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 joining National Guard Worth It?
Joining the National Guard should be a great decision to make, considering that it can help you develop personally and professionally. You would become a much better person. The service will give you some of the most challenging times to help you achieve this and experience a positive change in morale.
What are the reasons to join the National Guard?
Top 10 Reasons to Join the National Guard
- Career fields. Just because you join the National Guard does not mean you are going to be fighting the enemy, day after day. ...
- A variety of jobs within each career field. Saying that you want to follow an engineering career path in the National Guard is a great idea ? ...
- Your time in the National Guard will prepare you for a better job in the future. ...
What is the National Guard pay scale?
The National Guard, comprised of 54 militias in each state and territory, is controlled by governors but funded primarily by the federal government. The National Guard Bureau, based Virginia, oversees those state units but does not regulate them.
What benefits do you get for being in the National Guard?
National Guard and ReserveHome Loans.Education.Life Insurance.Disability Compensation.Pension.Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)Health Care.Burial.
How much a month does National Guard pay?
How much does a Soldier make at Army National Guard in the United States? 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.
Do National Guard members 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.
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.
How long is a National Guard contract?
eight yearsThe full National Guard service term is eight years. However, we offer 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.
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.
How long is National Guard boot camp?
10 weeksAll National Guard members must complete 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training, the same boot camp attended by full-time Army Soldiers.
Do you get a pension after 4 years in the military?
You'll need to serve 20 years or more to qualify for the lifetime monthly annuity. Your retirement benefit is determined by your years of service. It's calculated at 2.5% times your highest 36 months of basic pay.
What kind of insurance does National Guard have?
TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) provides qualified National Guard and Reserve members a premium-based healthcare plan, similar to TRICARE Select through payment of a monthly premium.
Do you get a pension after 10 years in the military?
If you are a commissioned officer or an enlisted with prior commissioned service, you must have at least 10 years of commissioned service to retire at your commissioned rank.
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 a DD 1173-1?
Normally, Reserve Component family members and other dependents receive a DD Form 1173-1, the DOD Guard and Reserve Family Member ID card. These ID cards do not authorize eligibility for medical benefits.
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.
What is the title of the National Guard?
Full-time National Guard duty (Title 32) - full-time duty, such as responding to a national emergency or duties as an Active Guard Reserve, where you receive pay from the Federal government.
What are the benefits of VA?
VA health care benefits include all the necessary inpatient hospital care and outpatient services to promote, preserve, or restore your health. Medical, dental, pharmacy, and prosthetic services.
What are the benefits of a service connected disability?
Veterans with a service-connected disability may also quality for other benefits, including: Automobile Allowance, Clothing Allowance, and Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant.
How many days did you serve on the GI Bill?
Post-9/11 GI Bill - at least 90 aggregate days of active service after September 10, 2001, or were discharged with a service-connected disability after serving at least 30 consecutive days after that date.
What are VA benefits?
VA Education benefits provide financial support for undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational and technical training, licensing and certification tests, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. National Guard and Reserve members may be eligible for the following benefits:
How long can you get VA health care?
Returning Service Members (OEF/OIF/OND): If you served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, you are eligible for an extended period of free VA health care benefits, with enrollment allowed up to 5 years from the date of discharge or release.
What is the National Guard's tenth title?
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.
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 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”).
Can you get VA benefits if you are a National Guard member?
Yes, National Guard and Reserve Members who are called to active duty and who serve for the entire period for which they were called are considered as “veterans,” thus making them eligible for a host of VA benefits.
What are the benefits of the National Guard?
Veterans Affairs Benefits for National Guard and Reserve Members. Guard and reserve members are entitled to benefits and services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, just like their active-duty counterparts. The VA can help Guard and reserve members cover the cost of school, secure a home loan or acquire life insurance.
What benefits are available for the Montgomery GI Bill?
Education benefits – If you’re currently serving you may be eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve. If you were called to active duty for at least 90 days since Sept. 11, 2001, you may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the Reserve Education Assistance Program. Home loan guaranties – Guard and reserve members are eligible ...
What are survivors benefits?
Survivor benefits – Spouses and dependent children of service members who died on active duty or as a result of service-related disabilities may be eligible to receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. Other survivor benefits include the Civilian Health and Medical Program and the Dependents’ Education Assistance Program. For details on any of these survivor benefits, visit the VA’s Veterans Benefits website.
How many periods of inactive duty are required for VA life insurance?
Life insurance – To qualify, you must be assigned to a unit in which you are required to perform active duty or active duty for training, and will be scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive duty creditable for retirement. You can also get life insurance for your family and convert your life insurance to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance. Learn more about coverage at the VA’s Life Insurance website.
What is the VA's job program?
Rehabilitation – If you have a service-connected disability, the VA’s Rehabilitation and Employment Program can help you transition out of the military. The program offers counseling services, education and training, job assistance and financial aid. Visit the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment resources for more information.
What is the military onesource number?
For immediate assistance or to access confidential help, call the Military OneSource toll free number at 800-342-9647. You can also contact us if you have any questions. Submit.
Does the VA cover home loan?
The VA can help Guard and reserve members cover the cost of school, secure a home loan or acquire life insurance. Whether you’re preparing for life after military or you’ve already made the military-to-civilian transition, you’ll want to learn what VA benefits are available to you.
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 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…