$15,000 Prior Service Bonus
It’s Easy to recapture the adventure. It’s easy to recapture the camaraderie. It’s easy to recapture the paycheck. The Montana Army National Guard is a force of over 2400 men and women who stand ready to support and defend both the State of Montana as well as the United States.
Questions veterans often ask about the Guard
Q: What can I contribute to the Guard?
A: You can contribute a lot. Your hometown Army National Guard needs your recent experience with advanced military equipment, weapons and tactics. Your leadership skills are in demand too. You can train other citizen/soldiers with less knowledge and experience, and share with them the skills, confidence and maturity you gained on active duty.
Q: What can the Guard do for me in return?
A: More than you realize. Here are just a few of the benefits you can receive: money for college, extra income, job skills, tuition assistance, retirement benefits, chance for promotions, life insurance, job contacts in civilian life, possible full-time employment, free air travel in the continental US (space A).
Q: What will my pay be?
A: For each Guard training assembly you attend, you will receive a full day’s basic pay for your military grade based on active duty pay tables. Your starting pay depends on your grade at the time you enter the Guard (almost always the same pay grade you left active duty with) and the number of years you have spent in the service.
Q: Will I have to attend basic training again?
A: In almost every case, NO, the basic training you already completed will count, regardless of which branch of the military you served with. If your prior service was USAF, USN or USCG, you will undergo a 4-week Warrior Transition Course, designed to teach you the fundamentals of being a soldier.
Q: Can I switch branches or occupational specialties?
A: You can be assigned in any specialty you hold. You can also change your specialty by attending an active service school or a regional training institute. Contact your local Montana Career Counselor for MOS options.
Q: Is there any bonus associated with my becoming a member of the Guard?
A: You may be eligible for up to $15,000 in bonuses when you become a member of the Guard. In addition, there are other incentives to remain a member.
Q: How long do I have to join for?
A: As a special offer available only to veterans, you may be able to join for as little as one year under the Guard’s "Try One" program.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact your local Career Counselor.
Contact a Career Counselor