You’re coming home after a deployment. It’s been a long time coming and you deserve to celebrate. But it’s important to know what other adjustments you might face post-deployment.
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.
Through programs like Military OneSource, the Department of Defense offers resources, services and tools to help individuals and families navigate civilian and military life. These benefits are designed to be accessible to those who don’t live near an installation. Learn what’s available so you don’t miss out.
MilTax preparation and e-filing software is available mid-January through mid-October. Powered by an industry-leading tax service provider, it’s designed to address situations specific to the military. This easy-to-use, self-paced tax software walks you through a series of questions to help you complete and electronically file your federal return and up to three state tax forms. Calculations are 100% accurate – guaranteed by the software provider.
Shopping can be a challenge for National Guard and reserve service members who aren’t near an installation, so the Defense Commissary Agency offers them the chance to host an on-site sale.
Find your nearest DOD National Guard Transition Assistance Program advisor to get connected to benefits and services available to you after transition.
Maybe you’re just ending your first tour of duty. Maybe you’ve fulfilled your obligation to your country. Now, you’re at a crossroads—re-enlist, reserves, transition out? How do you know you’re making the right call?
Guard and reserve members are entitled to 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.
More than one in four active duty service members tell us they intend to join the reserves. It can be a great option for lots of service members.
Learn about the Reserve Component Transition Assistance Program’s vision and mission, plus transition support and more.
Your spouse or partner is preparing for deployment and transitioning from reserve status to active duty. Take advantage of several deployment support programs.
Military OneSource makes it easy to connect with experts for immediate moving help, access powerful planning tools and get proven, practical moving information and resources on things like permanent change of station, staying safe while moving during COVID-19 and more.
Morale, Welfare and Recreation is essential to the resilience to the military community. When well-being is a priority, military families are strong and service members are mission-ready.
Military members who serve their country as part of the National Guard or a branch’s reserve component may qualify for retirement benefits — including a Blended Retirement System pension and Thrift Savings Plan retirement payments. You can estimate what your potential retirement payments may be with the official BRS military pay calculator.
As changes due to coronavirus disease 2019 continue, reservists and members of the National Guard may wonder how they will be affected. Get questions and answers on sheltering-in-place orders, self-monitoring and other changes may affect your training, duty, pay and benefits.