Along with all of the benefits of being in the Guard listed below, you can get a re-enlistment bonus of up to $15,000.   BENEFITS OF NATIONAL GUARD SERVICE PAY - 2 days work for 4 Days Pay - Supplemental income for you and your family - Part-time Job with retired pay and Benefits LOUISIANA'S TUITION EXEMPTION - Recognized by all State Supported Universities and Colleges - 100% Free to all Members of the Louisiana National Guard - Only used for Undergraduate Studies - Most Vo-Tech Schools are Included - Must comply with the Requirements of the Program - Must be a Registered Voter in Louisiana TUITION ASSISTANCE (Contact the Education Assistance Office: 1-800-899-6355) - 100% Reimbursement of High School Tuition through Distance Learning - 75% ($60.00 - $85.00) for Undergraduate College Hours through Distance Learning. - 75% ($170.00) for Graduate College Hours through Distance Learning - Rates above are also supported by the ACES Program, which offers Tuition Assistance to soldiers attending local Graduate School Programs. Additionally, leftover G.I. Bill money can be used for Graduate School. CAREER ASSISTANCE - Retention/Reenlistment Bonus totaling $2,500.00 for an additional three year commitment. You must meet the eligibility requirements to receive a reenlistment Bonus. MONTGOMERY G.I. BILL - The New GI Bill is available to qualified members of the Army National Guard pursuing a college degree. Under the New GI Bill, individuals attending a Veteran's Administration approved school will receive a monthly check paid directly to them during those months they attend the Institution. Funding for both Undergraduate and Graduate degrees are available. Full-time students (12 or more hours) receive $203.24 per month for 36 months, three-quarter time students (9-11 hours) receive $152.43 per month for 48 months, and part-time students receive $101.62 per month for 72 months or $50.81 per month for 144 months. Upon election of this program, members must have, or agree to commit themselves, for six years of remaining service in the Selective Reserve, which includes the Louisiana Army National Guard. Soldiers must possess a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for the New G.I. Bill. DENTAL INSURANCE PROGRAM - Currently the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States and state Associations are working to make a Dental Insurance Program available to National Guard soldiers and their families. STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM - Repayment of up to $10,000.00 in student loans for qualified enlisted members in the National Guard who sign a contractual agreement for a specified term of service. National Guard members must meet the eligibility requirements for the program, based on current enlistment/reenlistment criteria. Some sections of servicemembers who are otherwise qualified may not be eligible under this system. - The amount of the annual repayment is 15 percent of the original balance of the loan or loans, or $500.00, whichever is greater. CREDIT-BY-EXAMINATION (DANTES) For more information contact your University's VA Counselor or a local Military Education Center. - Examination Programs - DANTES 1. FREE High School Equivalency (GED) 2. FREE College Entrance Examinations (ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, NTE, LSAT) 3. FREE Certification Examinations (Professional Certifications, ex. ASE, CSP, & Others) 4. FREE Interest and Assessment Inventories 5. FREE College Credit Examinations (CLEP, ACT-PEP, DSST) 6. FREE Test Preparation Videos Available - Independent Study Courses - DANTES - External Degree Programs - DANTES - Distance Learning (Correspondence Courses) - Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges SERVICEMEN'S GROUP LIFE INSURANCE (SGLI) - $200,000 Total Coverage - Automatically Withdrawn from Pay - 24 Hour a Day Coverage - "Gray Area" Retiree Eligibility (“Gray Area” Retiree refers to the retirement period from an individuals retirement age until the age of 60, when full military benefits take effect.) OTHER INSURANCE BENEFITS - National Guard Association Group Life - American Legion Group Life - Louisiana Army National Guard Enlisted Association Life Insurance - Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States Group Life VA LOAN GUARANTY PROGRAM Contact your local Veterans Administration Office for more information. - Individuals with 6 years service in the Selected Reserve are now eligible. - Negotiable Interest Rates - Adjustable Rates - Energy Efficient Mortgages - Used to improve, refinance or purchase a house, condominium or manufactured home. - Can be used by Service members and Surviving Spouses MILITARY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS - Hotel/Motel Discounts - American Legion Membership - Store Discounts (Always ask if a store gives military discounts) - "Shades of Green" - Armed Forces Recreation Center Located on Walt Disney World (407) 824-3600 MILITARY OPPORTUNITIES - Officer Candidate School (Call 1-800-830-6205) - Warrant Officer School - Specialty Skill Schools (Qualification Courses) - Additional Skill Courses (MOS Producing Courses) - Career advancement through the Non-Commissioned Officer Education System (NCOES) - Officer career advancement through the Officer