ESTA PAGINA EN ESPANOL

So your son or daughter is thinking of joining the Nebraska Army National Guard...
It's time to get some straight answers. We realize that all parents want what's best for their kids. We want the same. As a result, many questions are going to come to mind. The Nebraska Army National Guard would like to address many of these questions and give you the straight answers. Our representatives are professionals and will treat your son or daughter like one of their own.

HOW LONG IS THE OBLIGATION?
All individuals who enlist in any branch of the military incur and obligation of 8 years. The individual may then choose how long he/she would like to be in a drilling status. To receive most benefits, they must choose to remain in a drilling status for 6 years. At the end of the 6 years, or however long they choose they would have the option to reenlist or serve out the remainder of their time in an inactive status.

WHAT IS THE OBLIGATION?
In the National Guard an individual who enlists is committing to training one weekend per month and two weeks of annual training per year. This is a minimum requirement and could vary based upon the needs of the unit.

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES MY SON OR DAUGHTER WILL BE DEPLOYED?
With the way things are in the world at the present time, there is a very good chance the majority of our Soldiers will be deployed during their military career. Nebraska Army National Guard Soldiers have represented our state well as they have been deployed in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

WHAT EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS ARE AVAILABLE?
Currently, there are three different educational benefits available to members of the Nebraska Army National Guard. First is the Montgomery GI BILL. This pays the Soldier $297.00 tax free dollars per month while the Soldier is in school full-time. The total amount on this benefit is $10,692.00. This is in addition to any other financial aid the Soldier is receiving. The second benefit is the Tuition Waiver which 75% on UNL’s tuition. Eligibility begins the day a person joins the Army National Guard, prior to boot camp or even while still in high school. Third is the Federal Tuition Assistance up to 100% of tuition costs and fees, not to exceed $250 per semester hour and will be limited to $4,500 per person per fiscal year. The state and federal tuition is combined to provide 100% tuition paid at a state supported school and a large percentage of private institutions. In addition, college credits may be awarded for their military training.

WHAT IS THIS COLLEGE FIRST PROGRAM I’VE BEEN HEARING ABOUT?
The College First program is a new Army National Guard enlistment option, which makes it possible for you to reach college goals while serving in the Guard. This option provides qualified high school graduates and graduating seniors, with no prior military service, the opportunity to complete up to two years of full-time schooling, uninterrupted by deployment, while serving in the Guard.

• Recruiting Assistant Pay (Voluntary): This is a 100% optional, performance-based program, open to Guard members to assist in helping recruit for your unit. Recruiting Assistants (RAs) can earn additional income assisting Guard recruiting efforts, by identifying well-qualified men and women for service in the ARNG. RAs earn $2,000 for each new recruit who enlists and reports to Basic Training, or for each prior service member who affiliates with a unit for four months. Monthly dollar amount is based on one referral enlisting each quarter.

HOW MUCH MONEY WILL THEY MAKE?
The amount of money they will be paid varies, depending on their rank. The pay for a weekend drill will start out anywhere between $150 and $200 per month. The pay for their Initial Active Duty Training (IADT) will vary anywhere between $1,150 and $1,600 per month.

WHAT DETERMINES THE RANK MY SON/DAUGHTER MAY ENLIST AS?
Normally all new Soldiers will enlist as a Private E-1. There are ways to enlist at a higher rank. If they already have college education, or have participated in Junior ROTC, or they are an Eagle Scout, or if they refer some of their friends for enlistment (Stripes for Buddies) they many enlist at a higher rank.

HOW LONG IS THEIR INITIAL TRAINING AND WHERE ARE THEY GOING?
The Initial Active Duty Training (IADT) they are required to attend will be a minimum of 16 weeks to complete Basic Training and their Advanced Individual Training (AIT). The length of training depends on the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) they select. For example, the training required for the Special Forces is considerable longer than most all other jobs and may take a year or more to complete. The location of the training will vary depending on the MOS they select. The most common places our soldiers go for training is Ft. Leonard Wood (Missouri) or Ft. Jackson (South Carolina). Prior to a Soldier enlisting, he/she will know the dates and location of their initial active duty training.

WHAT IF CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE IN THEIR LIFE AND THEY WANT TO GET OUT?
When an individual enlists in the Nebraska Army National Guard they are obligated to the term of their enlistment. However, we also understand there are circumstances that may prevent a Soldier from fulfilling their obligation. These instances are handled on a case by case basis. The unit commander may recommend a Soldier to be placed into the individual ready reserve (IRR) or the Inactive National Guard (ING) during these periods for the remainder of their obligation. In almost all cases, these conflicts are resolved rather easily and may just involve a transfer to another state or being transferred into the ING for a short period. We have been dealing with these types of problems for a long time and also recognize that this is a very turbulent time in most peoples' lives. We always strive to do our best when taking care of our Soldiers.