Intro
Discover US Army National Guard salary ranges, benefits, and career opportunities, including enlistment bonuses, drill pay, and retirement plans, to make informed decisions about your military career and financial future.
The US Army National Guard is a reserve component of the US Army, and its members serve part-time, typically one weekend per month and two weeks per year. However, the salary and benefits of National Guard members can vary depending on their rank, time in service, and level of education. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of US Army National Guard salary, including the benefits, allowances, and special pays that members can receive.
The US Army National Guard plays a vital role in the country's defense and security, and its members are entitled to a range of benefits and compensation. From basic pay to special pays, and from education benefits to health insurance, National Guard members can enjoy a comprehensive package of rewards for their service. Whether you are a new recruit or a seasoned veteran, understanding the US Army National Guard salary and benefits can help you make informed decisions about your military career.
The US Army National Guard offers a range of career opportunities, from infantry and artillery to engineering and communications. With over 450,000 members, the National Guard is one of the largest reserve components in the US military. Members can serve in a variety of roles, from part-time drill status to full-time active duty. Regardless of their role, National Guard members are entitled to a range of benefits, including competitive pay, education assistance, and health insurance. In this article, we will delve into the details of US Army National Guard salary and benefits, exploring the different components of the compensation package and how they can impact your military career.
US Army National Guard Salary Structure

The US Army National Guard salary structure is based on a combination of factors, including rank, time in service, and level of education. The basic pay for National Guard members is the same as that for active-duty Army soldiers, and it is based on the Department of Defense's pay scale. The pay scale is divided into several categories, including enlisted, warrant officer, and officer ranks. Each category has its own pay range, with higher ranks and longer service times typically corresponding to higher pay.
The basic pay for National Guard members can range from around $1,500 to over $10,000 per month, depending on their rank and time in service. For example, a private (E-1) with less than two years of service can earn around $1,733 per month, while a sergeant first class (E-7) with over 20 years of service can earn over $5,000 per month. Officers, such as lieutenants and captains, can earn even higher pay, with some ranks earning over $10,000 per month.
US Army National Guard Benefits

In addition to basic pay, National Guard members can receive a range of benefits, including education assistance, health insurance, and special pays. The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) is a popular education benefit that provides up to 36 months of education assistance to National Guard members. The benefit can be used to pay for tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses, and it can be worth up to $369 per month.
National Guard members can also receive health insurance through the TRICARE program, which provides comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy coverage. The program is available to all National Guard members, regardless of their duty status, and it can be used to cover medical expenses for themselves and their families.
US Army National Guard Allowances

National Guard members can also receive a range of allowances, including basic allowance for housing (BAH), basic allowance for subsistence (BAS), and clothing allowance. BAH is a monthly allowance that is designed to help members pay for housing expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments. The allowance is based on the member's duty location and can range from around $700 to over $2,000 per month.
BAS is a monthly allowance that is designed to help members pay for food expenses. The allowance is based on the member's rank and can range from around $250 to over $400 per month. Clothing allowance is a one-time payment that is designed to help members purchase uniforms and other clothing items. The allowance is based on the member's rank and can range from around $200 to over $500.
US Army National Guard Special Pays

National Guard members can also receive special pays, including hazardous duty pay, jump pay, and dive pay. Hazardous duty pay is a monthly allowance that is designed to compensate members for performing hazardous duties, such as handling explosives or working with toxic materials. The allowance can range from around $150 to over $250 per month.
Jump pay is a monthly allowance that is designed to compensate members for performing parachute duties. The allowance can range from around $150 to over $250 per month. Dive pay is a monthly allowance that is designed to compensate members for performing diving duties. The allowance can range from around $200 to over $400 per month.
US Army National Guard Education Benefits

The US Army National Guard offers a range of education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) and the Army National Guard's own education assistance program. The MGIB-SR provides up to 36 months of education assistance to National Guard members, and it can be used to pay for tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses.
The Army National Guard's education assistance program provides up to $5,000 per year in education assistance to National Guard members. The program can be used to pay for tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses, and it can be combined with the MGIB-SR to provide even more education assistance.
US Army National Guard Career Opportunities

The US Army National Guard offers a range of career opportunities, from infantry and artillery to engineering and communications. Members can serve in a variety of roles, from part-time drill status to full-time active duty. Regardless of their role, National Guard members can enjoy a range of benefits, including competitive pay, education assistance, and health insurance.
National Guard members can also pursue a range of career fields, including cybersecurity, intelligence, and aviation. The National Guard has a range of career development programs, including the Army National Guard's own career development program, which provides training and education to help members advance in their careers.
US Army National Guard Salary Calculator

The US Army National Guard has a range of salary calculators that can help members estimate their pay and benefits. The calculators take into account factors such as rank, time in service, and level of education, and they can provide a detailed breakdown of a member's pay and benefits.
The salary calculators can be used to estimate basic pay, allowances, and special pays, as well as education benefits and other forms of compensation. They can be a useful tool for National Guard members who want to plan their finances and make informed decisions about their military career.
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What is the average salary of a US Army National Guard member?
+The average salary of a US Army National Guard member can range from around $30,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on their rank, time in service, and level of education.
What benefits do US Army National Guard members receive?
+US Army National Guard members can receive a range of benefits, including education assistance, health insurance, and special pays. They can also receive allowances, such as basic allowance for housing and basic allowance for subsistence.
How do I join the US Army National Guard?
+To join the US Army National Guard, you can visit the National Guard's website and fill out an application. You can also contact a recruiter or visit a local armory to learn more about the enlistment process.
What is the difference between the US Army National Guard and the US Army Reserve?
+The US Army National Guard and the US Army Reserve are both reserve components of the US Army, but they have different mission sets and requirements. The National Guard is a dual-status force, meaning that it can be called up for both state and federal missions, while the Army Reserve is a federal-only force.
Can I serve in the US Army National Guard and still have a civilian career?
+Yes, many US Army National Guard members serve part-time and have civilian careers. The National Guard is designed to be a part-time force, and many members balance their military service with civilian careers and family obligations.
In conclusion, the US Army National Guard offers a range of benefits and compensation to its members, including competitive pay, education assistance, and health insurance. Whether you are a new recruit or a seasoned veteran, understanding the US Army National Guard salary and benefits can help you make informed decisions about your military career. We invite you to share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about the US Army National Guard, and to comment below with any questions or feedback you may have. By serving in the US Army National Guard, you can enjoy a range of benefits and compensation, while also serving your country and community.