What are the benefits of joining the National Guard?
List of the Pros of the National Guard
- It provides educational opportunities. Individuals who are accepted into the National Guard receive an opportunity to pursue an education. ...
- It offers access to the GI Bill. With the GI Bill, either the Montgomery or the Post-9/11 options, there are tuition costs covered and a stipend given for books ...
- It offers job training benefits. ...
What benefits does the Army National Guard offer?
If activated in support of a contingency operation:
- Sponsor is immediately covered by the Transitional Assistance Management Program for 180 days. ...
- After TAMP ends, service members may qualify to purchase TRICARE Reserve Select for personal and family coverage.
- If service members don’t qualify for TRICARE Reserve Select, another option is to purchase the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.
What are the benefits of belonging to the National Guard?
You are eligible for the warrant officer program if you:
- Are between the ages of 18 and 46
- Score 110 or above on the General Aptitude Area Test
- Are a high school graduate or pass the General Educational Development test (GED)
- Are a U.S. ...
- Successfully pass all events on the Army physical fitness test
- Meet certain mandatory technical qualifications for your specific MOS
What does it take to be in the National Guard?
The following are the basic requirements for joining. You must: Be a U.S. citizen or nationalized to be a Reserve or National Guard officer. To enlist, you must be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien. Age requirements differ between branches of service, but in general, you must be between the ages of 17-35 with no prior service (NPS).
What benefits does the National Guard offer?
National Guard and ReserveHome Loans.Education.Life Insurance.Disability Compensation.Pension.Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)Health Care.Burial.
Does National Guard have health benefits?
Traditional drilling National Guard and reserve members are eligible for the TRICARE Reserve Select health plan. The service member may also qualify for Line of Duty Care for any injury or illness sustained in the line of duty, including traveling to and from the place of duty.
Do national guardsmen get health insurance?
Affordable healthcare for you and your family. TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan available worldwide for qualified Selected Reserve members of the Ready Reserve and their families. If purchased, TRICARE Reserve Select is minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
How much a month does National Guard pay?
Average Army National Guard Soldier monthly pay in the United States is approximately $2,647, which is 33% above the national average.
Does 6 years in the National Guard make you a veteran?
Does 6 years in the National Guard make you a veteran? Yes, if you spent at least 180 days of that 6 years deployed on federal active duty orders. A 2016 change to federal law expanded the definition of “veteran” for many National Guard members.
How long do you have to be in the National Guard to get a pension?
20 yearsA Soldier in the National Guard must have completed 20 years of qualifying service to be eligible for retired pay at age 60. A qualifying year is a complete year in which a Soldier has earned a minimum of 50 retirement points.
Is TRICARE free for National Guard?
You'll have no out-of-pocket costs if on active duty, covered by the Transitional Assitance Management Program or getting line of duty care.
How much is healthcare in the National Guard?
1. All qualified members of the selected reserve who purchase health care coverage under the new TRS will pay the same low monthly premium." The new coverage plan will cost $81 per month for service-member coverage and $253 per month for servicemember and family coverage.
Can National Guard live on base?
Overall, military members stationed within the continental United States (CONUS) are authorized to live in government housing based on certain factors like pay grade and availability. In some locations, civilians and members of the general public are also able to lease homes inside of military housing areas.
Is joining National Guard worth it?
For many individuals, joining the National Guard is a great honor. It allows you to travel to different parts of the world without being an active-duty soldier. The lessons and skills you'll learn from the National Guard can translate into a useful experience when finding a civilian job.
Which is better National Guard or Reserves?
If you want to serve with the option of travel, a Reserve job may be a better fit for you than a National Guard option though again, your experience may vary. Active duty service is very tempting for those who want both the maximum amount of military benefits offered and the potential for travel and relocation.
Can I have a full time job and be in the National Guard?
You can have a full time job while in the National Guard because it only requires you to report once a month for 2-3days, but you'll have to go through basic training and AIT to get into the National Guard, Basic Training is 4weeks + how every long your AIT will be depending on the MOS you select.
What are the benefits of being a National Guard?
Some benefits include the following: Job Training. Leadership Development. Education Benefits. Social Support and Networking. Meaningful Service to Community.
How does the National Guard help you?
The Guard will provide you with professional development and an increase in responsibilities in your career. Because of this increased level of responsibility, your leadership skills sharpen. You will learn how to work under pressure in the National Guard, and you will develop your critical thinking skills.
