National Guard and Reserve members with active service may qualify for a variety of VA benefits. Active service includes: Active duty (Title 10) - full-time duty, such as, but not limited to, a unit deployment during war, including travel to and from such duty, OR
What is the difference between active duty and National Guard?
Active Duty vs. Reserve or National Guard. What is the difference between someone who is active duty military and someone who is in the Reserve or National Guard? A person who is active duty is in the military full time. They work for the military full time, may live on a military base, and can be deployed at any time.
What are the benefits of a National Guard?
National Guard Benefits You (Actually) Might Not Know About
- National Guard Pay And Federal Taxes. Here’s the part about Guard pay you might not know–Air National Guard and Army National Guard members “will pay income tax only on your ...
- Bonuses For Prior Military Service. ...
- Guard Education Benefits. ...
- SGLI For National Guard Members. ...
- VGLI For National Guard Members. ...
- National Guard Retirement Programs. ...
Is National Guard pay considered active duty pay?
Persons in the Reserve or National Guard are not full-time active duty military personnel, although they can be deployed at any time should the need arise. For National Guards, you earn Active Duty pay any time you’re deployed for any reason.
Does National Guard count as active duty?
a. National Guard Service in ACDUTRA Does Not Qualify as Active Duty. The Army National Guard (ARNG) and the Air National Guard (ANG) operate full-time operational and support programs similar to the Reserves. However, 38 U.S.C. 101(22) provides separate definitions of “active duty for training” for Guard personnel and reservists.
Does guard get paid the same as active duty?
If you are serving as a member of the Army or Air National Guard, you are eligible for regular drill pay, and might qualify for some special pays. If you are placed on active duty your pay will change from Drill Pay to the same monthly pay structure as your active duty counterparts.
Is active duty better than National Guard?
Active duty is a better option for those looking for a secure full-time job with numerous benefits. Reserve duty is a better option for those wishing to serve their country, build career skills, earn extra money, and access military benefits without making a full-time commitment.
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.
How long do you have to be in the National Guard to get benefits?
Generally, you must have 90 days or 24 months of active service (depending on when you served) to qualify. *You are also eligible if you previously completed 24 continuous months of active service prior to the date above, or received an early discharge under Section 1171 of Title 10.
Is it worth joining the National Guard?
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.
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 are the benefits of National Guard?
National Guard and ReserveHome Loans.Education.Life Insurance.Disability Compensation.Pension.Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)Health Care.Burial.
Does being in the National Guard make you a veteran?
Yes, National Guard members can, indeed, be considered U.S. Veterans as of 2016. The Honor America's Guard-Reserve Retirees Act was passed, giving retired Guardsmen and women the chance to earn Veteran status in the eyes of the law.
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.
Which is better the Reserves or National Guard?
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.
Does National Guard get 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.
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 is the National Guard?
The National Guard engages in a number of activities. During local emergencies, National Guard units assist communities endangered by storms, floods, fires, and other disasters.
What is the difference between a reserve and an active duty?
What is the difference between someone who is active duty military and someone who is in the Reserve or National Guard? A person who is active duty is in the military full time. They work for the military full time, may live on a military base, and can be deployed at any time. Persons in the Reserve or National Guard are not full-time active duty ...
What is the role of the Reserve?
The primary job of the Reserve is to fill the gaps in stateside service positions when the active duty forces ship overseas. Members of the Reserve are required to participate in training drills one weekend a month and two weeks per year.
How many days does the National Guard have to train?
As with the Reserve, the National Guard requires training drills one weekend a month and two weeks per year. National Guard members are given Veteran status if they have served for 30 consecutive days in a war zone.
Is the National Guard a full time military?
Persons in the Reserve or National Guard are not full-time active duty military personnel, although they can be deployed at any time should the need arise.
Is the National Guard federally funded?
While federally funded, the National Guard is organized and controlled by state. However, in times of war, the National Guard can become federalized and deployed.
Can the Reserve be deployed?
Deployment. Members of the Reserve and National Guard may be deployed. When scheduled to deploy, they may have extended drill in preparation, resulting in a greater time commitment on behalf of the Service Member.
