How Much Does Army National Guard Pay?
The Army National Guard (ARNG) is a part-time military force made up of citizen-soldiers who serve their community and country. One of the most common questions among those interested in joining the ARNG is how much they will be paid. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the pay rates and benefits offered by the ARNG.
Basic Pay
The Army National Guard offers a competitive pay structure to its members. As a part-time soldier, you will receive a combination of basic pay and monthly stipends. Here’s a breakdown of the basic pay rates for enlisted and officer personnel:
| Grade | Basic Pay ( Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Private | $1,733 |
| Private First Class | $1,834 |
| Specialist/Corporal | $2,022 |
| Sergeant | $2,325 |
| Staff Sergeant | $2,554 |
| Sergeant First Class | $2,924 |
| Master Sergeant/First Sergeant | $3,464 |
| Sergeant Major | $4,094 |
| Command Sergeant Major | $4,714 |
| Warrant Officer | $3,044-$5,434 |
| Officer (O-1) | $3,287-$5,684 |
| Officer (O-2) | $3,747-$6,294 |
| Officer (O-3) | $4,317-$7,154 |
Monthly Stipends
In addition to basic pay, the ARNG offers various monthly stipends to its members. These stipends are designed to compensate for the costs of training, travel, and other expenses related to being a part-time soldier.
| Stipend | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Active Guard Reserve (AGR) | $250-$375 |
| Full-Time National Guard (FTNG) | $300-$550 |
| Annual Training Pay | $300-$550 |
| Annual Vacation Pay | $1,800-$3,600 |
| Holiday Pay | 1.5x monthly basic pay |
Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE)
Members of the ARNG who serve in a combat zone are eligible for Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE). CZTE allows soldiers to exempt combat pay from federal income taxes. This can result in significant tax savings and increase overall take-home pay.
Education Benefits
The ARNG offers excellent education benefits to its members. These benefits include:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill: The ARNG offers the Post-9/11 GI Bill to its members, which can be used to cover college tuition and fees.
- Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB): The ARNG also offers the MGIB, which provides education benefits to active and reserve personnel.
- Tuition Assistance (TA): The ARNG offers TA to cover college tuition and fees up to $250 per month.
Health Insurance Benefits
The ARNG offers excellent health insurance benefits to its members. These benefits include:
- Tricare: The ARNG offers Tricare, the military’s health insurance plan, to its members. Tricare provides comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and vision care.
- Dependent Coverage: The ARNG also provides dependent coverage for spouses and children.
Retirement Benefits
The ARNG offers a comprehensive retirement benefits package to its members. This package includes:
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): The ARNG offers TSP, a 401(k)-style retirement savings plan.
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): The ARNG provides BAH to help cover housing expenses during deployment.
- Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI): The ARNG offers SGLI, a term life insurance policy that provides $250,000 in coverage.
Conclusion
The Army National Guard offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package to its members. From basic pay and monthly stipends to education and health insurance benefits, the ARNG provides a range of compensation and benefits to its citizen-soldiers. We hope this article has provided a helpful overview of what you can expect in terms of pay and benefits from the ARNG. Remember to consult with a recruiter or HR representative for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
