Soldier Tools & Resources

Information For Active Duty Soldiers

You know the benefits of service, because you're living it. The Army National Guard is a great way to continue your life of helping others, while building a more stable and rewarding civilian life.

TRICARE Insurance for Guard Members

Every Guard member is eligible to receive TRICARE Reserve Select, a comprehensive insurance program.

Vocational Opportunities

The Guard can help you or your spouse get training in many fields, including teaching, education, medicine and more. Your recruiter can supply more information about these innovative programs.

Retirement

If you serve 20 years or more with the Guard, you will be entitled to retirement benefits. Because you are able to hold a civilian job during your enlistment, your Guard benefits will be in addition to other benefits.

Life Insurance

Low-cost life insurance plans are available for Guard members and their families.

VA Home Loans

Guard members may be eligible for home loans from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with little to no down payment.

Officers Without Degrees

If you're an officer candidate or company-grade officer, the National Guard can help you complete your bachelor's degree from an accredited institution prior to your promotion to the rank of captain.

Guard Scholarships

The high price of tuition doesn't have to stand in the way of a great education. The Army National Guard provides financial assistance to students who wish to attend college and enlist in the Guard with two major scholarships for full-time students: the Dedicated Army National Guard (DEDNG) scholarship and the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) contract.

College Credit Exams

Earn college credit away from campus and work toward your degree faster by earning credit for what you already know.

Student Loan Repayment Program

The Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) is available to Soldiers and officer candidates (09S) who have one or more qualifying and disbursed Title IV federal loan(s).

Additional Education Funding Resources

There are many resources available to help you fund your college education. You may be eligible for loans, grants, work-study programs or scholarships—or a combination—that can significantly reduce your tuition and other costs.

GI Bill

By serving your state and country, you earn great education benefits. In addition to federal tuition assistance to get your education started, you may qualify for additional GI Bill® benefits.

''GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill."

SAT and ACT

The National Guard will fund one administration of either the SAT or ACT for a service or education requirement. You must take your test at a DANTES test center.

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

The National Guard funds one administration of the GRE General computer-based test (CBT) and one administration of a GRE Subject paper-based test per person.

Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)

The National Guard funds one administration of the GMAT per person.

Educational Counseling Services

The National Guard offers many education benefits and services. And dedicated education counselors at the Guard Support Center (GSC) are available to help answer your questions and point you toward the programs that will help you most.

Find My Education Services Officer

Your state's Education Services Officer (ESO) is a go-to resource for all education-related benefits. If you have a question and they don't have an answer, they'll know where to find it.

State Tuition Assistance

If your state offers tuition assistance, it's often available in addition to federal programs like the G.I. Bill. Check the link, but to be sure you're getting the most current information, you should contact your state's education office.

Military Identification Cards

To obtain a military ID (CAC card) and or dependent ID cards soldiers will need to make an appointment and/or locate the nearest RAPIDS site location, you can visit https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/. If unable to find a location in your proximity, please call the DMDC Support Center at 1-800-538-9552