How much do national guard make?

How Much Do National Guard Make?

The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces, consisting of both Army and Air National Guard units. Serving in the National Guard offers many benefits, including the opportunity to serve your country, gain valuable skills, and receive education and training benefits. One of the most common questions potential recruits ask is "How much do National Guard make?" In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide an overview of the compensation and benefits package offered by the National Guard.

Basic Pay

The National Guard offers a basic pay scale that is based on rank and time in service. Here is a breakdown of the basic pay rates for National Guard soldiers and airmen:

Additional Pay

In addition to basic pay, National Guard members may also receive additional forms of compensation, including:

• Allowances: These are fixed amounts paid to cover expenses such as food, housing, and clothing. The National Guard offers several types of allowances, including:

  • Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
  • Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
  • Clothing Allowance

• Bonuses: The National Guard offers various bonuses to attract and retain personnel, including:

  • Enlistment bonuses
  • Re-enlistment bonuses
  • Education bonuses

• Special Pay: The National Guard offers special pay for certain jobs or activities, including:

  • Flight pay
  • Hazardous duty pay
  • Diving pay

Benefits

Serving in the National Guard offers many benefits beyond compensation, including:

• Education Benefits: The National Guard offers education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Army National Guard’s Education Assistance Program.
• Healthcare: National Guard members are eligible for TRICARE, the military’s healthcare program.
• Home Loan Guarantees: The National Guard offers home loan guarantees to help members purchase or refinance a home.
• Veterans’ Preference: National Guard members are eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for federal jobs.
• Counseling and Support: The National Guard offers counseling and support services to help members cope with the stresses of military service.

Comparison to Active Duty

The National Guard offers a similar compensation package to the active duty military, with some differences. Here are a few key differences:

• Basic Pay: National Guard basic pay is slightly lower than active duty pay, but the difference is minimal.
• Allowances: National Guard allowances are typically lower than active duty allowances.
• Bonuses: The National Guard offers fewer bonuses than the active duty military.
• Benefits: The National Guard offers many of the same benefits as the active duty military, including education benefits and healthcare.

Conclusion

The National Guard offers a competitive compensation and benefits package to its members, with a basic pay scale that is similar to the active duty military. Additional forms of compensation, including allowances, bonuses, and special pay, can significantly increase a National Guard member’s income. In addition to compensation, the National Guard offers many benefits, including education benefits, healthcare, and home loan guarantees. While there are some differences between the National Guard and active duty compensation packages, the National Guard offers a unique opportunity to serve your country while still having a civilian career.

Table: National Guard Compensation and Benefits

Note: Figures are subject to change and may not reflect current rates.