IN THE WISCONSIN NATIONAL GUARD WE MAKE COLLEGE MORE AFFORDABLE

Earn benefits to help pay for your education

We are Citizen-Soldiers

The National Guard was founded in 1636 in Massachusetts, citizens banded together throughout the colonies to provide safety and defense. We are known as “Citizen-Soldiers” and most of us serve part-time in our own community while going to college, trade school, or working a full-time job. We have participated in every national defense operation from pre-American Revolution to present-day worldwide operations. We are a reserve component of the Army. We are a community-based organization trained and ready to support local communities and the nation.

• We respond to natural disasters and provide protection to our community's citizens.
• We provide services to the community in major emergencies like hurricanes, floods, and COVID-19 response.
• We also send our units to other states to help.

• We assist in worldwide humanitarianism and peacekeeping.
• Our units can also be called to serve alongside U.S. active duty forces in support of worldwide operations.

Factors to Consider

Deciding on a major or field of study is crucial. You need to consider your passions, strengths, career aspirations, and the potential job market demand for the field you are interested in.

Choosing the right institution involves considering factors such as academic reputation, program offerings, location, campus culture, size, cost, financial aid opportunities, and career services.

Understanding your financial responsibility when attending college is essential. This includes considering tuition fees, living expenses, potential student loan debt, scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid.

You should decide whether you prefer a large university, a small liberal arts college, a community college, or an online program. Each type of institution offers unique advantages and disadvantages.

Considering the time commitment involved in higher education is crucial. You should decide whether you want to attend college full-time while focusing solely on your studies or part-time while balancing other responsibilities such as work or family commitments.

Ultimately, you should consider how your higher education choices align with your long-term career aspirations. It’s essential to think beyond graduation and envision how your education will contribute to you professional growth and success.

Plan your future

Education plays a crucial role in opening up opportunities for career advancement and professional growth. By obtaining relevant knowledge, skills, and qualifications through education, you increase your competitiveness in the job market and expand your career options. Higher levels of education are often correlated with higher earning potential. Investing in quality education can lead to greater income opportunities and financial stability over the course of your career.

Educational institutions provide valuable opportunities for networking and building social connections with peers, professors, alumni, and professionals in your field of study. These connections can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and career advancement opportunities throughout your life.

Education equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to changes in your field, industry, or career path. It instills resilience by teaching you how to overcome challenges, think creatively, and thrive in dynamic environments.

Education cultivates critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities that are essential for success in both professional and personal contexts. These skills enable you to approach challenges with logic, creativity, and innovation.

Pursuing education based on your interests, passions, and aspirations can lead to a greater sense of personal fulfillment and satisfaction. It allows you to engage in meaningful learning experiences that enrich your life and contribute to your overall well- being. By investing in quality education that aligns with your goals and aspirations, you can unlock doors to a brighter future and make a positive difference in your life and the world around you.

STUDENT SOLDIER PROFILE

Name: Colin Kenny
Rank:Captain (CPT)
Age: 29
Hometown: Roscoe, IL
Year Joined the Guard: 2013
Current School You Are Attending: UW-Madison
Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2024
Degree: Masters in Business Administration

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WHAT WE OFFER

The Army National Guard Kicker is a supplement to the Montgomery GI Bill and pays up to $350 per month and is worth $12,600. This benefit is for Soldiers that enlist into a high priority job.

Pays up to $50,000 on existing federal student loans that are in good standing for a six- or eight-year enlistment. The total amount will not exceed $50,000 with a maximum payment of 15% or $7,500 of the value or the loan annually (whichever is greater).

This is an optional premium-based health care plan offered to all Wisconsin Army National Guard members, their spouses, and dependents. Single Soldier plans start at $51.95 per month, and family plans start at $256.87 per month. Dental plans are also offered. Single Soldier dental plans begin at $12.36 per month. Family dental plans range from $29.84 to $92.69 per month.

The state of Wisconsin offers $10,000 of free life insurance your first year in the National Guard. Soldiers may also purchase up to $500,000 in low cost life insurance through service member’s Group Life Insurance.

A VA home loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It is specifically for eligible active-duty military, veterans, and surviving spouses. Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers receive this benefit after a six year contract. With a VA-backed home loan, a portion of the loan is guaranteed by the VA, which allows private lenders to provide more favorable terms. VA home loans offer benefits such as no down payments, no private mortgage insurance, and often lower mortgage rates.

FIND OUT MORE

MINUTEMAN SCHOLARSHIP

• Covers full tuition and fees ($12,000 per year) at the participating university of attendance
• Cadet stipend monthly ($420 freshman-senior)
• Book stipend of $1,200 annually ($600 per semester) Guaranteed commission in the Army National Guard with an eight-year service obligation

• Minimum high school GPA: 2.5
• Enlisted or eligible to enlist
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Eligible to participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)
• Meet physical fitness requirements
• Official College/University acceptance letter to valid ROTC campus

Contact your local recruiter for more information.

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