You will probably have some questions. Following are some frequently asked questions about the Army National Guard.
When do my education benefits begin?
Some benefits begin as soon as you enlist in the Army National Guard. This includes free SAT and GRE testing, CLEP exams, and Federal Tuition Assistance. You will be eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill Kicker (a supplement to the Montgomery GI Bill) upon completion of your initial active duty for training (basic and advanced individual training).
Will I be able to go to college while I’m in the Army National Guard?
Absolutely! Thousands of Army National Guard members are successfully pursuing college studies and/or full-time jobs while earning pay and benefits in the Army National Guard. Your basic Army National Guard duty commitment is generally one weekend per month and two weeks during the summer. You can go straight to college, full or part-time, and complete most of your military obligation by the time you graduate from college.
Where will I be required to perform duty while in college and after graduation?
The Army National Guard is in every state and territory. There are more than 3,200 units located in more than 2,000 communities across the nation. Each state has a unique force structure with varying numbers of units, personnel, armories, and training sites. Wherever you go to school, there is probably an Army National Guard unit nearby.
Transfers within the Army National Guard are handled by the units involved on a case-by-case basis. Factors such as unit needs, individual skills, unit locations, and career goals are considered. If you move more than 50 miles away from your unit, you may transfer to a closer unit. If you move to another state or territory, you can transfer to a National Guard unit at your new location. Many cities have their own armory where the National Guard conducts training. This means you can join a unit close to wherever you want to live. The Army National Guard offers you every opportunity to continue your military career and serve with distinction.
How will my membership in the Army National Guard affect my civilian job?
Generally, membership in the Army National Guard has a positive influence on civilian jobs. Many employers seek the skills and leadership that you acquire in the Army National Guard. Some soldiers find that their civilian and military jobs complement each other while others seek to add diversity to their lives and skills by serving in a capacity that is quite different than their civilian occupation.
What happens if the unit is deployed while I am a student?
There is a possibility that your unit will be deployed while you are in school. In the event of a mobilization, you may have to put your studies on hold until after the deployment. Most schools will allow you to take an incomplete for work not completed, and some institutions will even refund your tuition for a semester in which you are deployed. However, in most cases, if you are in the ROTC Simultaneous Membership Program, you will not be deployed with your unit in the event of mobilization.
What happens if I do not earn my degree in four years?
If you have not finished your degree by the time your educational benefits run out, you will need to complete your degree at your own expense. You will still have your Army National Guard paycheck to help pay your expenses.
Where do I go for answers to other questions I have?
You can call 1-800-GO-GUARD or contact an Army National Guard recruiter near your home for more information about Army National Guard programs and opportunities. You can also contact the Education Services Officer (ESO) in your state. ESOs can help with the Montgomery GI Bill, tuition assistance procedures and other educational concerns.