5 Full-Time National Guard Salary Insights

Serving in the National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging career path, offering a unique blend of military service, education benefits, and civilian life. For those who choose to serve full-time, the National Guard offers a competitive salary and benefits package. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of full-time National Guard salaries, exploring the factors that influence compensation, the different pay grades, and the overall benefits of serving in the National Guard.

Understanding National Guard Pay

The National Guard is a reserve component of the US Armed Forces, comprising citizen-soldiers who serve part-time and full-time. Full-time National Guard members, also known as Active Guard Reserve (AGR) soldiers, are employed by the federal government and receive a salary and benefits similar to those of active-duty military personnel. National Guard pay is based on the same pay scales as the active-duty military, with salaries varying depending on rank, time in service, and job specialty.

Factors Influencing National Guard Salary

Several factors influence a full-time National Guard member's salary, including:

Rank: As with the active-duty military, National Guard salaries increase with rank. Enlisted personnel, officers, and warrant officers have different pay scales, with higher ranks earning more.
Time in Service: The longer a National Guard member serves, the higher their salary. Time in service is calculated from the date of enlistment or commissioning.
Job Specialty: Certain job specialties, such as pilots or medical professionals, may receive higher salaries due to the specialized nature of their work.
Education: National Guard members with higher levels of education, such as a bachelor's or advanced degree, may be eligible for higher salaries or special pays.

National Guard Pay Grades

The National Guard uses the same pay grades as the active-duty military, with 10 enlisted pay grades (E-1 to E-9) and 11 officer pay grades (O-1 to O-10). Warrant officers have their own pay scale, with five pay grades (W-1 to W-5).

Enlisted Pay Grades:
- E-1 (Private): $1,733.10 - $2,043.70 per month
- E-2 (Private First Class): $1,942.50 - $2,444.90 per month
- E-3 (Specialist/Corporal): $2,043.70 - $3,287.10 per month
- E-4 (Sergeant): $2,341.60 - $3,944.90 per month
- E-5 (Staff Sergeant): $2,664.30 - $4,572.90 per month
- E-6 (Technical Sergeant): $2,994.90 - $5,269.10 per month
- E-7 (Master Sergeant): $3,319.10 - $6,060.90 per month
- E-8 (Senior Master Sergeant): $3,676.50 - $6,938.10 per month
- E-9 (Chief Master Sergeant): $4,043.80 - $7,833.10 per month
Officer Pay Grades:
- O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $3,287.10 - $5,941.10 per month
- O-2 (First Lieutenant): $3,788.20 - $6,958.20 per month
- O-3 (Captain): $4,485.90 - $8,655.90 per month
- O-4 (Major): $5,288.40 - $10,961.40 per month
- O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel): $6,241.90 - $13,649.90 per month
- O-6 (Colonel): $7,478.20 - $16,573.20 per month
- O-7 (Brigadier General): $9,144.90 - $19,455.90 per month
- O-8 (Major General): $11,107.90 - $23,055.90 per month
- O-9 (Lieutenant General): $13,465.10 - $26,665.10 per month
- O-10 (General): $15,625.50 - $30,175.50 per month
Warrant Officer Pay Grades:
- W-1 (Warrant Officer 1): $3,287.10 - $5,941.10 per month
- W-2 (Chief Warrant Officer 2): $3,788.20 - $6,958.20 per month
- W-3 (Chief Warrant Officer 3): $4,485.90 - $8,655.90 per month
- W-4 (Chief Warrant Officer 4): $5,288.40 - $10,961.40 per month
- W-5 (Chief Warrant Officer 5): $6,241.90 - $13,649.90 per month

Benefits of Serving in the National Guard

In addition to a competitive salary, full-time National Guard members receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Education Benefits: The National Guard offers education assistance, including the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) and the Army National Guard's State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) program.
Health Insurance: National Guard members and their families are eligible for TRICARE, a comprehensive health insurance program.
Retirement Benefits: National Guard members are eligible for a pension after 20 years of qualifying service, with the option to retire earlier and receive a reduced pension.
Home Loan Guarantees: The National Guard offers home loan guarantees, making it easier for members to purchase or refinance a home.
Shopping Privileges: National Guard members and their families have access to military exchanges, commissaries, and other shopping privileges.

Gallery of National Guard Images

National Guard Image Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Guard?

The National Guard is a reserve component of the US Armed Forces, comprising citizen-soldiers who serve part-time and full-time.

How much does the National Guard pay?

National Guard pay varies depending on rank, time in service, and job specialty. Salaries range from $1,733.10 to $30,175.50 per month.

What benefits do National Guard members receive?

National Guard members receive a comprehensive benefits package, including education assistance, health insurance, retirement benefits, home loan guarantees, and shopping privileges.

How do I join the National Guard?

To join the National Guard, you must meet the eligibility requirements, including age, citizenship, and education. You can visit the National Guard website or contact a recruiter for more information.

Can I serve in the National Guard and go to college?

Yes, the National Guard offers education assistance, including the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) and the Army National Guard's State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) program, to help members pursue higher education.

As a full-time National Guard member, you can expect a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for education and career advancement. Whether you're serving part-time or full-time, the National Guard offers a unique and rewarding experience that combines military service with civilian life.