Education System (OES) AAFES PRIVILEGES (Clothing Stores, Shoppettes, Service Stations, Exchanges, Commissaries, and MWR Facilities) - Show Red ID Card for Unlimited Exchange Privileges - 12 - Commissary Visits per Year - Show Red ID Card and Privilege Card when at the Commissary - Family Members use Dependent ID Cards (Must Possess Privilege Card for the Commissary) - Exchange Mail Order Catalog - "Gray Area" Retirees Must Possess ID Card or Retired Orders if no ID Card is Present. - "Gray Area" Retirees and Their Dependents Must also Carry the Privilege Card to use the Commissary - Members of the National Guard are eligible for the Delayed Payment Program (Part of the Exchange Credit Program), which allows soldiers to purchase items or military clothing from AAFES on credit. The program offers low, competitive interest rates, no annual fees and affordable monthly payments. When you apply, AAFES will send you a credit card to be used with your purchases. Call 1-800-826-1317 for more information. MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION (MWR) Found on Most Military Installations and include... - Golf - Bowling - Camping Rental - Equipment Rental - Fitness Centers - Swimming - Movie Theaters - Diving MWR FACTS - MWR Rentals are Inexpensive Compared to Civilian Rentals (ex. 5x7 Trailer = $25.00 a day) - Availability is Limited so Schedule in Advance - Open to all Military Personnel PRESENTATION OF THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES - When a member of the National Guard dies a person designated to direct the disposition of the remains may be presented the flag of the United States upon burial in accordance with Section 1482 of Title 10, US Code. SURVIVOR BENEFIT PLAN FOR RETIRED GUARD MEMBERS - A retired member of the National Guard will automatically be enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Plan of the Armed Forces when they begin receiving retired pay, thus guaranteeing their spouse up to 55% of their monthly retired pay as a survivor benefit after their death. DEPENDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDS - Identification Cards (DD Form 1173-1) for all services are required for eligible family members of National Guard soldiers. This card allows family members access to military installations and benefits allowed for National Guard Soldiers. Upon a National Guard member's activation, all benefits, including medical, will be allowed for family members eligible for an identification card. SPACE AVAILABLE TRAVEL - Sign Up 1. Keesler AFB - Biloxi, MS - (601) 377-2120 2. Barksdale AFB - Bossier City, LA - (318) 456-4641 3. Belle Chasse NAS - New Orleans, LA - (504) 393-3263 - Flight Information 1. DD Form 1853 Signed by Commander 2. Apply 30 Days in Advance 3. Check Destinations - 1st Come/1st Serve - Eligibility for Reserve Members and "Gray Area" Retirees 1. Only Continental United States (CONUS) Alaska and Hawaii 2. Must possess a Valid ID Card (Also 20 year completion letter for Gray Area retirees) - Eligibility for Retired Members 1. Member and Dependents (World-wide) 2. Valid ID Card, Passport, and Immunization Record - Travel Office will provide information and requirements for the flight RETIREMENT BENEFITS - "Gray Area" Retired (Under age 60) 1. "Space-A" Travel (CONUS, HI, & AK) 2. Survivor Benefit Plan 3. SGLI (At reduced rate) - Retired (Age 60 and over) 1. Pay Based Upon Highest Rank Held 2. PX/BX/Commissary Privileges 3. Worldwide "Space-A" Travel 4. Transient Billeting 5. Survivor Benefit Plan 6. Legal Assistance CAREER PACKAGE - Career Salary - E1 - E8, w/ 24yrs, 1,047 Duty Days - $100,000.00 - Retirement - E8 w/ 24yrs, Age 60 - 83, $400.00 a Month, Medical - $110,000.00 Student Tuition Exemption Program $5,000.00 Montgomery G.I.Bill $6,000.00 Salary $100,000.00 Retirement $110,000.00 $221,000.00 / 1,047 = $211.07 a Day for National Guard Service LOUISIANA NATIONAL GUARD ENLISTED ASSOCIATION - Purpose 1. Protect and Gain Benefits for Members 2. Promote and Watch Federal and State Legislation for Members - Benefits 1. $1,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance to Members 2. Available $10,000 Life Insurance Policy Payable Within 24 Hours 3. Three $2,000 college scholarships awarded yearly. ENLISTED ASSOCIATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED STATES - EANGUS VISA Card - 1-800-234-EANG - Travel Discounts and Benefits - 1-800-637-9589 - Legal Services Program - 1-800-627-4260 - Telephone Discount Service - 1-800-234-3264 - AVIS Rental Car Discounts - Preferred Vision Care - Save 60% off most eyewear by calling 1-800-234-EANG - Improved Survivor Benefit Plan THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES and THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF LOUISIANA - Purpose 1. Promote and Support adequate State and National Security. 2. Foster, Promote, and Improve the National Guard as a Component of the Armed Forces. 3. Promote State and Federal Legislation to aid the Members of the National Guard. - Benefits 1. Annual Convention 2. Representation in Congress/State Legislature 3. $1,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance to Members 4. Available $10,000 Life Insurance Policy Payable Within 24 Hours 5. Tuition Assistance Program 6. Officers' Clubs