How Much Money Do You Make in the National Guard?
The National Guard is tasked with protecting each state in the United States. Joining the National Guard allows a citizen the opportunity to secure military benefits and pay while still pursuing a civilian career. Pay in the National Guard is comparable to other branches of the Armed Services during active-duty conditions.
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Active-Duty Guard
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The base salary for an active-duty member of the National Guard depends on the soldier's rank and years of service with the Armed Forces. It is based on the pay scale used by other military branches. According to the Department of Defense's website, as of January 2011 the basic monthly pay for an active-duty private first class in the National Guard with less than two years of experience is $1,729.80. The basic monthly salary of a National Guard second lieutenant with less than two years' experience is $2,784.
Drill Pay
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Guardsmen who are not currently on active-duty conduct military drills 12 weekends a year and are required -to attend additional training sessions for 15 days annually. Members of the National Guard are paid for time spent training and drilling in accordance with rank and experience. According to Military Pay Scale's website, a private first class in the National Guard with less than two years' experience can earn up to $3,582.18 in annual drilling and training pay. As of March 2011, the minimum pay per weekend of drilling in the National Guard is $179.
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Bonus Pay
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A member of the National Guard with special skills -- including foreign language proficiency -- or a member who joins a unit training for a special mission may be eligible to earn an enlistment bonus of up to $5,000. This bonus is also extended to a soldier with prior military experience reprising his role in a critical skill position with another branch of the U.S. military for the National Guard. For example, if a former foreign language interpreter with the U.S. Army elects to join the National Guard in the same role, he may earn a bonus of up to $5,000.
Money for Education
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Members of the National Guard are able to take advantage of the Montgomery G.I. Bill to assist in paying up to 100 percent of tuition and other costs related to higher education. Enlisted Loan Repayment Programs can also repay up to $50,000 in higher education tuition for members of the National Guard who choose certain qualified degree programs. The National Guard also provides general equivalency exam -- or GED -- preparation assistance.
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