What is the Guard?

The National Guard is America’s oldest armed force—dating back to 1636—and the only branch that serves both the Federal and State governments. The Guard answers to both the president of the United States and the governors of their respective states and territories.

This means that the National Guard can be mobilized any time natural disasters or other emergencies occur within America’s borders, and also serve alongside U.S. combat forces in other parts of the world.

The Guard's roots go back to North America’s earliest colonial militias: farmers, shopkeepers and everyday citizens willing to put their lives on hold and pick up their weapons to defend their communities and their country.

Today, Citizen-Soldiers live, work and go to school in cities and towns all across America and its territories. And just as they have for over 370 years, the men and women of the National Guard are trained, willing and proud to assist their neighbors during emergencies, and to protect their nation whenever they are called.

Always ready, always there. That is the National Guard

Looking for a way to pay for school?

Money for College: 100% Tuition AssistanceThe Indiana National Guard will pay up to 100% of your college tuition to any State College. This Includes: Purdue University, Indiana University, Indiana State College, Ball State, Ivy Tech, and Vincennes University.

Montgomery G.I. BillIn addition to paying your college tuition, we’ll send you a monthly allowance of up to $333 for expenses—about $11,000 over a three-year period. Best of all, this money is sent directly to you (not to your school) to spend on books, supplies—or anything you want.

Army National Guard KickerThe Army National Guard Kicker supplement to the Montgomery G.I. Bill pays up to $350 per month in living expenses—up to $12,600 over 36 months. You’ll need to apply and qualify for this program.

Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC) ScholarshipsROTCis a college elective that allows you to earn a commission straight out of college as a second lieutenant in the Army.

Student Loan Repayment ProgramFor Soldiers and officers who have an existing student loan obligation at the time of enlistment in the Guard, there is a program that may pay up to $50,000.

Choose an exciting enlisted career field.Among the career fields offered in the Guard, there are over 150 jobs, also known as Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). Dive into each field to find the one that's right for you.

Infantry: Develop the Soldier skills to defend your country, your unit and yourself in battle as one of the Guard’s warriors.

Armor and Field Artillery: Combine the artillery’s crushing, long-range firepower with the armored branch’s surprise, quick-strike capabilities.

Aviation: Earn your wings as a pilot, fly as a crew chief or use your mechanic skills to maintain some of the world's most advanced aircraft.

Medical: Guard medical personnel save lives in combat operations, domestic emergencies—even everyday situations.

Military Police: Enforce the law, secure bases, protect officers and keep fellow Soldiers safe.

Transportation: Bring Soldiers and supplies to the heart of the battle or anywhere emergencies call and needs arise.

Logistics Support: Supply troops with everything they need, on and off the battlefield.

Mechanic and Maintenance: Keep the Guard's machines rolling and equipment running into combat, and during domestic emergencies.

Signal and Military Intelligence: Maintain and operate the world's most advanced technology.

Engineer: Pave the way for any size construction or demolition project. From surveying and bulldozing to topping buildings and bridges.

Special Forces: Become one of the military's elite Soldiers.

Administrative: Use your accounting, office-management, public relations and journalism skills to help manage the Guard's payroll, records, news and image.

Discover how you can cash in

Active First - Up to $20,000: With the Active First program, you'll begin your service with full-time military service—at full-time Soldier's pay—plus a bonus of up to $20,000.

Cash Bonus Jobs - $10,000: Certain high-demand jobs pay you a bonus up to $10,000 whenyou enlist. Check out the Cash Bonus Jobs list, and if you have the skills, or want to learn them, you can earn extra cash to work in one of these exciting and specialized positions.

Quick Ship Bonus- $5,000: If you’re qualified for a Cash Bonus job, you can earn an extra $5,000, just for shipping to Basic Training within 45 days of enlistment. Combine this with the money for picking a Cash Bonus Job, and signing up could be worth a lot.

Note: You must be joining a deployable unit.

Off-Peak Bonus- $5,000: Recruits who qualify for one of the Guard’s Cash Bonus jobs can enlist and ship to Basic Training during the period when fewer recruits typically ship (October through May). This $5,000 bonus may also be combined with the Quick Ship bonus—on top of the enlistment bonus you’ll earn for enlisting in a Cash Bonus job.

Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP): You can earn $2,000 for helping recruit a new Soldier.

For Chaplains and JAG Officers: Up to $10,000 new accession bonus for Chaplains and JAG Officers

For Medical Professional Officers: Up to $75,000 Special Pay (bonus) for many healthcare specialties, Up to $50,000 healthcare professional loan repayments, and Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit each year—funding up to $2,500

Federal Benefits Programs Summary

ARNG Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) Program. Current rates are 100% of the tuition cost, up to $250.00 per semester hour, up to $4,500 per soldier, per fiscal year. Soldiers may also receive up to 100% of authorized fees not to exceed the $4,500 annual cap.

ARNG GI BILL Kicker Program. The ARNG currently offers a $200 MGIB Kicker for qualifying Non Prior Service (NPS) Applicants.

