If you join the National Guard, you get the same military benefits as those in other branches like the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. You get education benefits, healthcare and retirement benefits that come with being a part of those serving actively in the military. But you get to serve part time.
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 duties of the Army National Guard?
ranch girl has become the new commander of the Colorado Army National Guard. Brig ... provided security at the winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Over the years, her duties have taken her to multiple wildland fire disasters to include the Coal Seam ...
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. ...
Is National Guard pay considered military pay?
Only the following National Guard pay is considered military pay and therefore exempt from Michigan tax: Weeknight and regular weekend drills. Pay received for riot duty, only if nationalized by the president of the U.S. Public Health Officers pay, only for those assigned to the Coast Guard or who are nonresidents of Michigan.
Does National Guard count as military service?
Individuals serving in the U.S. Army National Guard or Air National Guard are not considered active-duty service members. However, they can be called up to active duty at any time, depending on the needs of the military.
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.
Does the National Guard get military discounts?
Active Duty members, Reserves, Veterans and Retirees – including their immediate families – of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and National Guard receive a discount.
Does the National Guard get the GI Bill?
The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program offers up to 36 months of education and training benefits. If you're a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard, you may be eligible for this benefit.
Why are National Guard not considered veterans?
– A recently signed law gives official veteran status to National Guard members who served 20 years or more. Previously, Guard members were considered veterans only if they served 180 days or more in a federal status outside of training.
What is the average National Guard retirement pay?
At retirement, the Reservist would have a point count of eight years of active duty, 10 years of drills, and two one-year mobilization periods. Their total would be at least, 8×365 + 10×75 + 2×365 = 4400 points. If they retired in 2016, this calculator sets their pension at $1,546.00/month or $18,552.00/year.
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.
Do National Guard get military funerals?
Any person (Active, National Guard, or Reserve) who has completed at least one enlistment or other obligated military service and received an honorable discharge is eligible for Military Funeral Honors.
What benefits do you get after 4 years in the military?
Education and SalaryJob Training. Everyone in the Military is trained in a job specialty. ... Money for College. During and after your time in service, the Military encourages you to advance your education. ... Pay, Allowances and Promotions. ... Vacation. ... Retirement. ... VA Benefits. ... Other Lifestyle Benefits.
How long do you have to be in the National Guard to get the GI Bill?
90 daysYou may be eligible for benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill if you've served on active duty for at least 90 days, whether continuous (all at once) or interrupted (for shorter periods over time), after September 10, 2001.
How long is GI Bill for National Guard?
six-yearMGIB-SR Eligibility Have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve or Guard signed after June 30, 1985. If you are an officer, you must have agreed to serve six years in addition to your original obligation.
How does National Guard pay for college?
In the Army National Guard, soldiers are eligible to for 100% of federal tuition assistance, up to $250 for each semester credit hour, and not above $4,500 per fiscal year. You can also receive reimbursement for related course fees up to $500.
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 legal assistance in the military?
The military services have legal assistance offices available to assist service members with legal issues while the member is on active duty. Typical legal services involve consultation and assistance on wills, powers of attorney, child support questions, family matters, contractual disputes and more.
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.
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 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 is the National Guard important?
The National Guard has many incentives that make it an attractive option for many who are weighing out their options and planning the next stages of their lives.
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.
Is the National Guard full time?
Furthermore, you know a deployment to a different base anywhere in the world is possible without much notice. If you become a member of the National Guard, you are not full-time active duty.
What are the benefits of a National Guard burial?
Here’s a list of 5 VA Burial Benefits for National Guard and Reserve Members: VA can furnish an inscribed headstone or marker at any cemetery, or a medallion in lieu of a headstone, or marker to affix to one that is privately purchased.
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.”.
What is VGLI in the military?
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is available to service members who are separating, retiring, or being released from assignment from the Ready Reserve, or a National Guard member who was covered by SGLI, OR to members of the National Guard or Reserve covered by part-time SGLI who incurred or aggravated a disability while performing inactive duty or traveling to/from duty, OR to members of the Individual Ready Reserve or Inactive National Guard.
What is VA disability compensation?
VA Disability Compensation is a monthly tax-free benefit paid to veterans who are at least 10% disabled because of injuries or diseases that were caused or made worse during active duty military service or active duty for training.
What is the difference between live and survivor VA benefits?
VA Benefits for Survivors? “Live” VA benefits are based on the claimant’s veteran status whereas “Survivors” VA benefits are based on the claimant’s status as the spouse, parent, or child of a deceased veteran.
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 a military technician considered a VA?
Just like traditional National Guard and Reserve members, military technicians are normally in a military status one weekend a month and two weeks a year and are eligible for some VA benefits. They may establish eligibility for additional VA benefits based on the length of Guard, Reserve, or active service.
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 ...
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) ...
What is the National Guard?
The Army National Guard is two things. When activated for a federal mission, it is a Reserve Component of the U.S. Army.
What is family service in the National Guard?
Family Services. The Army National Guard values the support and contributions of our Families across the country. Family Programs not only benefit service members and their Families, but also have a positive impact on a unit's morale and readiness. Mission.
What is the Army Family Action Plan?
The Army Family Action Plan (AFTB) is the Army’s primary tool to communicate to leader’s issues of importance to Soldiers, Retirees, Family members and DoD civilians. It is the people’s perspective of adjustments and improvements that will increase recruitment, retention, and work-life satisfaction.
How many drills are required for the National Guard?
Army National Guard members are required to attend one drill weekend each month and one two-week annual training period each year (usually during the summer). Weekend drills are usually scheduled over a Saturday and Sunday each month, but can occasionally include reporting for duty on Friday night.
How often do you have to pass a fitness test in the National Guard?
National Guard members are required to pass a physical fitness test at least once a year, and are required to conform to the military's standards for height, weight and grooming. What are the service obligations in the National Guard.
What is the Army spouse employment program?
The Army Spouse Employment Program (ASEP) is a great opportunity to attain financial security or to achieve employment.
How does the Army help soldiers build stronger relationships?
Military life places extreme hardship on relationships, especially in wartime, so the Army – backed by Congress - has committed unprecedented resources to help Soldiers build stronger relationships through the Strong Bonds Program. Strong Bonds has specialized programs for single Soldiers, couples and Families.
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…