Prior Service

  • Q: As a prior service recruit, what will my rank be when I enlist in the Guard?

    A: Most E-1 through E-4 Soldiers are accepted back at the rank they held previously, but it is not guaranteed. E-5s and above have to be approved by the Unit Commander/State MILPO. If you're unsure of your grade, it's listed on your DD214 or NGB22. Please contact your local National Guard recruiter or RRNCO for more details.
    Talk to a Guard representative.
  • Q: How will my prior service benefit me in the National Guard?

    A: In two major ways: getting promotions and activating retirement benefits. Whatever military division you served in previously, your accrued time carries over into the Guard toward your overall military career. In addition, by joining the Guard, you continue earning points toward activating your retirement benefits. Your Montgomery G.I. Bill will also be extended upon enlistment.
    Learn more from a Guard representative.
  • Q: As a prior service recruit, will I need to attend Basic Training?

    A: Every recruit who has not completed Army or Marine Corps Basic Training has to attend the Army's 10-week Basic Combat Training (BCT). The only exceptions are prior service USAF and USN Special Operations (SPECOPS) personnel. Your recruiter can explain this in detail.
    Talk to a Guard representative.
  • Q: As a prior service recruit, will I receive a re-enlistment bonus?

    A: In most cases, prior service recruits are eligible for a bonus of $5,000 for a six-year commitment, and $2,500 for a three-year enlistment.
    Talk to a Guard representative.
  • Q: Can my Separation Code keep me from re-enlisting?

    A: Your Separation Code reflects your status at the time you were discharged from prior service. Several factors—such as a change in your personal situation, the length of time out of the service, or even the branch in which you served—can affect your current eligibility status. Your Recruiter should be able to tell you if you qualify for re-enlistment in the Guard.
    Talk to a Guard representative.
  • Q: Have I served too long already to qualify for a bonus?

    A: You can't have more than 16 years total prior military service when you enlist in the Guard. You'll also need to have received an honorable discharge for all prior periods of service. Your Recruiter can answer any specific questions.
    Talk to a Guard representative.
  • Q: As a prior service Soldier, can I qualify for the Student Loan Repayment Program?

    A: Prior service enlistees can qualify for up to $50,000 in student loan repayments. You'll need to reenlist for not less than 6 years, enlist in a deployable unit, and have at least one existing, qualifying loan at the time of your re-enlistment. Ask your recruiter about other requirements.
    Learn more about education benefits.
  • Q: As a prior service Soldier, will I keep my rank?

    A: Prior service personnel are not automatically guaranteed to enter at the same rank they held when they were discharged. Most E-1 through E-4 Soldiers are accepted back at the rank they held previously—but again, it is not guaranteed. E-5s and above have to be approved by the Unit Commander/State MILPO. If you’re unsure of your previous grade, it will be listed on your DD-214 or NGB22. Please contact your local National Guard recruiter or RRNCO for more details.
  • Q: As a prior service recruit, is there an enlistment bonus?

    A: Yes. Prior service personnel may qualify for a $5,000 Reserve Affiliation Bonus for a six-year commitment. A $2,500 bonus is available for a three-year commitment.

     
  • Q: Will my National Guard service count toward my military retirement benefits?

    A: Yes, provided you can complete 20 years of total military service by age 60, including service in any branch, your Guard time will be added to your prior military service and count toward your retirement benefits.

     
    Learn more about retirement benefits.
  • Q: What is a good reason for me to join the Guard after getting off Active Duty?

    Joining the National Guard after your Active Duty service is a great way to continue serving your country in a part-time status. National Guard Soldiers get good pay (the equivalent of four days of Active Duty for a weekend spent drilling) and great benefits, and continue building toward a military retirement. So no matter what your goals are for "life after Active Duty," you can achieve them in the National Guard.
  • Q: Where can I obtain a copy of my DD-214?

    You can request a copy of your DD-214 from your state War Records department. Veterans can also gain access to their DD-214 online, through the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) website.
  • Q: How much is the payment per month for TRICARE?

    TRICARE Reserve Select premium rates are established annually on a calendar-year basis. You are required to pay the monthly premiums if you decide to enroll in TRICARE Reserve Select. The 2011 monthly premiums are:
    TRS Member-Only coverage: $53.16 per month
    TRS Member-and-Family coverage: $197.76 per month