National Guard Benefits by State 2024

What Are the Requirements To Join the National Guard?

The exact requirements to join the National Guard vary depending on the state in which you are located; however, there are a few common requirements that people need to meet. Members of the National Guard are required to be United States citizens or permanent residents. They also need to be between the ages of 17 and 35 and be a least a high school junior or have a high school diploma or GED. There is typically an examination that people have to pass before they are accepted into the National Guard. Anyone who is able to meet these requirements should be able to join the National Guard in their home state.

What Benefits Are Available for People in the National Guard?

Serving in the National Guard is a major commitment. That is why there are a lot of benefits that have been made available to those who serve. The exact benefits that someone can earn can vary from state to state, but they fall under a few categories.

Education

National Guard members can take advantage of federal programs like the Montgomery G.I. Bill and the Reserve Educational Assistance Program to help with college tuition. These programs allow those who have served to attend college without having to take on any additional debt.

There are several states that offer free tuition to National Guard members. For example, Alaska allows people to attend any college or university in the state system for free. In addition, the Arizona Tuition waiver scholarship allows members of the National Guard to attend any public state university for free. California also has its own GI bill, which allows members of the National Guard to attend community college or university schools in the state for free. Colorado is another school that provides educational assistance, but the tuition assistance is usually capped at $4,250 per semester.

Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming also offer educational benefits to National Guard members.

Home Loans

The U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs helps current National Guard members and veterans in purchasing a home. VA Home Loans are available to those who served for six years or more in the Selected Reserve or served for at least three months during a wartime period as an active duty member.

VA Loans are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The department offers two different loans. With direct home loans, the department is the mortgage lender. VA-backed loans help to secure loans. Because a portion of the loan is guaranteed by the VA, lenders are more likely to provide the loan to those who may not otherwise qualify, usually without the need for a down payment.

Other Benefits

National Guard members may additionally be eligible for other benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Group life insurance policies are available. VA-provided health care can also be offered to current and retired National Guard members. It is important to discuss any specifics with the Department of Veterans Affairs as many benefits are determined by the type and length of service.