How Much Do You Make in the National Guard?
The National Guard is a unique branch of the US military that serves both as a reserve force for the military and a state-based defense force. Membership in the National Guard provides a sense of pride and purpose, as well as a steady paycheck. In this article, we’ll dive into the answer to the question: how much do you make in the National Guard?
Basic Military Pay
As a National Guard member, your salary is based on your military rank and the number of years you’ve served. Here’s a breakdown of the basic military pay scales for National Guard members:
| Rank | Pay Scale (per month) |
|---|---|
| Private (E1) | $181.04 – $215.12 |
| Private First Class (E2) | $206.28 – $244.24 |
| Specialist/Corporal (E4) | $241.92 – $283.44 |
| Sergeant (E5) | $272.28 – $325.12 |
| Staff Sergeant (E6) | $303.12 – $364.44 |
| Sergeant First Class (E7) | $333.68 – $401.08 |
| Master Sergeant (E8) | $364.44 – $439.92 |
| Senior Master Sergeant (E9) | $403.64 – $494.36 |
| Chief Master Sergeant (E9) | $444.84 – $554.44 |
| First Sergeant (E8/E9) | $454.40 – $574.48 |
| Command Sergeant Major (E9) | $504.40 – $644.48 |
Note: These pay scales are based on the 2022 Pay Scale and may change in future years.
bonuses and Incentives
In addition to basic military pay, the National Guard offers various bonuses and incentives to attract and retain personnel. These include:
• Enlistment Bonuses: Up to $20,000 or more for enlistment
• Re-enlistment Bonuses: Up to $10,000 or more for re-enlistment
• Combat Pay: Up to $10,000 or more per year for deployments or combat zones
• Special Duty Pay: Additional pay for performing special duties, such as aviation, linguistics, or law enforcement
• Retirement Pay: A generous retirement package for eligible service members
Other Compensation
As a National Guard member, you may be eligible for other forms of compensation, including:
• Education Benefits: Free or reduced-cost education and training through the Montgomery GI Bill and the National Guard Education Assistance Program
• Healthcare Benefits: Access to quality healthcare and medical benefits through the Defense Health Agency
• Home Loan Benefits: Advantageous home loan rates and terms through the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Travel Pay: Reimbursement for travel expenses for training, deployment, or other official business
Comparison to Active Duty Military
It’s natural to compare National Guard pay to Active Duty military pay. However, keep in mind that National Guard members typically work part-time and have different benefits and requirements. According to the Military Compensation Program, here’s a general comparison of pay scales for National Guard members and Active Duty personnel:
| Rank | National Guard Pay Scale | Active Duty Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| E1 | $181.04 – $215.12 | $1,733.32 – $2,031.20 |
| E4 | $241.92 – $283.44 | $2,433.84 – $2,847.08 |
| E7 | $333.68 – $401.08 | $4,351.36 – $5,034.04 |
Conclusion
So, how much do you make in the National Guard? The answer is it depends on your rank, years of service, and other factors. While pay may not be as lucrative as Active Duty military service, the National Guard offers a unique combination of flexible scheduling, education benefits, and other incentives that can be attractive to those considering military service. With competitive pay scales and a generous retirement package, the National Guard can provide a sense of purpose and financial stability for those who serve.
Additional Resources
- National Guard Pay Scale
- Military Compensation Program
- National Guard Education Benefits
- National Guard Travel Pay
