In addition to valuable life experience and professional expertise, membership in the National Guard has many practical benefits that extend far beyond the term of service. Education and career resources, in particular, abound for the men and women of the National Guard. The following are some of the most important resources currently available.
Education Resources
- Army E-Learning: High-quality computer and IT training is available to all Army members.
- ARNG Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA): Eligible Guard members receive up to $4,500 annually, based on in-state tuition rates, for degree or vocational programs. FTA may be used in conjunction with applicable in-state tuition programs and other military-specific assistance programs.
- ARNG Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships: By committing to an eight-year military service obligation (MSO) after graduation, students can earn 100% tuition and fees reimbursement through either the Dedicated Army National Guard (DEDNG) scholarship or the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) contract, in addition to a stipend and ROTC training that emphasizes leadership and teamwork skills.
- Partners in Education Career Mentoring Program: The Career Mentoring Program is unique in that it allows Guard members the opportunity to be educators, rather than students. Partners in Education connects high school and college teachers with experienced Guard members who are interested in providing educational and career mentoring services to students.
- Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): SLRP offers up to $50,000 to eligible Guard members for the repayment of federal student loans. A minimum six-year MSO upon graduation is required.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill: The post-9/11 GI Bill offers up to 100% college or university tuition, with percentage of reimbursement calibrated to years of service, as well as a housing allowance and books and supplies stipend for eligible members. Education benefits can now be transferred to spouses and dependents, with some qualifications.
- Veterans Upward Bound (VUB): The U.S. Department of Education offers this foundational academic review program to low-income veteran Guard members who would be the first generation in their families to attend college.
Career Resources
- The Employment Network: The Employment Network is at the core of all the Guard’s employment services and has a singular mission: to help Guard members and their spouses find jobs. Job announcements and training, courses teaching perseverance and self-reliance, and other employment services are available.
- Employer Partnership of the Armed Forces (EPAF): EPAF is a hiring initiative that connects military-friendly employers with servicemembers and their families. Employer partners appreciate the skills and temperament gained through service and exercise flexibility with active-duty Guard members. EPAF also provides job searching, resume writing and interviewing training. Participating employers span numerous industries, from human resources to law enforcement to healthcare.
- Guard Apprenticeship Program Initiative (GAPI): The ideal means of transitioning a military occupational specialty to the civilian sector, GAPI’s apprenticeship program allows Guard members to earn wages while working toward licensure or certification in their fields.
- Helmets to Hardhats: This specialized program prepares Guard members for careers in the construction and building industries.
- Job Connection Education Program: Employment counseling, job-search assistance, resume and interview training, and personal assistance from a liaison to local military-friendly employers are all available to Guard members and their spouses through JCEP.
- Troops to Teachers: Like Helmets to Hardhats, Troops to Teachers caters to Guard members interested in joining a specific career field—in this case, education. Stipends and other incentives are available to members willing to teach in high-need public school districts. The program provides teacher mentoring and alternative credentialing opportunities.