Frequently Asked Questions
No Military Experience
- How is the Army National Guard different from other military divisions?
- Could I be sent into combat?
- What qualifications must I meet to enlist?
- How much money will I make?
- How will this help me in my civilian life?
- How long must I commit?
- What kind of job will I do in the Guard?
- What is Basic Training like?
- Where will I serve?
- When will I serve?
Student
- Can I go to college and be in the National Guard at the same time?
- How is the National Guard different from other military divisions?
- What qualifications do I have to meet to join?
- Will being in the National Guard help me get into a better college?
- Can you help me apply to colleges?
- How much money can I get for college?
- What happens if I'm deployed while I'm in college?
- What are the education prerequisites to enlist in the Guard?
- When and where will I serve?
- How can service in the National Guard help me with in my post-college career?
Prior Service
- As a prior service recruit, what will my rank be when I enlist in the Guard?
- How will my prior service benefit me in the National Guard?
- Will I need to attend Basic Training?
- Will I receive a re-enlistment bonus?
- How likely is it that I'll be deployed?
- Am I too old to join?
- What benefits does the National Guard offer?
- How is the National Guard different from other U.S. military divisions?
- What will my salary be?
- What kind of education benefits can I receive?
Medical Professional
- What will my rank be?
- What are the categories of medical professionals?
- What are the requirements to qualify for an officer appointment in the medical corps?
- What are some of the most exciting job titles in the National Guard medical field?
- What is a Physician Assistant?
- Can I be deployed?
- What are the working conditions like for medical professionals?
- What are the benefits of being an officer in a medical field?
- Can you help with the cost of medical school?
Parent
- Can my child be deployed?
- How do I know if my child can handle Basic Training?
- What is Basic Training like?
- How much money can my child make in the Guard?
- How do I know if my child is mature enough to enlist?
- How will being in the National Guard help my child?
- What enlistment options are there for my child?
- What are the education benefits?
- Will I be able to communicate with my child during training periods?
- Where will my child train?
Chaplain
- Which religions are represented by chaplains in the National Guard?
- What training will I need for chaplaincy in the National Guard?
- Can I join the Guard while I’m still in the seminary?
- What are the commissioning prerequisites for chaplain candidacy?
- What rank will I be?
- Will I carry a weapon?
- What is the role of the chaplain in the Guard?
- What is the chaplain’s salary?
- Are there specialized areas of training for chaplains?
- What qualities make a good chaplain in the Army National Guard?
Officer
- What branch of service will I be in?
- What will my salary be?
- How long will my enlistment commitment be?
- Is there an age limit for officers?
- Do I need a degree to be an officer?
- Where will I serve?
- How likely is deployment in the Guard?
- Is there more than one enrollment option for Officer Candidate School?
- What benefits does an officer receive?
- What are the qualities of a great officer?
Warrant Officer
- How are Warrant Officers different from Commissioned Officers?
- What benefits do Warrant Officers receive?
- What is the likelihood that I’ll be deployed?
- Where will I serve?
- How do I become an Aviator?
- What specialty areas besides Aviation are available to Warrant Officers?
- What is the salary of a Warrant Officer?
- What training do I need to become a Warrant Officer?
- Where will I train?
- What percentage of Guard members are Warrant Officers?
Educator
- Will my students have to postpone college to join the National Guard?
- How is the National Guard different from other military divisions?
- Is my student qualified to join?
- Can being in the National Guard help my student get into a better college?
- Can the Guard help my student with the application process?
- What kind of financial assistance is available for my students?
- Can my students be deployed while in college?
- Can you help my student get a GED?
- Can a high school student enlist before they graduate?
- How can the National Guard help students with life after college?
Active Duty
- What’s the difference between active duty and the National Guard?
- How often will I drill?
- Where will I drill?
- Will I keep my rank?
- What benefits does the National Guard offer?
- Can I make a short-term commitment to see if I like the Guard?
- Can I be deployed?
- Can I change my MOS?
- Is there an enlistment bonus?
- Will my National Guard service count toward my military retirement benefits?
