How Much Does the National Guard Make?
The National Guard is a reserve military force that comprises citizen-soldiers from all 50 states and three territories. Members of the National Guard can work part-time or full-time, and their pay scales vary depending on their branch, rank, and work status. In this article, we’ll delve into the different pay scales for the National Guard, including what full-time and part-time guardsmen can expect.
Full-Time National Guardsmen
Full-time National Guardsmen are employed in the Guard full-time and receive a salary similar to active-duty military personnel. Here are the basic pay scales for full-time National Guardsmen:
| Rank | Starting Monthly Pay | Starting Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|
| E1 (Private) | $1,733.30 | $20,801.60 |
| E2 (Private First Class) | $1,933.30 | $23,201.60 |
| E3 (Private First Class) | $2,043.30 | $24,516.00 |
| E4 (Corporal) | $2,193.30 | $26,116.00 |
| E5 (Sergeant) | $2,353.30 | $28,246.80 |
| E6 (Staff Sergeant) | $2,553.30 | $30,660.00 |
| E7 (Sergeant First Class) | $2,933.30 | $35,112.00 |
| O1 (Second Lieutenant) | $3,103.30 | $37,236.00 |
| O2 (First Lieutenant) | $3,343.30 | $40,224.00 |
| O3 (Captain) | $3,583.30 | $43,184.00 |
| O4 (Major) | $4,023.30 | $48,268.00 |
| O5 (Lieutenant Colonel) | $4,463.30 | $53,568.00 |
| O6 (Colonel) | $5,003.30 | $60,038.00 |
| O7 (Brigadier General) | $6,103.30 | $73,326.00 |
| O8 (Major General) | $7,603.30 | $91,032.00 |
| O9 (Lieutenant General) | $10,103.30 | $121,336.00 |
Part-Time National Guardsmen
Part-time National Guardsmen, also known as drill weekend guardsmen, typically serve one weekend a month and two weeks during the summer. Here are the basic pay scales for part-time National Guardsmen:
| Rank | Starting Monthly Pay | Starting Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|
| E1 (Private) | $184.00 | $2,208.00 |
| E2 (Private First Class) | $234.00 | $2,808.00 |
| E3 (Private First Class) | $264.00 | $3,168.00 |
| E4 (Corporal) | $294.00 | $3,528.00 |
| E5 (Sergeant) | $324.00 | $3,888.00 |
| E6 (Staff Sergeant) | $354.00 | $4,248.00 |
| E7 (Sergeant First Class) | $384.00 | $4,608.00 |
| O1 (Second Lieutenant) | $444.00 | $5,328.00 |
| O2 (First Lieutenant) | $494.00 | $5,928.00 |
| O3 (Captain) | $544.00 | $6,528.00 |
Bonuses and Incentives
In addition to their regular pay, National Guardsmen can receive various bonuses and incentives for enlisting in certain military occupational specialties, re-enlisting, and serving in specific locations or situations. Some of these bonuses can be quite generous, with some guardsmen receiving up to $40,000 or more.
Here are some examples of bonuses and incentives offered to National Guardsmen:
• Enlistment bonuses: Up to $10,000 for enlisting in certain military occupational specialties.
• Re-enlistment bonuses: Up to $20,000 for re-enlisting and serving additional time in the Guard.
• Critical skills bonuses: Up to $10,000 per year for guardsmen who possess critical skills, such as language proficiency or specialty training.
• Environmental hazard pay: Up to $250 per month for guardsmen who serve in areas with environmental hazards, such as nuclear testing facilities.
Education Benefits
The National Guard offers its members education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill Select and the National Guard Supplemental Education Benefits. These benefits can help guardsmen pay for college tuition and expenses.
Here are the education benefits offered to National Guardsmen:
• Montgomery GI Bill Select: Up to $4,500 per year in education benefits.
• National Guard Supplemental Education Benefits: Up to $50 per month in supplemental education benefits.
Summary
In summary, full-time National Guardsmen can expect to earn a salary ranging from $20,801.60 to $121,336.00 per year, depending on their rank and experience. Part-time National Guardsmen can earn a starting pay of $184.00 to $384.00 per month, depending on their rank and experience.
Additionally, National Guardsmen can receive various bonuses and incentives, including enlistment bonuses, re-enlistment bonuses, critical skills bonuses, and environmental hazard pay. The National Guard also offers education benefits to help guardsmen pay for college tuition and expenses.
