Air National Guard Salary And Benefits Explained

Serving in the Air National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging career path that offers a unique blend of military service, education, and civilian life. As a member of the Air National Guard, you'll have the opportunity to serve your country, develop valuable skills, and receive a range of benefits. One of the most important considerations for anyone thinking about joining the Air National Guard is the salary and benefits package.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Air National Guard salary and benefits, including the different types of pay, allowances, and benefits that you can expect to receive.

Understanding Air National Guard Pay

The Air National Guard uses a pay system that is similar to the active-duty Air Force. Members are paid based on their rank and years of service, and they can expect to receive a regular monthly salary. However, unlike active-duty personnel, Air National Guard members typically drill one weekend a month and attend an annual two-week training period, known as "annual tour" or "AT."

There are several types of pay that Air National Guard members can receive, including:

Basic Pay: This is the monthly salary that members receive based on their rank and years of service.
Drill Pay: This is the pay that members receive for attending drill periods, which are typically one weekend per month.
Annual Training Pay: This is the pay that members receive for attending their annual two-week training period.
Special Duty Pay: This is the pay that members receive for performing special duties, such as serving as a recruiter or a training instructor.

Air National Guard Salary Ranges

The salary ranges for Air National Guard members vary based on rank and years of service. Here are some approximate monthly salary ranges for different ranks in the Air National Guard:

Airman Basic (E-1): $1,733 - $2,043 per month
Airman (E-2): $1,942 - $2,304 per month
Airman First Class (E-3): $2,043 - $2,574 per month
Senior Airman (E-4): $2,304 - $3,034 per month
Staff Sergeant (E-5): $2,574 - $3,434 per month
Technical Sergeant (E-6): $2,944 - $4,034 per month
Master Sergeant (E-7): $3,334 - $4,734 per month
Senior Master Sergeant (E-8): $3,934 - $5,434 per month
Chief Master Sergeant (E-9): $4,434 - $6,434 per month

Air National Guard Benefits

In addition to their salary, Air National Guard members also receive a range of benefits, including:

Health Insurance: Members and their families are eligible for low-cost health insurance through the Military Health System.
Education Benefits: Members are eligible for education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Retirement Benefits: Members are eligible for a retirement pension after 20 years of service.
Home Loan Guarantees: Members are eligible for home loan guarantees through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Shopping Privileges: Members are eligible to shop at military base exchanges and commissaries.
Travel Discounts: Members are eligible for discounted travel rates through the Military Travel Office.

Understanding Air National Guard Allowances

In addition to their salary and benefits, Air National Guard members may also be eligible for allowances to help them cover the cost of living expenses. These allowances can include:

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): This allowance helps members pay for housing expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments.
Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): This allowance helps members pay for food expenses.
Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): This allowance helps members pay for living expenses in areas with a high cost of living.

Air National Guard Deployment Benefits

When Air National Guard members are deployed, they may be eligible for additional benefits, including:

Deployment Pay: This is the pay that members receive for deploying in support of a military operation.
Hazardous Duty Pay: This is the pay that members receive for performing hazardous duties while deployed.
Imminent Danger Pay: This is the pay that members receive for serving in areas where they are at risk of imminent danger.

Air National Guard Education Benefits

The Air National Guard offers a range of education benefits to help members pay for college or vocational training. These benefits can include:

Montgomery GI Bill: This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members who have served at least two years in the Air National Guard.
Post-9/11 GI Bill: This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members who have served at least 90 days of active duty since September 10, 2001.
Tuition Assistance: This benefit provides up to 100% of tuition costs for members who are pursuing a degree or certification.

Air National Guard Retirement Benefits

The Air National Guard offers a range of retirement benefits to members who have served at least 20 years. These benefits can include:

Retirement Pension: This is the monthly pension that members receive after retiring from the Air National Guard.
Retirement Healthcare: This is the healthcare benefit that members receive after retiring from the Air National Guard.
Retirement Shopping Privileges: This is the benefit that allows members to shop at military base exchanges and commissaries after retiring from the Air National Guard.

Conclusion

Serving in the Air National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging career path that offers a unique blend of military service, education, and civilian life. In addition to their salary, Air National Guard members also receive a range of benefits, including health insurance, education benefits, retirement benefits, and shopping privileges. Whether you're interested in serving your country, developing valuable skills, or simply want to be part of a community of like-minded individuals, the Air National Guard may be the perfect choice for you.

Gallery of Air National Guard Images

Air National Guard Image Gallery

FAQs

How much does the Air National Guard pay?

The Air National Guard pay varies based on rank and years of service. Members can expect to receive a regular monthly salary, as well as additional pay for drill periods and annual training.

What benefits does the Air National Guard offer?

The Air National Guard offers a range of benefits, including health insurance, education benefits, retirement benefits, and shopping privileges.

How long do you have to serve in the Air National Guard to receive benefits?

Members typically have to serve at least 20 years to receive retirement benefits, but may be eligible for other benefits, such as education benefits and healthcare, after serving for a shorter period of time.

Can I serve in the Air National Guard part-time?

Yes, the Air National Guard is a part-time military organization that allows members to serve one weekend per month and attend an annual two-week training period.

How do I join the Air National Guard?

To join the Air National Guard, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements, which include being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 39, and meeting the physical fitness standards. You can learn more about the eligibility requirements and the enlistment process by speaking with a recruiter.