FAQ Answers
No Military Experience
How is the Army National Guard different from other military divisions?
Our mission makes us different. Unlike the other Armed Forces branches, we have a dual mission, meaning we answer to both state and federal governments. So Guard Soldiers can be deployed by either the governor of their resident state or the president of the United States, depending on where they are needed most.
Could I be sent into combat?
Yes. Because of the National Guard's dual state-federal mission, Guard members can be mobilized to protect and defend America in battle domestically or overseas. Should this happen, you'll be trained, ready and prepared to go, mentally and physically.
What qualifications must I meet to enlist?
Age, height, weight, physical fitness and education are the primary factors. We are strict about applicants meeting them, but in some cases, we can help you get there if you fall short. To find out if you measure up to National Guard standards, click here.
How much money will I make?
Your total income is a combination of several things: monthly paycheck, enlistment bonuses, cash incentives, benefits such as medical and retirement, education funding and other benefits. Click on these links to get a read on your bottom line.
How will this help me in my civilian life?
We'll train you for an exciting, competitive career. You'll make great money now, plus accumulate benefits for your future. You'll develop skills that will help you in every aspect of your life, including leadership, the spirit of teamwork, confidence, courage and the seven Army Values.
How long do I have to commit for?
Your total enlistment period will be eight years, but you can serve as little as three, four or six years, and spend the remainder in IRR (Individual Ready Reserve). A recruiter can explain how this works, discuss your options with you, and help you make the best choice for your needs.
What kind of job will I do in the Guard?
That's up to you. When you enlist, you'll choose a job known as an MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) from more than 200 options in over two dozen specialty areas. Aviation, Military Police (MP) and Public Affairs are just a few of the fields we offer. Click here to view a complete list of MOS's and their descriptions.
What is Basic Training like?
It's hard. Intense. Demanding. You'll love it. Basic Training is a nine-week intensive course of exercises and drills designed to toughen you up inside and out. The time is broken down into three phases of three weeks each, designed to take you from an ordinary civilian to Citizen-Soldier. Read more about it here.
Where will I serve?
Technically, it could be anywhere. Most likely, you'll train at the armory nearest your hometown, and if called to action, will remain in-state. However, in cases of catastrophic conditions, such as in Hurricane Katrina, you could be sent to another state to help. It's also possible you'll be deployed in support of combat operations, such as to the Middle East to assist in the War on Terrorism.
When will I serve?
You'll train one weekend per month plus a two-week period each year. For most of the training weekends, you'll be with us Saturday and Sunday only, though occasionally you'll be asked to report for duty on a Friday night. In case of Active Duty, you will serve whenever you are needed and called.
Student
Can I go to college and be in the National Guard at the same time?
Absolutely. Your Guard service is only part time—just one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year. Not only can you attend college full time while you serve, you can even have another part-time job, if you choose to. The Guard leaves you plenty of time for the rest of your life, while providing the financial means to enjoy that life.
How is the National Guard different from other military divisions?
It's our dual mission that makes us different. Unlike the other Armed Forces branches, we’re under the jurisdiction of both state and federal governments, so Guard Soldiers can be deployed by either the governor of their resident state, or the president of the United States, depending on where they are needed most.
What qualifications do I have to meet to join?
Height, weight, physical fitness, age and education level are the main factors in your eligibility. Click here to learn about the guidelines for these qualities, and to see how you measure up.
Will being in the National Guard help me get into a better college?
Possibly. Our financial assistance packages and Education Support Center help prepare you for college—from providing funds to prepping you for entrance exams—so that when you’re ready to apply, you’re organized, your head’s in the right space and the funding is in the bank. With that kind of support behind you, everything in life gets better—including your education options.
Can you help me apply to colleges?
Definitely. Our Education Support Center is a full-service education assistance station, offering not only one-on-one help with the administrative aspects of applying, but also degree planning, distance learning options and much more.
How much money can I get for college?
