How Long Do You Have to Be in the National Guard?
The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces that can be called upon in times of war or during natural disasters. Many individuals join the National Guard thinking that they can serve a specific period and then discharge, but the reality is that the length of time you serve in the National Guard depends on various factors. In this article, we will explore the ways in which your service period can be determined.
Contents
Enlistment Obligation
When you enlist in the National Guard, you typically sign a contract that states the length of your commitment. The standard enlistment obligation for the National Guard is six years of active duty, followed by four years of inactive duty. This is known as the " Initial Obligation" period. During this time, you will be required to train one weekend a month and for two weeks during the summer.
Active Duty for Training (ADT): As part of your Initial Obligation, you will be required to perform two weeks of Annual Training (ADT) each year. During this time, you will be required to report for duty and participate in mandatory training exercises.
Education Benefits
One of the benefits of serving in the National Guard is the availability of education benefits. To be eligible for these benefits, you must agree to serve for a period of eight years after your initial enlistment commitment. This includes both active duty and inactive duty time. The education benefits include the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and the Hazlewood Act.
| Education Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) | 8 years of obligated service |
| Hazlewood Act | 4 years of obligated service after initial enlistment |
Hazlewood Act Extension: If you are planning to pursue a degree beyond a bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible to extend your Hazlewood Act benefits for an additional 2 years of obligated service.
Commissioned Officer Corps
As a commissioned officer in the National Guard, your obligation period is eight years. This includes four years of active duty and four years of inactive duty.
Reserve Component: As a commissioned officer in the Reserve Component, you will be required to attend drill weekends, annual training, and summer training periods. You will also be required to report for duty during times of war or national emergency.
| Commissioned Officer Corps | Obligation Period |
|---|---|
| National Guard | 8 years (4 active + 4 inactive) |
| Reserve Component | Ongoing, as long as you remain a commissioned officer |
Expiration of Obligation
The length of your National Guard obligation can affect when you are eligible for discharge. If you enlist for six years of active duty, your Initial Obligation ends after those six years are complete. However, if you agree to serve for a longer period, your discharge date will be delayed.
Discharge Options:
- Honorable Discharge: You are eligible for an honorable discharge after completing your Initial Obligation.
- Involuntary Separation: You may be separated involuntarily if you become medically unfit or fail to meet performance standards.
- Voluntary Separation: You may choose to separate voluntarily after completing a certain period of service or achieving a specific rank or milestone.
Key Takeaways
- The length of time you serve in the National Guard depends on your Initial Obligation, education benefits, and commissioned officer status.
- Your Initial Obligation is typically six years of active duty followed by four years of inactive duty.
- To be eligible for education benefits, you must agree to serve for eight years after your initial enlistment commitment.
- Commissioned officers serve for eight years in the National Guard.
- Your discharge date may be affected by your initial obligation, education benefits, and commissioned officer status.
In conclusion, the length of time you serve in the National Guard depends on various factors, including your Initial Obligation, education benefits, and commissioned officer status. It is essential to understand these factors when considering joining the National Guard. By doing so, you can make informed decisions about your military career and plan accordingly.