What is the National Guard's job training?
Job Training. One of the many benefits of the National Guard is paid job training. When you first sign up for the National Guard, you will take the ASVAB test. This test is an aptitude test that measures your strengths and weaknesses for specific fields.
Why is the National Guard so slow to promote?
The National Guard tends not to promote its members quickly compared to active duty. The slower promotions are due to the size and structure of the National Guard. Simply, the National Guard does not need as many people to be promoted compared to their active-duty counterparts.
Why do people join the National Guard?
Many join the National Guard to serve their country and their state.
What is the National Guard's second family?
Service members often refer to their unit as a second family. It is the building of these relationships that provide you with support and friendship. Also, this level of social support lends itself to networking opportunities, as well. Also, when you serve in the National Guard, you meet a lot of people.
How long is the GI bill?
The GI Bill is a benefit that benefits those who sign up for a six-year commitment.
Where can I fly with the National Guard?
When not on active duty, authorized National Guard members and reservists, as well as authorized Reserve Component members entitled to retired pay at age 60 (gray area retirees), may fly within the continental United States and directly within/between the CONUS and Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and American Samoa. Dependents are not authorized to travel Space-A with these members. Reserve or Guard members placed on active duty for more than 30 consecutive days may travel Space-A to any location authorized for Space-A travel on presentation of a military ID card, orders placing the member on active duty, and a valid leave authorization or evidence of pass status as required by the service concerned. Dependents are authorized to travel when accompanied by members on active duty in excess of 30 days.
What is a DOD Guard and Reserve Family Member ID card?
The DOD Guard and Reserve Family Member ID card serves as proof that the individual has been pre-enrolled in DEERS. This is an important first step in obtaining family member and dependent medical treatment when the service member is called to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days.
What is the purpose of a DOD ID card?
The DOD ID card issuance process consists of several steps to ensure the correct ID card is issued and the appropriate benefits and privileges are assigned . An important step is the verification of a customer’s identity by reviewing the two required forms of identification and their information in the Defense Enrollment and Eligibility Reporting System.
How long can you be on military duty for tricare?
On military duty for 30 days or less: Service members may qualify to purchase TRICARE Reserve Select, a premium-based, voluntary health plan that provides comprehensive health coverage for the sponsor and family. Traditional drilling National Guard and reserve members are eligible for the TRICARE Reserve Select health plan.
When can you retire from the Reserve?
Service members are generally not eligible for reserve (non-regular) retired pay until they reach age 60. However, any member of the Ready Reserve who, after January 28, 2008, is recalled to active duty or, in response to a national emergency, is called to certain active service, shall have the age 60 requirement reduced by three months for each cumulative period of 90 days so performed in any fiscal year (this qualifying service must occur after January 28, 2008).
Can a retired member travel to space?
For Space-A travel eligibility, once the retirement age of 60 is reached and the member is receiving retirement pay, no distinction is made between members retired from the reserves/Guard and members retired from active duty. Dependents of these retirees are authorized to travel Space-A when accompanied by the sponsor.
Does MWR offer discounts?
Occasionally, local MWR facilities may offer significant discounts on popular local and national family attractions. In most instances, Guard and reserve members and their dependents are eligible to use all facilities on the same basis as active-duty personnel.
What are the benefits of being in the National Guard?
One of the perks of being part of the National Guard is that you stay in your local area.
What Does The National Guard Do?
The National Guard is responsible for responding to both domestic and foreign situations.
What does the G.I. bill cover?
The G.I. bill covers the price of tuition for several different colleges, universities, and even training programs.
How much does the National Guard make?
If you’re wondering how much you can make as a member of the National Guard, then the average salary is $48,477.
What does it feel like to be deployed?
When you’re deployed, you may also feel alone and isolated so far from home.
Do you have to be part time to join the National Guard?
Most individuals who join the National Guard do so part-time.
Do you need to be fit to respond to natural disasters?
You also need to be fit to respond to natural disasters.
How long can a National Guard member serve on active duty?
Thanks to a 2016 change in federal law, a National Guard member who deployed on federal active duty orders for at least 180 days, and didn’t get a dishonorable discharge or a bad conduct discharge, is now considered a “veteran.”.
How many weeks does the National Guard serve?
Traditional National Guard or Reserve members typically include our “Weekend Warriors,” or those who serve one weekend per month and two weeks per year. Traditional Guard and Reserve members may become eligible for VA benefits by fulfilling a service commitment.
