How Much Do You Get Paid in the National Guard?
The National Guard is a reserve military force that is composed of citizen-soldiers who serve their country part-time while maintaining their civilian lives. Many people wonder what kind of compensation they can expect from serving in the National Guard. In this article, we will answer the question "How much do You get paid in the national guard?" and provide you with a detailed breakdown of the pay and benefits you can expect.
Basic Pay
The basic pay for National Guard soldiers is similar to that of active duty military personnel. It is based on their rank, years of service, and time in pay grade. Here is a breakdown of the basic pay for National Guard soldiers:
| Rank | Basic Pay (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Private (E-1) | $1,733.10 |
| Private First Class (E-2) | $1,931.20 |
| Specialist/Corporal (E-4) | $2,103.50 |
| Sergeant (E-5) | $2,325.40 |
| Staff Sergeant (E-6) | $2,544.10 |
| Sergeant First Class (E-7) | $2,863.30 |
| Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) | $3,234.60 |
| Senior Master Sergeant/Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) | $3,584.90 |
| Warrant Officer 1 (W-1) | $3,634.50 |
| Chief Warrant Officer 2 (W-2) | $3,944.40 |
| Chief Warrant Officer 3 (W-3) | $4,244.50 |
| Chief Warrant Officer 4 (W-4) | $4,544.10 |
| Chief Warrant Officer 5 (W-5) | $4,844.10 |
Bonuses and Incentives
In addition to basic pay, National Guard soldiers can receive bonuses and incentives for serving in the Guard. Some of these bonuses include:
- Enlistment Bonuses: The National Guard offers enlistment bonuses to new recruits who join the Guard for a specified period of time. These bonuses can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the length of service and the soldier’s Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
- Re-enlistment Bonuses: Soldiers who re-enlist in the National Guard can receive re-enlistment bonuses, which can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the length of service and the soldier’s MOS.
- Special Duty Pay: National Guard soldiers can receive special duty pay for serving in certain roles or locations, such as deploying to combat zones or serving as part of a Joint Task Force.
- Hazardous Duty Pay: Soldiers who serve in hazardous duty positions, such as medic or explosive ordnance disposal, can receive additional pay.
- Leadership Bonuses: National Guard officers can receive leadership bonuses for serving as officers, which can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the length of service and the officer’s rank.
Allowances and Special Pays
In addition to basic pay and bonuses, National Guard soldiers can also receive various allowances and special pays, including:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): A monthly allowance paid to soldiers who do not live on base or are not receiving free housing.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): A monthly allowance paid to soldiers to cover the cost of food and other living expenses.
- Special Pay for Deployments: National Guard soldiers who deploy to combat zones can receive special pay, which can range from $150 to $250 per day, depending on the length of deployment and the soldier’s rank.
- Special Pay for Hardship Duty: Soldiers who serve in hardship duty positions, such as serving in a combat zone or extreme weather conditions, can receive special pay.
Total Compensation
To give you a better idea of what National Guard soldiers can expect to earn, here is a breakdown of the total compensation for different ranks and time in service:
| Rank | Time in Service | Total Compensation (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Private (E-1) | 0-1 year | $2,733.10 |
| Private First Class (E-2) | 1-3 years | $3,131.20 |
| Specialist/Corporal (E-4) | 3-6 years | $3,503.50 |
| Sergeant (E-5) | 6-10 years | $3,843.40 |
| Staff Sergeant (E-6) | 10-15 years | $4,203.10 |
| Sergeant First Class (E-7) | 15-20 years | $4,543.30 |
| Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) | 20+ years | $5,043.60 |
As you can see, National Guard soldiers can earn a significant amount of money for their service, with the total compensation ranging from around $2,700 per month for a Private with 0-1 year of service to over $5,000 per month for a Master Sergeant/First Sergeant with 20+ years of service. Additionally, National Guard soldiers can also receive education benefits, such as the GI Bill, and other benefits, such as healthcare and life insurance.
Conclusion
Serving in the National Guard can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, with opportunities to serve your country and receive a decent income. While the pay and benefits may not be as high as those of active duty military personnel, National Guard soldiers can still earn a good living and receive many benefits for their service. Whether you’re looking to serve your country, pay for college, or gain valuable skills and experience, the National Guard may be a great option for you.