Student Loan Repayment Program. For members that have an existing student loan obligation at the time of enlistment or reenlistment in the Army National Guard, there is a program that may pay up to $50,000.

Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarships. Scholarships dedicated to perspective and current Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) participants simultaneously serving as members of the ARNG or USAR.

Dedicated ARNG ROTC Scholarships. Scholarships dedicated exclusively for students wanting to serve in the ARNG.

Free Testing, Certification, and Licensing. Services available to ARNG soldiers include a comprehensive examination program with over one hundred fifty college level exams that equate to college credit, numerous certification examinations that match soldier MOS skills with a comparable civilian credential and apprenticeship programs, various distance learning opportunities and numerous publications and brochures.

Discounts and more—additional Guard benefits

Fly For Free: Guard Soldiers can travel free on military planes when space is available. You can fly within and between the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico.

Discount Shopping and more: Guard and Families can enjoy privileges at military installations around the world, including tax-free discount shopping at any Military Exchange (department store) and commissary (grocery store).

Healthcare: Military members and their Families can purchase inexpensive health coverage from TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS), for the top-quality healthcare they deserve.

Life Insurance: Low-cost life insurance plans are available for Guard Soldiers—up to $400,000. Family members are eligible for Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI).

Veterans Administration (VA) Home Loans: Guard Soldiers may be eligible for VA home loans with minimum or no down payment.

Re-employment Benefits: By federal law, when you have to leave your job to serve your country, you’re assured of being able to come back to work when you return. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects your right to be re-employed in the same position upon returning from military service.

Federal Retirement Plan: The Guard can continue to pay you every month after you’ve finished serving. This is on top of any benefits from your civilian career and any other retirement funds you may have coming

Guard Scholarships

Guaranteed Reserve Forces Dedicated (GRFD) and Dedicated National Guard (DEDNG) scholarships are for full-time students. These scholarships pay full tuition and mandatory fees, or can pay room and board (not to exceed $10,000 per year). In addition, cadets will be paid a monthly stipend. Following graduation, cadets begin a new Military Service Obligation (MSO) contract and serve eight years in the Guard, which includes training.

DEDNG scholarships cover full tuition. There is no limit to the number of scholarships given out each year in every state and U.S. territory. Recipients also receive up to $1,200 for books and are paid a monthly allowance in the following amounts: $350 during sophomore year, $400 during junior year and $500 during senior year. Grad students can also apply if they have only two years remaining until they graduate.

In addition to a monthly allowance, you can also receive the drill pay of a sergeant, approximately $225 per month, when you participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP).

The GRFD scholarship is similar to the DEDNG scholarship, but is mainly for students entering their junior year of college with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. They also must join the SMP of a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)

Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) is a college elective that allows you to earn a commission straight out of college as a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard.

The Basic Course is usually taken during the first two years of college. Unless you receive Army scholarship funds, you incur NO military obligation. You’ll learn:

Leadership developmentGoal-setting and accomplishmentCollege survival study skillsTime managementMilitary historyMilitary operations and tacticsCustoms and traditions of the service

The Advanced Course is offered to students who demonstrate the interest and potential to become Guard officers and who meet the physical, mental and scholastic standards. This normally takes place during your final two years of college and includes:

Management principlesMilitary justiceCultural awarenessMilitary tactics and ethics

Officer Candidate School (OCS)

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is an intense leadership training ground. It's physically and mentally challenging, and not everyone's cut out for it. But those who are accepted, and make it through, agree it's one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. Whether you're a first-time Soldier or have prior military experience, OCS will transform you into an effective leader.

There are three options for attending OCS, as outlined below. After speaking with a recruiter, you'll choose the best one for you based on your specific circumstances, such as your work and Family commitments.

State OCS (Traditional)• Where: Camp Atterbury Edinburgh, IN• When:Weekends only—14 months of one weekend a month, plus 2 two-week periods

National Guard Bureau Accelerated OCS• Where: School locations vary by season and state• When:Eight weeks straight, seven days a week, winter or summer session

Federal OCS• Where: Fort Benning, Georgia• When:14 weeks, courses offered year-round

Military tactics and ethics

Training to Become an Officer

If you don’t already have your four-year degree, the Guard can help you get it with our educational benefits packages. You’ll go through the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC), a two-phase course designed to prepare you for the rigors, responsibilities and rewards of life as an officer.

BOLC-A

In BOLC-A (the Pre-Commissioning Phase), candidates who are not yet officers learn more about the Army's values and traditions, and about what it means to be an officer. You’ll complete one of the following programs:

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)fficer Candidate School (OCS)Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)Direct Commission U.S. Military Academy

Time frames and locations of BOLC-A will vary, depending on the course you choose.

Training to Become an Officer (Cont.)