Enough to pay for your tuition, expenses such as books and supplies, and to repay existing student loans. We take your education seriously, and, like you, make it a priority. From 100% Tuition Assistance, to Student Loan Repayment to the Montgomery G.I. Bill and its Kicker, our financial assistance programs virtually cover it all.
What happens if I'm deployed while I'm in college?
That varies from school to school, but most schools will work with you in some way to smooth out details of that eventuality. College First is an enlistment program we offer that guarantees no deployment for two full years, provided you remain a full time student during that period and meet the other qualifications of the program.
What are the education prerequisites to enlist in the Guard?
You must have a high school diploma or a GED. If you’re still in high school, but are thinking of enlisting when you graduate, it's never to soon to speak to a recruiter about getting started. If you left high school without your diploma, we can help you get your GED with the following two programs:
- General Educational Development (GED) Testing Service
- General Educational Development (GED) Plus Program
It's easy and free. Ask your local recruiter or click here to learn more about how it works.
When and where will I serve?
The standard National Guard training schedule is one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year. If you are mobilized, you'll report for duty as needed. You'll train at the Army National Guard armory closest to your hometown. If you're mobilized, you'll most likely stay in your resident state for duty. However, in cases of catastrophic conditions, such as in Hurricane Katrina, you could be sent to another state to help. It's also possible you'll be deployed overseas, such as to the Middle East, in support of combat operations.
How can service in the National Guard help me with in my post-college career?
These days, a college degree doesn't guarantee a good job. Many recent grads still start out in low-paying positions. In the National Guard, you'll train in for a job in the field of your choice, so that when you graduate from college, you'll have the experience and training you need to skip the entry-level jobs and go straight into a lucrative career. Plus, National Guard experience stands out on your resume, and when employers see it, they know you've got the skills they're looking for—discipline, team spirit and leadership.
Prior Service
As a prior service recruit, what will my rank be when I enlist in the Guard?
Mostly likely, you'll enlist in the Guard at the rank you held when you left your prior military service. If you're unsure of this grade, it's the one listed on your DD214 or NGB22.
How will my prior service benefit me in the National Guard?
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.
Will I need to attend Basic Training?
If you were with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corp, U.S. Air Force or their Reserve Components and didn’t complete six or eight weeks of U.S. Army Basic Training or USMC Boot camp, you will need to attend a Warrior Training Course. Your recruiter can explain this in detail.
Will I receive a re-enlistment bonus?
Probably. Generally, prior service recruits are eligible for a bonus of $15,000 for a six-year commitment, and $7,500 for a three-year enlistment.
How likely is that I'll be deployed?
We can't answer this definitively, but in recent years, the number of federal deployments of the National Guard has increased due to growing crises in regions like Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. Because the Guard has a dual state-federal mission, members can be mobilized in-state, out-of-state or overseas in support of combat operations. If you're deployed while serving in the Guard, you'll be ready.
Am I too old to join?
It depends on your objective in enlisting. If your goal is to accrue time toward retirement benefits, you must be able to complete 20 combined years of service by the age 60. So if, for example, you have twelve years of service already, you need to be no older than 52 to join and receive your retirement. If retirement benefits are not your objective in joining, your maximum age will depend on your specific service history. No two situations are alike. Please speak to a recruiter to discuss how your age affects your enlistment.
What benefits does the National Guard offer?
Along with your monthly paycheck, we offer financing and administrative support for your higher education, retirement benefits, cash incentives, special bonuses, an Education Support Center to help with school administrative matters, free space-available travel on military aircraft, a possible enlistment bonus and much more. Click here for details.
How is the National Guard different from other U.S. military divisions?
We have a unique mission. Unlike the other branches of the Armed Forces, we answer to both state and federal governments. Guard members can be mobilized by either the governor of their resident state, or the president of the United States, depending on where they are needed most.
What will my salary be?
Just as in other divisions of the military, it depends on your rank. There’s a complete list of salaries, including Enlisted Soldiers, Warrant Officers and Commissioned Officers. To find your rank, click on the appropriate category.
What kind of education benefits can I receive?
