benefits
Serving in the National Guard comes with real benefits that support your education, income, health and long-term future. You can serve your state and country while building a life that works for you.
pay for school
The Guard offers education benefits that can help lower or eliminate the cost of college or career training. Whether you are starting school, finishing a degree or learning a trade, the Guard can help make it affordable.
Tuition assistance for college and technical programs
GI Bill benefits for qualifying service
Education support while serving part-time
guard pay
Guard members are paid for training, monthly drills, annual training and deployments. Your pay increases as you gain experience and advance in rank. Serving part-time means earning steady income while keeping your civilian career or education.
Monthly drill pay
Full-time pay during training and deployments
Raises based on rank and time in service
earn bonuses
Some Guard jobs offer bonuses when you enlist or re-enlist in high-demand roles. Bonuses are paid in addition to regular Guard pay, vary by job and state, and amounts depend on qualifications and commitment. A recruiter can help you understand what bonuses may be available to you.
retirement pay
Guard service can help you build retirement pay while maintaining your civilian life through a structured system that rewards long-term service with retired pay, government supported savings and additional incentives along the way.
health insurance
Guard Soldiers can qualify for low-cost health coverage for themselves and their families. This benefit alone can make a major difference for many families.
Covers checkups, care when you need it and the unexpected things that life sometimes brings.
You do not have to serve full-time to get real health coverage. Many Soldiers qualify while serving part-time.
Often costs less and is easier to manage than employer plans or marketplace insurance.
Home loan assistance
Qualifying service can make you eligible for VA home loan benefits with favorable terms. Serving part-time can help you take a big step toward homeownership.
No down payment required in many cases
Competitive interest rates
No private mortgage insurance
The Guard offers meaningful benefits that can reduce costs and create stability — including health coverage, education support and career training. Eligibility varies by job, state and service. A Guard recruiter can help you understand your options.