Married to the Army » Guard/Reserves

Resources for National Guard Families

Stacey — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:48:09 +0000

National Guard Guide To Deployment – This is a pdf document that you will need Acrobat to view and read.

Army National Guard Retirement Guide (will open in Microsoft Word) http://www.myarmyonesource.com/news/2009/07/RetirementGuide

Army National Guard vs Army Reserves

Stacey — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:45:08 +0000

Ever wonder what the difference is between the two? You’re not alone. Many wrongly assume that the two organizations are one in the same. While there are many similarities, there are a few distinct differences.

The Army National Guard largely falls under the control of the state government. It can, however, be activated by the federal government as the Global War on Terrorism has most definitely proved. National Guard soldiers are the only military component that is allowed to operate (under normal circumstances) in a domestic capacity. Because the National Guard can serve both state and federal governments, they are able to utilize state and federal benefits. These benefits can vary from state to state, sometimes greatly. Typically, the education benefits are greater for National Guard soldiers than for Reserve soldiers. While you can’t double dip into two different federal education programs, Guard soldiers can (in most cases) utilize state and federal education benefits as it is being provided by two different sources.

The National Guard and Reserves are fairly similar in their organization. If you’re considering joining either, I’d highly encourage you to talk to soldiers of both components to get a first person account of the pros and cons of each.

Basic Training for National Guard and Reserves

Stacey — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:42:45 +0000

Basic training is virtually the same as it is for active duty. It is ten weeks long and is held at Ft Benning, Ft Sill, Ft Jackson, Ft Leonard Wood or Ft Knox. Certain MOSs may entail a combination of BCT and AIT together, referred to as OSUT.

Basic training is divided into three phases of three weeks each. The phases are red phase, blue phase and white phase. Typically, soldiers earn more privileges as they advance through the phases of training.

Graduation from basic training is at the end of nine weeks. Soldiers will then be transported to their AIT location for training of their particular MOS.

Please visit the basic training guides section of the website to read reviews from others about how basic training can differ between the locations.

Active Duty vs National Guard

Stacey — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:39:57 +0000

	Active Duty	National Guard
Is medical insurance available? What is the cost?	Yes. Tricare is provided without monthly premiums.	Yes, during activation with no monthly premiums. When not activated, eligible for Tricare Reserve Select (with monthly premium).
Is dental insurance provided?	Free of charge for military members. Dependents can be covered for small monthly premium.	Free for military member when activated. When not activated, available for a monthly premium.
Can I be deployed overseas?	Yes.	Yes. In addition, National Guard can also be deployed stateside.
What is the shortest enlistment?	Active of at least three years. Total commitment is eight years with IRR.	Active of at least three years. Total commitment is eight years with IRR.
Do I receive allowances other than base pay?	Yes, depending on your situation you may also be eligible for housing, food and other special pays.	When activated, yes. When not activated, you will receive drill pay.
Will I attend basic training?	Yes, basic training is 9 weeks.	Yes, basic training is 9 weeks.
Where will I be stationed?	You could be stationed at any Army post within the United States or overseas.	You will likely serve in your home state at the armory closest to your hometown unless you are activated for a stateside or overseas deployment. You will not live on an Army post during periods of inactivation.
How often will I serve?	You will serve for the duration of your enlistment/commission.	One weekend a month and two weeks a year unless you are activated.
Can I have another job or attend school while serving?	Active duty is a full time commitment. Some school programs (especially online) cater to active duty military.	Yes. National Guard is a part-time commitment unless activated.
Will I get money for college?	This is available through the GI Bill.	This is available through the GI Bill.
Can I get an enlistment bonus?	Yes, based on your qualifications and MOS.	Yes, based on your qualifications and MOS.
Do we have on post privileges?	Yes.	Yes.

USERRA (Uniformed Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Act)

Stacey — Mon, 17 May 2010 20:27:28 +0000

The USERRA is a federal law that protects the civilian jobs of those who are called to active duty (Active and Reserve). In addition, the law prohibits discrimination based on your military duty. This federal law applies to all in the armed services and those who are activated while serving in the Guard or serve in the Guard full time.

The USERRA applies to any permanent job that you had with any company, public or private, including the government.

In order for USERRA to apply to you, you must:

Submit a letter in writing to your employer stating that you will be going active duty.
Not be absent from employment for more then five years.
Serve honorably while activated.
Return “promptly” to employment after your service ends.

The protections include:

The right to be employed in your old position regardless of whether there is an opening.
The right to not use your accrued vacation time to cover part of your absence due to active duty.
You must be treated as if you never left in regard to promotions, raises, pensions, etc.
Your salary must be at least the same as it was before you left for active duty.
Your employer must make a reasonable effort to train you on new equipment or procedures that were implemented since you left.
There is no waiting period or exclusion for pre-existing conditions if you choose the company’s health plan
If you served for more than 181 days, you cannot be fired or laid off, except for just cause, for one year.

It does not include:

A requirement for your company to pay you while you are serving. Some companies choose to do this (and should be applauded for doing so) but it is not required by law.

These websites provide more specific information about the USERRA:

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve www.esgr.com

U.S. Department of Labor www.dol.gov/elaws/userra.htm

Military OneSource www.militaryonesource.com