Financial, guidance counseling and administrative support. Our funding packages such as 100% Tuition Assistance, Student Loan Repayment, and the Montgomery G.I. Bill and its Kicker, can cover virtually all of your tuition and expenses, plus pay off student loans. Our Education Support Center, a full-service education assistance station, offers one-on-one help with entrance exams, paperwork, degree planning, distance learning options and much more.
Medical
What will my rank be?
Your rank will be based on your level of training and your education degree. Physicians generally enter at a minimum grade of Captain (O-3).
What are the categories of medical professionals?
There are four: Dental, Nursing, Medical Specialists and Medical Service.
What are the requirements to qualify for an officer appointment in the medical corps?
There are several. You must meet prescribed medical and moral standards. You must be a U.S. citizen. You need to have graduated from an accredited U.S. school of medicine or osteopathy, or have a certificate from the Education Council of Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). There are several others. For a complete list of requirements, click here.
What are some of the most exciting job titles in the National Guard medical field?
The MOS’s (Military Occupational Specialty) in medicine are virtually all exciting, and all prepare you for a great career in the growing field of healthcare in civilian life. Here are just a few job titles: Nuclear Medical Science Officer. Environmental Scientist. Medevac Pilot. Clinical Psychologist. Click here for details on those jobs, and to view others as well.
What is a Physician Assistant?
The Physician Assistant is part of the Medical Service Corps. In this position you’ll work side-by-side with Guard physicians as the primary medical officer of your state medical command, infantry, battalion, armored cavalry squadron or other combat arms or support units.
Can I be deployed?
Yes. In recent years, the number of federal deployments of the National Guard has increased due to growing crises in regions like Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. Because the Guard has a dual state-federal mission, members can be mobilized in-state, out-of-state or overseas in support of combat operations.
What are the working conditions like for medical professionals?
As a medical professional, you won’t find a more exhilarating working environment than that of the Army National Guard. We use state-of-the-art equipment, emerging medical innovations,and you’ll often find yourself performing in a high-energy tailgate setting.
What are the benefits of being an officer in a medical field?
The financial and other benefits are extensive. Just to name a few: the Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment program (HPLR), bonuses and special pay incentives, Continuing Medical Education (CME) and our Flexible Training Policy. For details on these and other amazing benefits for medical professionals, click here.
Can you help with the cost of medical school?
Yes, a great deal. Our financial programs and other support include a monthly paycheck, the Montgomery G.I. Bill, flexible training and clinical programs to complement your curriculum, and much more. Click here for information about the benefits of serving in the National Guard while in medical school.
Parent
Can my child be deployed?
Yes. The Army National Guard has a dual state-federal mission, which means we answer both to the state governor and to the U.S. president. In times of need, National Guard members can be mobilized for overseas service. When they go, they’re fully trained and 100% ready.
How do I know if my child can handle Basic Training?
New National Guard recruits must meet certain physical qualifications—height, weight, fitness level—to enlist in the Guard in the first place. Basic Training is designed for civilians who’ve met those standards. So if your child is accepted into the Guard, it means we’re sure they’ll handle it very well.
What is Basic Training like?
Basic Training is a nine-week course designed to turn civilians into Soldiers. It’s challenging and rigorous, but develops personal qualities and skills your child will benefit from for the rest of their life. They’ll learn discipline and leadership, develop courage and confidence and grow strong physically and mentally. Learn more about Basic Training here.
How much money can my child make in the Guard?
There are several components to income in the Guard, including a monthly paycheck, cash incentives, education funding, retirement benefits, a possible enlistment bonus and much more. It all adds up to a healthy sum for such a minimal time investment. Click here for more detail about the financial benefits of being in the Guard.
How do I know if my child is mature enough to enlist?
After exploring the many aspects of life in the National Guard, your child’s opinion and your own assessment of their readiness are often a good indicator. But if you’d like additional opinions, feel free to discuss it with a recruiter. No matter what stage of emotional development your child is in when they enter the Guard, they will soon be stronger, more confident and more capable during their time with us.
How will being in the National Guard help my child?