What is Veteran Status for National Guard and Reserve Members?
Veteran status is defined by federal law as a person who: (1) Served in the active military, naval, or air service AND (2) Was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
What are the benefits of VA education?
VA Education Benefits provide valuable education and training options to National Guard and Reserve members, including financial support for undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational and technical training, licensing and certification tests, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training .
How long is the post 9/11 GI bill?
The Post 9/11 GI Bill offers up to 36 months of education benefits to those who are eligible, for programs ranging from flight training to undergraduate or graduate degrees.
How long do you have to serve in the National Guard to get a VA pension?
Generally, National Guard and Reserve members must have 90 days or 24 months of active service (depending on when you served) to qualify for VA pension benefits. #3. VA Home Loan Benefits for Guard and Reserve.
Does the VA pay for disabled veterans?
The VA will pay monthly benefits to separated or retired National Guard and Reserve members for disabilities from disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active duty service and active duty for training, AND for disabilities from injury incurred or aggravated during inactive duty for training (formerly known as “Battle Assembly”).
What is the title of the Army National Guard?
Armed Forces and was activated under Title 10 or Title 32 of the U.S. Code, that person qualifies for many of the same benefits provided to full-time military personnel. Reservists in this case would receive ...
What if I was never called to active duty?
If you did not serve on active duty, or if you did not complete your service and were not formally discharged, you would not have received a DD214.
What is the difference between a DD214 and a NGB22?
Reservists in this case would receive a DD214 and National Guard members would receive an NGB22 (Report of Separation and Record of Service), both of which can be used to show proof of eligibility when applying for veteran benefits. Like the DD214, the NGB22 provides a detailed account of an individual’s military career, ...
Do you need a DD214 for the National Guard?
Are National Guard and Reserve Members Eligible for Veteran Benefits, and Do They Need a DD214? According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the majority of National Guard and Reserve members are eligible for some VA benefits, provided they were discharged or released under honorable (or anything other than dishonorable) ...
National Guard vs. Active Duty
Key National Guard Benefits
- Those who serve in the National Guard do so part-time. However, the compensation is fair for hours spent in training or deployed. Those in the National Guard train close to home and maintain a civilian life, all while reaping the many benefits of military life. Some benefits include the following: 1. Job Training 2. Leadership Development 3. Educat...
5 Cons of Joining The National Guard
- For every pro, there is a con. When making life-changing decisions, it is vital to explore potential negative consequences. By knowing the whole story, you are best able to make an informed decision that makes sense for your path in life.
Conclusion
- Decision making often comes down to looking at National Guard pros and cons and making a decision that works for you. First, you will evaluate your personal goals. After deciding if the National Guard is the best fit for you compared to Active duty, it is time to look at the details. Some pros for the National Guard are the training and leadership possibilities. Also, many consi…
Is Joining The National Guard Worth It?
- 1. Learn Trade Skills
Joining the National Guard can be a great opportunity to learn trade skills. If you already have some of these skills, then you can find a great position in the National Guard. Your skills will develop further and give you the opportunity to get hired at a higher pay rate when you enter the … - 2. Affordable Healthcare
Healthcare is a serious problem in the United States. While you’re able to stay on your parents’ health insurance for an extended time, you’ll have to find new health insurance eventually. The problem is that you’re either stuck with the health insurance provided by your employer or hopin…
How Much Does The National Guard Pay?
- If you’re wondering how much you can makeas a member of the National Guard, then the average salary is $48,477. Commanders and other top-tier National Guard members make an annual salary of $97,500. Those in the 75th percentile make an average salary of $56,000. Part-timers, which make up the 25th percentile, make an average salary of $25,000. Keep in mind that part-ti…
What Does The National Guard do?
- The National Guard is responsible for responding to both domestic and foreign situations. It has a unique command structure in that both state governments and the federal government can command it and deploy it for missions. Their primary responsibilities are to respond to natural disasters and to support military efforts overseas. Sometimes they are also called in to help wit…
Conclusion
- Joining the National Guard is worth it if you’re concerned about paying for your college tuition. It’s also a great way to have your first taste of military life to determine if you want to serve in the military later. Since you can work part-time in the National Guard, you’re also able to hold onto your civilian job while improving yourself and serving your country. Consider the benefits listed a…