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 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.
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 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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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 joining the National Guard?
Monetary benefits: There are certain benefits that are available to those who choose to transfer from active service to the National Guard, including bonuses of up to $20,000, retirement benefits, healthcare coverage, opportunities for full-time employment and stabilization support for up to 36 months.
Why is the National Guard important?
The opportunity to build on skills: The National Guard gives you a chance to make the most of all the skills you have learned while serving in the military only in a more flexible setting from within your community. Job security: The skills and experience that you gain while in service are often considered valuable assets by employers.
How to transfer to the National Guard?
How to transfer from active duty to National Guard 1 Gain information from someone in the National Guard. The process of completing a transfer from active duty to National Guard will vary depending on what your current status is, what training you have and the length of your previous service. Most units will have local recruiters who will be able to give specific advice on the requirements for your particular case. 2 Ensure you've fulfilled the requirements to transfer. Requirements include having no adverse action taken against you, such as citations for conduct unbecoming an officer or not being selected for promotion twice in a row. 3 Contact the proper resource. Serving soldiers will need to speak to a Reserve Component Career Counselor up to 180 days before their planned separation date if they want their transition to take place without an official break in their service. Officers who are currently enlisted will need to contact a Silver Siege Reserve Component transition officer to arrange their smooth transition. They will need to do so within a year of their separation date to have a break-free service period.
What is an enlisted affiliation bonus?
Enlisted Affiliation Bonus: Members who are currently enlisted may qualify for the Enlisted Affiliation Bonus if they affiliate directly into a critical role when they transfer from the military to the National Guard. Officer Affiliation Bonus: Currently enlisted officers and warrant officers may be offered an Officer Affiliate Bonus ...
How long do you have to be in the military to join the National Guard?
Even if they only sign on for a set number of years of active duty, anyone serving in the military is required to stay in service for eight years. Moving from active service to the National Guard is one of the ways to fulfill that requirement. Transferring to the National Guard can make the transition between serving in ...
Why do people work in the military?
Working in the military offers plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and move through a clearly defined career path. This is also true of the National Guard, which balances the flexibility of civilian life with the opportunities offered by the armed forces. Some branches of the U.S. armed services will allow their members to transfer to ...
Who can get the Officer Accession Bonus?
Officer Accession Bonus: Commissioned officers and warrant officers who have been newly appointed and are serving in a traditional status within the National Guard could be awarded the Officer Accession Bonus. This applies to officers who have not held a prior commission as an officer or been appointed as a warrant officer.
What are the benefits of active duty military?
For members of the military serving Active Duty, they receive a base salary plus benefits. Base salary increases according to time spent in the military and their rank. Also, they receive benefits such as retention bonuses, housing allowances, and health care, to name a few.
Which is better, active duty or reservist?
Also, active service means you have a full-time job. However, some members wish to have more flexibility. Therefore, serving as a Reservist may be a better choice.
What is the difference between active duty and reservist?
There is a significant difference in the daily lives of Active Duty and reservists who serve in the military. Active Duty members live the military life every day. For example, uniform inspections and regulations are a daily thought. Active Duty can be demanding, especially during times of war.
Why do military branches have reserve units?
The reason military branches have reserve units is to have qualified and trained personnel ready to enter Active Duty if needed. One reason to activate a reserve unit is because of war. Other times a reserve unit is called upon is to help during a natural disaster.
How often do military reserve units report to the military?
Also, a reserve unit might be activated to help in the state or even in other countries. To remain trained, reserve members report to their reserve unit once a month and for two weeks each year for training drills. Related Article – Military Reserves: Details on all 5 Branches of the Reserves.
Where are active duty military stations located?
Image: afrc.af.mil. Active Duty members of the military are stationed at bases located all over the United States and the world. Also, there are times those serving Active Duty have no choice on duty station. On the other hand, Reservists serve close to home.
Do reservists have a full time job?
Reservists maintain a civilian life with a full-time job while earning part-time pay in the military. Also, many members cap off their military service by starting out as Active Duty then switching to the Reserves. Either way, the decision to serve is a respectable choice.
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. Education Benefits 4. Social Support an…
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…