The benefits of service in the Guard include financial rewards, career training, character development, leadership skills and a solid foundation of confidence, capability and courage that will remain with and guide every Soldier throughout their military and civilian life.
What enlistment options are there for my child?
The full National Guard service term is eight years. However, there are several active service options within that time frame. For example, your child can commit to just three active years then enter IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) for the remainder of their term. There are also options of four- and six-year active terms. The exact program you choose will depend on several conditions, all of which you’ll discuss with your recruiter.
What are the education benefits?
We can help your child with the financial, administrative and guidance aspects of his college planning. Because getting a higher education is one of our top priorities, the National Guard offers assistance with virtually every aspect of their education. Our Education Support Center is an invaluable resource designed for this purpose.
Will I be able to communicate with my child during training periods?
Yes. We keep our Soldiers busy, and there won’t be a great deal of time to chat due to the abbreviated training periods, but should communication be necessary, telephone, email and mail are all available and accessible.
Where will my child train?
Training—also known as drilling—is generally done at the armory nearest your resident city. So your child will usually not be far from home. However, if called to Active Duty, they may be sent out-of-state or even overseas for a period of time.
Chaplain
Which religions are represented by chaplains in the National Guard?
All religions and belief systems are welcome in the Guard. To serve as a Guard chaplain, your faith group must have a federally recognized endorsing agency that can issue an ecclesiastical endorsement for you. Typically, you will work with Soldiers from your own faith.
What training will I need for chaplaincy in the National Guard?
Chaplains attend Chaplain Officer Basic Leadership Course, a three-month program at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. This course teaches you to apply your civilian chaplain skills to the Army environment, prepares you physically and mentally to be an officer in the Guard, and covers the complexities of the First Amendment, freedom of expression, counseling, mentoring and leadership. This course can be completed in one block or several phases over a 24-month period.
Can I join the Guard while I’m still in the seminary?
Yes. You don't have to wait till graduation to join the Army National Guard chaplaincy. Training to be a Chaplain in the Guard while simultaneously training for the civilian ministry lets you earn a substantial paycheck while greatly adding to your education and experience.
What are the commissioning prerequisites for chaplain candidacy?
You must be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalized, pass a physical exam, and be between 21 and 42 years old. There are several educational requirements as well—be sure to look over the complete list of requirements for Army National Guard chaplain candidates.
What rank will I be?
This depends on your work experience and education level. Chaplains are officers in the Army National Guard and generally begin their career progression at the grade of 1LT (First Lieutenant). Advanced appointment as a CPT (Captain) may be possible under certain circumstances.
Will I carry a weapon?
No. Chaplains are non-combatant and therefore never carry weapons. The chaplain assistant provides security for the Unit Ministry Team.
What is the role of the chaplain in the Guard?
Chaplains are the spiritual leaders of the Army National Guard, providing emotional and religious support to Soldiers and their families. You'll perform religious ceremonies, offer guidance and help Soldiers adjust to their military lives and experiences.
What is the chaplain's salary?
This depends on your rank. Click here for a list of officer ranks and pay grades.
Are there specialized areas of training for chaplains?
Yes. Because you'll encounter a variety of unique scenarios, we offer specialized training in the following fields: Suicide Prevention, Critical Incident Stress Management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Marriage and Relationship Enhancement and Clinical Pastoral Education (for hospital chaplains).
What qualities make a good chaplain in the Army National Guard?
To name just a few: self-discipline, initiative, confidence, intelligence, physical fitness, the ability to perform under pressure, leadership, the ability to make decisions quickly and complete missions and respect for subordinates. Click here for more about the characteristics of an effective National Guard chaplain.
Officer
What branch of service will I be in?
The branch you’re with will be determined by two matters: your own preference and the unit you’re assigned to.
What will my salary be?
Depending on their rank, officers typically make between $2,000 and $7,000 per month. Not bad for part-time work! Check out the officer salary chart.
How long will my enlistment commitment be?
Six years.
Is there an age limit for officers?
