When you join the Army National Guard, you will receive some amazing benefits that you will not receive in any other part-time job. Here are some of the benefits that come with membership in the Army National Guard:
Additional Income
You will receive four days’ pay each month for one weekend of work. During your two weeks of annual training, you will receive an additional paycheck for your two weeks of duty. During all periods of active duty you will be furnished lodging, transportation, medical coverage, meals, uniforms, and of course, you will also be paid a housing allowance to help you pay your rent.
You will receive a “longevity” pay raise every two years—even though you work only approximately 63 days each year. Of course, you will also have opportunities for promotion.
As soon as you join the Army National Guard, let your friends know about your decision. They may also be able to take advantage of the many opportunities and benefits offered by membership in the Army National Guard. By referring your friends, you may be eligible for an immediate promotion. For example, if you refer one qualified prospect who enlists in the Army National Guard, you will receive an immediate promotion to E-2. If you refer two qualified prospects who enlist, you will be promoted to E-3. These early promotions mean additional money and could expedite future promotions. See your recruiter for more information.
Military Exchange and Commissary
You will have use of the Post Exchange (PX) and Commissary where you will save an average of 20-25 percent on groceries and personal items.
You will be entitled to use the military’s regional recreation facilities which usually include a gym with the latest equipment, baseball field, basketball & tennis courts, swimming pool, and library—all at no cost to you—anytime you want to use them. A golf course, bowling alley, and movie theater may also be available at discount rates. In addition to Army facilities, the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard will also permit you to use their facilities.
You will be eligible for worldwide temporary lodging facilities that you can take advantage of when you travel for personal reasons.
Army National Guard unit members are entitled to travel, at no charge and on a space-available basis, on military controlled aircraft within and between the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.
You will be eligible to apply for a low-cost home loan, with no money down, after you have served for six years.
Army National Guard lawyers will prepare your will and power of attorney at no cost to you.
You can purchase low-cost life insurance through Servicemembers Group Life Insurance. The rate for $250,000 maximum coverage is $16.25 per month.
You will have a retirement program after 20 years of part-time employment—and you will not have to make any monetary contribution to this program. You will also receive most of your benefits right away. At age 60 you will start receiving a monthly retirement check and health care that will continue for the rest of your life.
If you move, you will be permitted to relocate to any other state in the U.S., or its territories, at your request, and do so without a loss in benefits, pay or tenure.
Annual Earnings in the Army National Guard