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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 physical 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?

At this time, the Guard is not paying Officer Accession bonuses.

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.

View all FAQs

Pay Calculator

Your estimated total for the first year.

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