You must be at least 18 and not more than 41 years old to become an officer in the Army National Guard. Waivers may be authorized—speak to a recruiter for details.
Do I need a degree to be an officer?
No. But you do need to have 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university prior to enlistment or Officer Candidate School enrollment. To commission to 2LT you must have a total of 90 semester hours from an accredited college or university.
Where will I serve?
This depends on your unit, available positions and where your skills are most needed.
How likely is deployment in the Guard?
We can't give an exact figure, but in recent years federal deployments of National Guard members have become more common due to growing crises in regions like Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. The Guard's dual state-federal mission means you may be deployed.
Is there more than one enrollment option for Officer Candidate School?
Yes. There are three options: State OCS, Federal OCS and Accelerated OCS, each with its own timeline. You’ll choose based on your personal situation, including job requirements, time available and family obligations. To find out more about these options, contact your local recruiter.
What benefits does an officer receive?
A monthly paycheck, a substantial Officer Accession Bonus, financial assistance for continuing education, free space-available travel on military aircraft and much more. Take a closer look at the National Guard officer benefits here.
What are the qualities of a great officer?
Being an officer in the National Guard requires a combination of personal and professional characteristics. Leadership skills, exceptional integrity, self-discipline, confidence and courage, the ability to make quick decisions and the willingness to accept moral responsibility for those decisions are just a few of the qualities officers must possess. Read more about the details here.
Warrant Officer
How are Warrant Officers different from Commissioned Officers?
Warrant Officers (WOs) are a unique group. They are, in fact, Commissioned Officers, but they're also considered to be in a class by themselves due to their highly specialized technical expertise in specific areas. Put another way: Commissioned Officers are generalists, WOs are specialists.
What benefits do Warrant Officers receive?
The benefits for Warrant Officers are stellar. In addition to your monthly paycheck, there's the Officer Accession Bonus (click here for current dollar amount), financing for higher education, tax-free shopping and recreation privileges at the bases, free travel on military aircraft when space is available, low-cost life insurance, retirement benefits and much more. Click here for details.
What is the likelihood that I'll be deployed?
There's no precise answer to this. However, the possibility that Guard members will be called to Active Duty has increased in recent years due to growing crises—Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and other regions. If you are deployed while serving in the Guard, you’ll be ready and able.
Where will I serve?
This depends on your area of expertise, and where your skills are most needed. Warrant Officers serve in all areas of the Army, from tactical levels to command operations. They also enjoy positions on the Army Staff at the Pentagon, Department of Defense, Joint Organizations and other military divisions in Washington. As a Warrant Officer in the Army National Guard, you’ll discover open doors everywhere.
How do I become an Aviator?
If a career in aviation is your goal, becoming a Warrant Officer is first-class ticket. Warrant Officers fly highly advanced aircraft like the UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and AH-64A Apache helicopters. Along with other requisite training, you’ll attend the Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) program to attain your piloting skills.
What specialty areas besides Aviation are available to Warrant Officers?
Branches besides Aviation include Military Intelligence, Medical Service, Special Forces, Ordnance and Field Artillery. For a complete list of MOS fields for Warrant Officers, click here.
What is the salary of a Warrant Officer?
Your salary as a Warrant Officer will depend on your rank. There are five ranks and five corresponding pay grades for Warrant Officers in the National Guard: WO1–WO5. For detailed salary information, click here.
What training do I need to become a Warrant Officer?
You must have a high school diploma, undergo the National Guard’s nine-week Basic Combat Training (BCT) course as an Enlisted Soldier and attend Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) at Fort Rucker, AL. Read more about requirements, including age, citizenship and test scores, here.
Where will I train?
Once selected for the Warrant Officer program, you’ll attend Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) in Fort Rucker, AL.
What percentage of Guard members are Warrant Officers?
Warrant Officers comprise about two percent of total Army personnel, and about 11 percent of Army Commissioned Officers. So as you can see, they’re not only a distinguished, prestigious group but a rare breed as well.
Educator
Will my students have to postpone college to join the National Guard?
