Benefits

DRILL PAY

If you choose to serve in the National Guard, you will earn what is called Drill Pay. Army Drill Pay is money you earn while training on weekends during full-time training events. You are compensated hourly for your work completed. Your wages will increase when you climb in rank and years of experience.

TUITION ASSISTANCE

National Guard Soldiers are eligible to utilize both State and Federal Tuition assistance to help pay for postsecondary education.

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

  • The FTA program awards $250 per semester hour for up to 16 semester hours per fiscal year
  • The FTA may be used for an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Certificate program
  • Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (undergrad) or cumulative GPA of 3.0 (grad)
  • Cap out at 130 undergraduate semester hours, 39 grad semester hours, or 21 certificate semester hours
  • For more information, visit nationalguard.com/education-programs/federal -tuition-assistance

State Tuition Assistance (TA)

  • The State TA Program awards up to 100% of tuition
  • State TA does not cover books or fees
  • Guard Soldiers can use $5000 per semester ($15,000 total per year) towards in-state, public institutions
  • Can be used for 132 semester hours or 8 years total, whichever cap is reached first
  • Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5

MONTGOMERY GI-BILL – SELECTED RESERVES

The National Guard offers a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, while pursing postsecondary education. This stipend is directly paid to you, the student, every month that you are enrolled in an educational program (for up to 36 months. This stipend can be spent on books supplies or anything else you need.

INSURANCE

  • TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based comprehensive health coverage plan available worldwide tor qualified selected Reserve members and their families. Members are required to pay monthly premiums and cost shares.
  • The TRICARE Dental Program is a voluntary, premium based dental program.
  • Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Members of the National Guard can opt in for the SGLI, which provides coverage 24/7, whether on official military duty or off duty. Coverage Is available through the age or 60, upon receipt of your first retirement check, or 120 days after a Soldier’s ETS (Expiration of Terms of Service).

PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUR SUCCESS (PAYS)

The U.S. Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program partners with a cross section of private industry, academia, businesses, and state and local public institutes to provide employment opportunities for National Guard Soldiers.

At the time of enlistment, Soldiers have the option to select up to 5 PaYS partners during their enlistment process to interview with. Interviews are guaranteed to soldiers upon completion of their Initial Entry Training. Soldiers are matched to companies based on their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

The goal of the PaYS Program is to provide America’s Soldiers with an opportunity prepare for their future, while they serve their country.

Some of our current PaYS partners include:

  • Excel Energy
  • Amazon
  • Montrose Regional Health
  • AT&T
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Raytheon
  • Cintas
  • Harley Davidson
  • General Motors
  • Mercy Health
  • Boeing