS and METS mean?

MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing Station, METS stands for Military Entrance Testing Site.

Learn more

Guard Pay

Do some jobs pay more than others?

Guard pay is based on your rank and the number of years you've served, along with incentives like hazardous-duty pay.

Contact a representative to learn more.

How much should I make my first year?

Your pay depends on a few different factors, but you won't make less than $179 for every weekend you drill.

Find out more about Guard pay.

Will I earn a bonus for becoming an officer?

Different states may offer commissioning bonuses for critical skill positions. Please check with your local Guard representative for current bonus information.

Learn more about becoming an officer.

If my Annual Training extends past two weeks, will I be paid extra?

Yes, you will be paid for every day you work.

Find out about Annual Training pay.

Career and Jobs Skills

How do I become an officer?

There are different ways to become an officer. If you’re heading to college, the ROTC program is the way to go.

View how to become an officer.

How long will I have to train for my Guard job?

The training period varies for each job.

Learn more

Does the Guard pay for education loans?

For certain career specialties, particularly medical professions, the Guard will reimburse up to $65,000 in student loans.

Contact a Guard representative.

What Guard jobs are available in my state?

Find jobs in your area on our Job Board.

Learn more

Prior Service

How will my prior service benefit me in the National Guard?

In two major ways: getting promotions and activating retirement benefits.

Learn more from a Guard representative.

As a prior service recruit, will I need to attend Basic Training?

If you've completed Army or Marine Corps Basic Training, you won't need to repeat BCT. Most other prior service personnel will need to attend BCT (except USAF and USN Special Operations personnel). Your recruiter has details.

Talk to a Guard representative.

Will my National Guard service count toward my military retirement benefits?

Yes, provided you can complete 20 years of total military service by age 60.

Learn more about retirement benefits.

What is a good reason for me to join the Guard after getting off Active Duty?

As a National Guard Soldier, you get good pay and great benefits, and continue building toward a military retirement—while serving your country in a part-time status.

Learn more

GI Bill

Will my Chapter 1606 benefit be reinstated if I sign a new six-year Reserve Component contract?

A: You are eligible for this benefit only once in your career. Once it has ended, it cannot be reinstated, even with a new enlistment contract.

Learn more.

Will I lose my Chapter 1606 GI Bill benefit when I become a member of the Active Guard Reserve (AGR)?

A: Your Chapter 1606 GI Bill benefit is suspended while you are AGR. You may need to extend your enlistment to have it reinstated once you return as a traditional drilling Soldier.

Learn more.

Does my Border Mission time count for the Chapter 1607 benefit?

A: Eligibility for Chapter 1607 is based on Title 10 Active Duty periods. The Border Mission is Title 32 and not considered a mobilization eligible for Chapter 1607.

Learn more.

If I am discharged due to disability before my 90th day of service, what percentage of my benefits will I receive under Chapter 1607?

A: If you are released from Active Duty prior to completing 90 days due to an illness or injury in the line of duty, you will receive Chapter 1607 benefits at a 40 percent rate.

Learn more.

If I qualify for both the MGIB-AD benefit and the MGIB-SR benefit, can I receive them at the same time?

A: No. You cannot receive payment from more than one benefit program at a time.

Learn more.

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Pay Calculator

Your estimated total for the first year.

*Details

Please understand that these calculations are only estimates and that a recruiter will have the most up-to-date information about benefits.

Because of the broad range of pay options, the Pay Calculator does not apply to Medical Professional Officers.

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Guard Pay

Enlisted

Officer

Drill Pay over 12 months (?) Pay Calculator Drill Pay:
You'll earn a monthly paycheck for drilling locally one weekend each month. The higher your rank and the longer you serve, the more you'll make.

Annual Training Pay (?) Pay Calculator Annual Training:
Annual Training takes place once a year, from 14-21 days (depending on your Guard job). You'll earn at least this much, and you may also qualify for additional allowances.

Total $0

For more info on Guard Pay, click here.

Money For College