The Air National Guard is a different section that has been set aside by the United States Air force to support states in time of need under the Governor’s jurisdiction, thereby giving it additional benefits to its members from the state, added to its federal benefit. Let’s find out, Does The Air National Guard Pay For College?
As a member of the Air National Guard, you could take advantage of the benefit the Montgomery GI Bill offers toward tuition and expenses in college. Depending on the state, you may get 100% assistance per fiscal year, per student, up to a maximum of $250 per credit, and a personal maximum of $4,500.
How Much Assistance Is Given Towards College?
Members of the Air National Guard can leverage the Montgomery GI Bill. This bill pays a monthly stipend toward college tuition and expenses, up to $362 per month. Also, if you qualify, the GI Bill Kicker can be added to your list of benefits as a National Air Guard member. The GI Bill Kicker offers an additional $350 monthly.
How Much Will I Earn Working In A Month?
How much you earn is determined by your time/length of service as well as your rank. Payment of Air Guard members is made when four active-duty days of work have been completed, which is working two actual days in a month.
How Do I Become A Part Of The Air National Guard?
There are basic requirements for you to join the Air National Guard. These requirements are listed below.
- Age: You must be over 17 years of age and not more than 39 years old.
- Residency Status: You must be a legal resident.
- Certification: You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. If you’re still in school, you must be a high school senior.
- Others: You must pass the Air National Guard entrance examination, medical screening, and a background check.
If you need more information, you can always speak with your local recruiter.
When Is The Earliest I Can Join, As I Am Currently In High School?
Once you are a high school senior and over 17 years, you are eligible to join the Air National Guard. However, if you are 17 years old, permission from your parents can be obtained for you to join.
How Will Tuition and Fee Reimbursement Be Determined?
The GI Bill Post-9/11 is responsible for paying tuition and fees for all public schools in-state. The comprehensive benefit amount that an individual is eligible to receive is determined from the details below:
- Tuition and fees payment provided this does not exceed the highest in-state public undergraduate tuition and fees in each state.
- A living stipend that corresponds with the basic housing allowance in that ZIP code.
- Supplies and book allowances of about $1,000 per year.
How Soon Can I Claim My Benefits Once I Join The Air National Guard?
The actual benefit amount an individual is entitled to and can claim varies because it depends on how long the individual has served. Below are examples of benefits amount and their corresponding length of service.
- Those discharged for a service-connected disability who have served at least 30 continuous days or 36 months before their discharge is eligible to receive maximum tuition and fees, annual books and supplies stipend, and a housing stipend each month.
- Those who have served less than six months, but at least 90 days are eligible to receive 50% of the maximum benefit.
How Can I Get Additional Support For A College Out-Of-State As An Air National Guard?
Some colleges and universities participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, and they contribute additional funds. This contribution is toward educational costs that surpass the maximums allowed by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Whatever amount an institution sets as its contribution is matched by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs. This way, those that study at private colleges and universities or those attending out-of-state public schools can be benefitted.
Will I Be Stationed Close To My College?
In most instances, application, enlisting, and service at the Air National Guard are usually at the location nearest to your home. You may decide to change your location and choose one farther away from you. This is usually acceptable, as long as the restriction for a commuting distance of that location is not breached.
Conclusion
As a member of the Air National Guard, you could qualify for both tuition and fee support as a benefit of being part of the Air National Guard. However, some factors determine your eligibility for college tuition and fee benefits. Also, the benefit amount varies, therefore it is important that as a member, if you are unsure of what benefits you are entitled to, speak to your local recruiter. Visit here to learn more about the federal and state benefits for Air National Guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Get A Student Loan Repayment or A Bonus By Joining The Air National Guard?
Answer: Student loans and bonuses are classed as incentives. These incentives are often determined by the needs of the local unit and career fields. It is best to speak with your local recruiter if your career choice offers any incentives.
- Can the Air National Guard Help Me Earn College Credit?
Answer: Yes. College credits can be earned for in-residence technical training, Basic Military Training, and even on courses you take that are correspondent.
- Can I attend any college of my choice and still get the benefits of the Air National Guard?
Answer: Whatever institution you have chosen to attend must be regionally or nationally accredited. It must also be recognized by the U.S Department of Education and have a partnership MOU signed with DoD. This is for the Federal Tuition Assistance Beta Program for Air National Guard.
- Will I Get Paid For Technical Schools And Basic Training?
Answer: Yes. During your Basic Military Training and technical school, you will get active-duty pay. The rank will determine the pay you get.