No. Their Guard service will be part time, leaving plenty of time for college and even another job. In fact, the Guard can make going to college easier because of our comprehensive financial assistance and guidance counseling.
How is the National Guard different from other military divisions?
It’s our dual mission that makes us different. Unlike the other Armed Forces branches, we’re under the jurisdiction of both state and federal governments, answering to the state governor and the president of the United States. This means they may be mobilized domestically for natural disasters or civil emergencies or deployed in support of combat operations overseas.
Is my student qualified to join?
There are specific enlistment standards—height, weight, physical fitness, age and education level. Click here for details about National Guard enlistment standards.
Can being in the National Guard help my student get into a better college?
Possibly. Our financial assistance packages and Education Support Center offer funding, counseling, entrance exam preparation, administrative support and much more. So when your student is ready to apply, their ducks are in a row, and with that kind of support behind them, their education options improve greatly.
Can the Guard help my student with the application process?
Yes. Our Education Support Center is a full-service education assistance station, offering one-on-one help with the administrative aspects of applying, degree planning, distance learning options and much more.
What kind of financial assistance is available for my students?
In most cases, our financial assistance programs will virtually cover their entire higher education. Programs like 100% Tuition Assistance, Student Loan Repayment, and the Montgomery G.I. Bill pay for tuition, expenses such as books and supplies and even repay any student loans they may acquire.
Can my students be deployed while in college?
Yes. That's why we recommend College First. This program is an enlistment option that offers a guarantee of no deployment for two full years, provided the student remains in school full time and meets the other qualifications of the program.
Can you help my student get a GED?
Yes. We have an excellent GED program that’s both easy and free. Take a look at these services, and ask a recruiter how they work:
- General Educational Development (GED) Testing Service
- General Educational Development (GED) Plus Program
Can a high school student enlist before they graduate?
Yes. High school students can enlist and undergo Basic Combat Training (BCT) and drill periods prior to graduating but can’t begin AIT (Advanced Individual Training) or be deployed until after they graduate.
How can the National Guard help students with life after college?
A college education is important, but these days it takes more than a degree to get a great job. It takes experience. In the National Guard, they'll train for a job in the field of their choice, so that by the time they graduate from college, their career will be well underway. Also, National Guard experience stands out on a résumé—when employers see it, they know this is someone they can count on.
Active Duty
What’s the difference between active duty and the National Guard?
The National Guard has a dual state-federal mission—we answer to both the governor of the state and the president of the United States. Most likely, if you’re mobilized, it will be to assist in natural disasters and civil disturbances in your resident state. However, you can also be deployed in support of combat operations overseas.
How often will I drill?
The National Guard is a part-time commitment. Your drill periods typically consist of one weekend per month, and one annual two-week period.
Where will I drill?
That depends on a combination of things, including your current MOS, what you want to do in the Guard, and where you'd like to serve. Typically, it will be at an armory near your hometown. Talk to a recruiter for more insight.
Will I keep my rank?
Very likely, yes. You’ll probably enlist in the Guard at the rank you hold upon leaving your current military service. If you’re unsure of this grade, it will be listed on your DD214 or NGB22.
What benefits does the National Guard offer?
Along with your monthly paycheck, we offer financing for your higher education, retirement benefits, cash incentives, special bonuses, an Education Support Center to help with school administrative matters, free space-available travel on military aircraft, a possible enlistment bonus and much more. Click here for details.
Can I make a short-term commitment to see if I like the Guard?
Yes. Try One is an enlistment option available to active duty and prior service members with a rank of E-5 or below and less than 10 years of service. Ask your recruiter for details about this convenient program.
Can I be deployed?
Yes. In recent years federal deployments of the National Guard have been on the rise because of growing crises in regions like Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. The Guard's dual state-federal mission means we serve where we're needed most, and should your country need you overseas, you'll be deployed.
Can I change my MOS?
Yes. Please discuss this with a recruiter.
Is there an enlistment bonus?
Yes. We offer a $5,000 Reserve Affiliation Bonus for prior service personnel.
Will my National Guard service count toward my military retirement benefits?
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.
