A person who is active duty is in the military full time. They work for the military full time, may live on a military base, and can be deployed at any time. Persons in the Reserve or National Guard are not full-time active duty military personnel, although they can be deployed at any time should the need arise.

Similarly, Is the Army National Guard the same as the army?

Is the National Guard part of the army? The United States National Guard is the reserve component of the United States Army, which is used to supplement the army, strengthening its forces with additional combat units. The National Guard units fall under the dual control of the state and federal governments.

Additionally, Should I go active duty or National Guard? Active duty is a better option for those looking for a secure full-time job with numerous benefits. Reserve duty is a better option for those wishing to serve their country, build career skills, earn extra money, and access military benefits without making a full-time commitment.

How much do you get paid in the National Guard?

How Much Do National Guard Jobs Pay per Month?

Annual Salary Monthly Pay
Top Earners $97,500 $8,125
75th Percentile $56,500 $4,708
Average
$48,477

$4,039
25th Percentile $25,000 $2,083

Does 6 years in the National Guard make you a veteran?

Does 6 years in the National Guard make you a veteran? Yes, if you spent at least 180 days of that 6 years deployed on federal active duty orders. A 2016 change to federal law expanded the definition of “veteran” for many National Guard members.

What is the difference between Army National Guard and Army Reserves?

The main difference between Army Reserve and National Guard is, Army reserve is directly under the command of federal services, whereas the National Guard comes under the state government. The Army reserve receives benefits from the federal government for the part-time services they provide.

Is the Army National Guard worth it?

For many individuals, joining the National Guard is a great honor. It allows you to travel to different parts of the world without being an active-duty soldier. The lessons and skills you’ll learn from the National Guard can translate into a useful experience when finding a civilian job.

Can you go from National Guard to active duty?

With very few exceptions (mostly for medical professionals), one cannot simply transfer from the Reserves/Guard to active duty. One must get an approved discharge from the Reserve/Guard component and then separately process for enlistment (or commission) for an active duty service.

Is joining the National Guard worth it?

For many individuals, joining the National Guard is a great honor. It allows you to travel to different parts of the world without being an active-duty soldier. The lessons and skills you’ll learn from the National Guard can translate into a useful experience when finding a civilian job.

What is the difference between National Guard and active duty?

A person who is active duty is in the military full time. They work for the military full time, may live on a military base, and can be deployed at any time. Persons in the Reserve or National Guard are not full-time active duty military personnel, although they can be deployed at any time should the need arise.

How much do you get paid for National Guard basic training?

Generally, you’ll complete four drills during a drill weekend for just over $200. Once you go over four months, an E-1 makes $54 per drill. An E-1 with more than four months of service who’s called up to active duty makes a base pay of $1,638 a month.

Is National Guard a full time job?

Absolutely. Your Guard service is only part time – typically one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year. Plus, the Guard can help you pay for college or prepare to become an officer.

Is joining National Guard worth it?

For many individuals, joining the National Guard is a great honor. It allows you to travel to different parts of the world without being an active-duty soldier. The lessons and skills you’ll learn from the National Guard can translate into a useful experience when finding a civilian job.

Does serving in the National Guard make you a veteran?

ARLINGTON, Va. – A recently signed law gives official veteran status to National Guard members who served 20 years or more. Previously, Guard members were considered veterans only if they served 180 days or more in a federal status outside of training.

How long do you have to serve to be considered a veteran?

“Anyone who has reached 20 years of service, even if they were never activated on a [federal] order for more than 180 days outside of training, will now be considered a veteran,” he said.

Does National Guard service qualify for veterans preference?

To receive preference, a veteran must have been discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). … For non-disabled users, active duty for training by National Guard or Reserve soldiers does not qualify as “active duty” for preference.

Should I join Army Reserve or National Guard?

If you want to serve but don’t want the full time commitment, a Guard or Reserve slot can be just what you need. … If you want to serve with the option of travel, a Reserve job may be a better fit for you than a National Guard option though again, your experience may vary.

How much do reserves get paid a month?

The minimum monthly payment is $50.01 and the maximum is $3,000. The requirements for Reservists to quality for RIRP include: Earning $50 more per month as a civilian than they would as an active-duty Marine. Completing 18 or more consecutive months of Active Duty.

Does National Guard deploy more than reserves?

National Guard members and reservists have been deploying more often than ever before, which can pose unique challenges for both the service members and their families.

Is the National Guard a good branch to join?

Serving in the Guard will affect those around you, but as with any challenge, it can make you and your significant other stronger in the end. Also, the Guard provides more flexibility than almost any other military branch. You can live wherever you like (unlike active duty) and Guard soldiers typically deploy less.

Whats bad about the National Guard?

Deployments may expose you to dangerous conditions and hostile fire, and you will be away from your family and civilian job for months at a time. Although you are paid for the time you are deployed, you must be willing to spend time in dangerous conditions, away from your family if you enlist in the National Guard.

What are the pros and cons of the National Guard?


Pros and Cons of the National Guard

  • Pros: Prestige. …
  • Cons: You might actually have to go to war full time. …
  • Pros: You get a stable part time income that you can switch to a full time income if you want it to be. …
  • Cons: It can turn into a scheduling nightmare, and finding a civilian job isn’t easy.

How do you convert National Guard time to active duty?

Divide your grand total career point count by 360 (because your pay is based on 30-day months) and multiply by 2.5% to come up with your service multiplier. For example, 2134 points / 360 * 2.5% = 14.82%. That’s your service percent multiplier, just as an active-duty retirement at 20 years would be 50%.

How long does it take to go from reserve to active duty?

Switching from the Army Reserve to Active Duty is possible, but it is not an immediate process and can take several months (and is not always approved). The first step to switching to Active Duty is to meet with your local recruiter.

Does National Guard get paid the same as active duty?

If you are serving as a member of the Army or Air National Guard, you are eligible for regular drill pay, and might qualify for some special pays. If you are placed on active duty your pay will change from Drill Pay to the same monthly pay structure as your active duty counterparts.