BOLC-B

This is the Leadership and Branch Training section of BOLC, for those who are already officers. In Leadership Training, you'll train primarily in a field environment, undergoing a series of drills based on real-life scenarios and focusing on small-unit leadership and tactics. In addition to intense physical challenges and courses, your advanced training will include:

Land-navigationWeapons trainingPractical exercises in leadershipConfidence and obstacle courses that challenge you to overcome your personal fearsIn the Branch Training section, you'll learn the specialized skills, tactics, techniques and doctrine of your chosen branch, and prepare for success as a future platoon leader.

BOLC is a challenging course, but you’ll come out tougher, smarter, more confident and ready to lead Soldiers.

The time frame for BOLC-B ranges from 11-41 weeks, depending on the branch (career field) you choose. The location of your training will also be determined by the career field you choose.

Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP)

Before you ship to Basic Combat Training (BCT), you'll attend the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP). These weekends will be your introduction to BCT and will get you started and keep you on track, mentally, physically and emotionally while you prepare for your career in the Guard.

There are five phases of RSP training:

Red Phase: Your first weekend at RSP is “Red Phase.” In this intensive first few days, you’ll learn basics you need to know right away, like:

The Army ValuesArmy structure and ranksSaluting and forms of addressMilitary time, military history and more

White Phase: Depending on the number of months between when you enlisted and when you ship to BCT, the length of your “White Phase” in the RSP will vary. During this phase, you’ll learn more about the Guard and more of what you’ll need to know to succeed at BCT. The classroom portion of White Phase will include instruction in three main areas:

The Training MentalityPhysical PreparationMilitary History

Recruit Sustainment Program (Cont.)

Blue Phase: At your final drill before shipping to Basic Combat Training (BCT), you’ll cover all the final details that have to be taken care of before you leave. But you can get a jump-start on these items by learning what to expect before, during and after BCT.

Green Phase: Green Phase courses are designed for recruits in the Split Training Option (STO) Program. These courses offer advanced leadership training on a series of topics like:

Mentorship—guide less experienced recruits, and help them succeedEffective Counseling—learn techniques for giving and receiving counselingCareer Planning—start setting goals now, and learn the steps to achieve them

Gold Phase: Once you’ve completed both BCT and Advanced Individual Training

Basic Combat Training

Basic Combat Training is broken down into three 3-week phases: Red, White and Blue. Here’s an overview of what you can expect during each of the phases:

Phase 1: Red Phase (Weeks 1-3)

“Shakedown” - When you get off the bus from Reception Battalion, you’ll be told to line up your bag in a certain way to see if you can follow instructions. Then you’ll be ordered to empty your bag. If anything contraband falls out, this will be your first opportunity to see a Drill Sergeant go ballistic.

Training - The goal of your Phase 1 training is to begin your transformation from a confused volunteer to a confident Soldier. During Red Phase (or “Patriot” Phase), you’ll learn the fundamentals of Soldiering, including Army heritage and the seven core Army values. You’ll also undergo the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) to assess your physical abilities. You’ll have several of these tests along the way to be sure you’re getting in the best possible shape.

During these first three weeks, you’ll get a thorough introduction to the following:

The Army’s core values, traditions and ethicsAssembling, disassembling and caring for your M-16Basic bayonet movementsThe Nuclear-Biological-Chemical (NBC) chamberSecurity and crowd dispersion disciplineCombatives: Hand-to-hand combat and guerilla exercisesBarracks inspectionsRunning, tactical daylight marches and fitness training

Basic Combat Training (Cont.)

Phase 2: White Phase (Weeks 4-6)

The White or “Gunfighter” Phase focuses on developing your combat skills, with special emphasis on weapons and physical fitness training. This time is also spent honing your self-discipline and teamwork.

Here’s a rundown of what you’ll cover:

Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM)More bayonet drills and hand-to-hand trainingRappelling the Warrior TowerMore barracks inspectionsContinued study of Army values, ethics and traditionsNight training and more fitness trainingAdditional weapons training: Machine guns, grenade launchers and minesMap and compass reading

By now, you’ll be starting to get the hang of military life. You may even think your Drill Sergeant is noticing an improvement. You’re developing all the essential Soldier skills—which you’ll be putting together in the next phase.

Basic Combat Training (Cont.)

Phase 3: Blue Phase (Weeks 7-9)

The final phase of BCT—the Blue or “Warrior” Phase—will build your individual tactical training, increase your leadership skills and self-discipline, and improve your understanding of teamwork. It will also include challenges and tests you’ll have to pass in order to graduate from BCT. It’s time to dig deep.

These three weeks are spent on the following:

Rifle-range practice, including a Night Infiltration CourseGuard ethics and standards, with continued study of Army valuesConvoy OperationsImprovised Explosive Devices/MinesUrban Operations10-Kilometer and 15-Kilometer Tactical foot marchesField Training Exercise on bivouac, where you’ll tie all your training togetherThe End of Cycle Test (EOCT)—212 tasks, which you’re required to passThe Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)—you must pass in order to graduate from BCT

After passing all your tests and challenges, you’ll be ready for Out Processing and Graduation. Congratulations—you’re now a National Guard Soldier.