Guard and Reserves – The Essentials

Joining the National Guard or reserves is a good way to stay connected to the benefits of military life while fully participating in civilian life. Reserve duty is also a viable path to military retirement which can be obtained through 20 years of combined active and reserve duty.

Here are some things to consider as you evaluate your options:

Are the reserves right for you?

Reserve duty can do more than fulfill your obligation. It’s also a good way to keep one foot in the military community and one foot in the civilian world. As a reservist, you can be connected to the benefits of military life and civilian life at the same time. Find out if reserve duty is right for you by reading Is Your Next Step Joining the Reserves? Get the Basics.

Know your benefits

Don’t let benefits you’ve earned slip through your fingers just because you’re in the National Guard or reserves. Guard and reserve members can take advantage of benefits and services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, just like their active-duty counterparts. The VA can help Guard and reserve members cover the cost of school, secure a home loan or acquire life insurance. Learn more in these resources:

• Veterans Affairs Benefits for National Guard and Reserve Members
• TRICARE for National Guard and Reserve Members
• Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Employer Resource Guide

Understand your special benefits: Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn service members

Active-duty, Guard or reserve service members returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn deserve the easiest possible transition back to civilian life. To thank service members for their sacrifice, the Department of Veterans Affairs provides a variety of services and benefits, such as ongoing medical insurance, tuition assistance, options to keep your life insurance and readjustment counseling. Learn more about Veterans Affairs Benefits for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn Transitioning Service Members.

Resources

Information is power when it comes to a successful separation or transition from the military. Find out more about National Guard and reserve benefits in the following resources:

• Making the Connection Transition Assistance Program: National Guard and Reserve Components (PDF)
• National Guard & Reserve – Military Spouses – What You Should Know About the New Blended Retirement System (PDF)
• Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Employer Resource Guide (PDF)
• Blended Retirement System – The Essentials
• A Benefits Guide for National Guard and Family Members
• Morale, Welfare and Recreation Programs and Eligibility

Military OneSource provides an array of services to help you conclude your life as an active-duty service member and advance to the next step. Call 800-342-9647 for specialty consultations or to connect to a variety of other resources. You can also use OCONUS dialing options, or schedule a live chat