Joining the National Guard or reserves is a great way to combine the benefits of military life with civilian life. Reserve duty can also lead to military retirement after 20 years of combined active and reserve duty. 

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Busting 12 Benefit Myths

Don’t know what to believe about transition assistance, Veterans Affairs benefits and entitlements? View the myths and the truth.

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Reserve Component Transition Assistance Advisor Lookup

Find your nearest DOD National Guard Transition Assistance Program advisor to get connected to benefits and services available to you after transition.

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Re-enlist, Reserves, or Transition? 4 Things to Consider

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?

Military personnel attend the Transition Assistance Program
Transition Assistance Programs and Resources

The military has an extensive array of services to help make your separation a success. If you’re an active-duty service member, National Guard and Reserve Component service member, or service member’s spouse, you can take advantage of these transition assistance resources and more.

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How Members of the National Guard and Reserves Can Use the Official BRS Retirement Calculator

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.

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Benefits for Members of the National Guard and Reserves

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.

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How COVID-19 Changes Affect Training, Duty, Pay and Benefits for the National Guard and Reserve

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.

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About the Reserve Component Transition Assistance Advisor Program

Learn about the Reserve Component Transition Assistance Program’s vision and mission, plus transition support and more.

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Joining the Military as a Reservist: Eligibility, Obligation and Benefits

Joining the Reserve Component of the military is a great way to serve your country. You will also earn valuable benefits without giving up your civilian employment or schooling.

VA benefits for National Guard
Veterans Affairs Benefits for National Guard and Reserve Members

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.

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Is Your Next Step Joining the Reserves? Get the Basics.

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.