Do You Get Paid to be in the National Guard?
The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces, comprising units from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories of Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. As a part-time military force, members of the National Guard have the opportunity to serve their country while also maintaining civilian careers and lifestyles. Yes, National Guard members are paid for their service, but the compensation is not the only benefit. In this article, we will explore the various forms of compensation and benefits provided to National Guard members.
Basic Pay
One of the primary forms of compensation for National Guard members is basic pay. The pay is based on a member’s rank, grade, and years of service. Basic pay for National Guard members is based on the same pay charts as active-duty military personnel. Here is a breakdown of the basic pay for National Guard members, effective as of 2022:
| Rank/Grade | Monthly Basic Pay |
|---|---|
| Private (E-1) | $1,733.70 |
| Private First Class (E-2) | $1,942.80 |
| Specialist/Corporal (E-4) | $2,330.80 |
| Sergeant (E-5) | $2,621.80 |
| Staff Sergeant (E-6) | $2,931.80 |
| Sergeant First Class (E-7) | $3,341.80 |
| Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) | $3,741.80 |
| Master Chief Sergeant (E-9) | $4,141.80 |
| Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) | $2,931.80 |
| Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) | $3,341.80 |
| Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) | $3,741.80 |
| Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) | $4,141.80 |
Additional Forms of Compensation
In addition to basic pay, National Guard members may also receive additional forms of compensation, including:
- Drill Pay: National Guard members are paid for each drill day, which is typically two days per month. The drill pay rate is $100-$200 per drill day, depending on the member’s rank and time in service.
- Annual Training Pay: National Guard members are paid for annual training, which typically lasts two weeks. The annual training pay rate is $200-$400 per day, depending on the member’s rank and time in service.
- Education Benefits: National Guard members are eligible for education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Army National Guard Education Assistance Program.
- Veterans’ Benefits: National Guard members are eligible for veterans’ benefits, including health insurance, home loan guarantees, and burial benefits.
Benefits Beyond Pay
While pay is an important consideration for National Guard members, it is not the only benefit. Here are some of the additional benefits that National Guard members can expect:
- Health Insurance: National Guard members are eligible for TRICARE, the military’s health insurance program.
- Home Loan Guarantees: National Guard members are eligible for VA home loan guarantees, which can help them purchase or refinance a home.
- Burial Benefits: National Guard members are eligible for burial benefits, including a gravesite, marker, and flag.
- Job Training and Professional Development: National Guard members can participate in job training and professional development programs, which can help them advance in their civilian careers.
- Leadership Development: National Guard members have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, which can benefit them in their civilian careers.
- Travel and Training Opportunities: National Guard members have the opportunity to travel and participate in training exercises, which can broaden their perspectives and skills.
- Sense of Duty and Camaraderie: National Guard members can experience a sense of duty and camaraderie with their fellow service members.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Guard members do receive pay for their service, but it is just one of the many benefits they can expect. Additional forms of compensation, benefits beyond pay, and the sense of duty and camaraderie that comes with serving in the National Guard make it a rewarding experience for those who choose to serve. Whether you’re looking for a career, a sense of purpose, or a way to make a difference, the National Guard may be the perfect fit for you. So, do you get paid to be in the National Guard? Absolutely – and so much more.
