Benefits

Financial

Education

training

Service

financial

education

training

service

Benefits

The Montana Army National Guard offers a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support and enhance the lives of its Soldiers. From valuable education and training opportunities to financial perks, health insurance, and unique travel experiences, the Guard provides a well-rounded package that benefits both military and civilian careers. Whether you’re interested in developing leadership skills, earning college credits, or taking advantage of financial and health benefits, the Montana Army National Guard has something to offer. Explore the sections above to learn more about each specific benefit and how it can enrich your service experience.








Education

100% Tuition Waiver

The Montana Army National Guard offers a 100% Tuition Waiver available to all Soldiers at state-funded colleges and universities in Montana. This incredible benefit allows every Soldier in the Montana Army National Guard to pursue higher education without the financial burden of tuition costs. Whether working towards an associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degree, Soldiers can attend state schools across Montana, including the University of Montana and Montana State University systems. This opportunity ensures that all Guard members have the support they need to achieve their academic and career goals while serving their community and country.

Education

G.I. Bill

The GI Bill is another fantastic benefit available to all Soldiers in the Montana Army National Guard, providing a $466 monthly stipend while they attend college. This money is directly deposited into the Soldier’s account, giving them the flexibility to use it for any college-related expenses, including books, room and board, or other necessities. Combined with the 100% Tuition Waiver, the GI Bill helps ensure that every Soldier has the financial support needed to succeed in higher education while continuing to serve their state and nation.








Education

G.I. Bill Kicker

The GI Bill Kicker is an additional education benefit available to select new recruits in the Montana Army National Guard who meet specific eligibility criteria during the enlistment process. This benefit provides an extra $350 per month, on top of the standard GI Bill, and is deposited directly into the Soldier’s account. It can be used for any college-related expenses, giving recruits even more financial support as they pursue their education. The GI Bill Kicker, combined with other education benefits, makes it easier for qualifying Soldiers to focus on their studies while serving their state and nation.







Education

Student Loan Repayment

The Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) is a valuable benefit available to new recruits in the Montana Army National Guard who meet specific eligibility criteria during the enlistment process. This program can pay off up to $50,000 in existing federal student loans, helping Soldiers reduce their debt while serving. Although not available to all Soldiers, those who qualify can choose this benefit at enlistment, providing significant financial relief as they focus on their military and civilian careers. The SLRP is a great opportunity for recruits to alleviate student loan burdens while continuing their education and service.






Training

Click each section for more information on each benefit.

Physical Fitness & Discipline

College Credits

Paid Job Training

Resume Bullets

Training

College Credits

All Soldiers in the Montana Army National Guard earn college credits for their military training through the Joint Services Transcript (JST) program. This includes credits for Basic Training, Advanced Individual Training (AIT), and many other courses attended throughout their military career. The number of credits varies depending on the school, allowing Soldiers to transfer their training into academic progress. Additionally, Soldiers have the opportunity to take CLEP tests at free or reduced costs, enabling them to earn even more college credits by testing out of certain subjects. This program makes it easier for Soldiers to advance their education while serving.














Training

Paid Job Training

In the Montana Army National Guard, Soldiers receive paid job training in their chosen career field, with the opportunity to select from over 83 different specialties. Whether you're interested in fields like engineering, medical services, logistics, or technology, you'll get hands-on experience while earning a paycheck. From the moment you begin your career with rsp, Basic Training, Advanced Individual Training (AIT), and throughout your military career, you’ll be paid for all the training you attend. This ensures that you’re gaining valuable skills and experience in your dream field, all while being compensated for your time and effort.














Training

Resume Bullets

Service in the Montana Army National Guard provides Soldiers with valuable resume bullets that can help them stand out to potential employers. Whether you're gaining experience in your dream career field or exploring a new area, the skills and training you receive are highly transferable to civilian jobs. From leadership and teamwork to specialized technical expertise, these experiences make Soldiers highly sought after in the job market. Employers often actively seek candidates with military backgrounds, recognizing the discipline, work ethic, and unique qualifications that come with Guard service. No matter the field, the resume bullets earned in the Montana Army National Guard can open doors to countless career opportunities.














Training

Physical Fitness & Discipline

Being a part of the mtarng offers significant benefits in physical fitness and personal discipline. Soldiers participate in structured fitness training that helps build strength, endurance, and overall health. Whether you're improving your performance through strength exercises, cardiovascular training, or agility drills, the Guard ensures that you stay in peak physical condition. Alongside fitness, the Guard instills discipline through its training, routines, and leadership development, helping Soldiers cultivate mental toughness, focus, and the ability to overcome challenges. These skills are not only vital for military success but also translate into everyday life, making you stronger both physically and mentally.














Service

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Camaraderie

Service to Country & State

Leadership Development

Unique Travel Opportunities

Service

Serve Your Country & State

Serving in the Montana Army National Guard means serving both your state and your country. As a Soldier, you’ll play a critical role in protecting Montana’s communities, responding to natural disasters like wildfires and floods, and providing vital support in times of need. The Guard is also deeply involved in Counterdrug efforts, working alongside local police and border patrol to keep our communities safe. Additionally, Montana Guardsmen participate in search and rescue missions, ensuring the safety of residents in the state’s vast and rugged landscapes. Beyond state service, Soldiers are also called to deploy federally, with opportunities to serve overseas in defense of the nation. Whether protecting the homeland or deploying abroad, Montana Army National Guard Soldiers are always ready to answer the call.





















Service

Leadership Experience

In the Montana Army National Guard, Soldiers have numerous opportunities to develop and refine leadership skills that are highly valued both in the military and civilian careers. As a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), Soldiers lead teams, make critical decisions, and mentor junior enlisted members, gaining hands-on leadership experience. For those seeking to become officers, the Guard offers pathways through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at college, Officer Candidate School (OCS), or by becoming a Warrant Officer. Each of these routes prepares Soldiers to take on significant responsibilities, from commanding units to overseeing specialized technical operations. These leadership experiences provide a strong foundation for success in any career field, both during and after military service.





















Service

Unique Travel Opportunities

The Montana Army National Guard offers unique travel opportunities that allow Soldiers to see the world while serving. Through training exercises, missions, and deployments, Montana Guardsmen have the chance to travel across the United States and internationally to places like Canada, Romania, Germany, and even the Maldives. Whether supporting domestic operations or building partnerships with allied nations, these experiences provide exposure to new cultures and environments. Additionally, Soldiers can take advantage of Space-Available (Space-A) travel, which allows Guard members to fly on military aircraft to various destinations at little to no cost. These opportunities offer a blend of adventure and service, making Guard life a unique and rewarding experience.













Service

Camaraderie

One of the most rewarding aspects of serving in the Montana Army National Guard is the strong sense of camaraderie you gain. From the moment you begin training, you forge lifelong bonds with fellow Soldiers who share the same dedication and commitment. Whether you're working side by side during drills, responding to emergencies, or serving on overseas deployments, these shared experiences create a tight-knit brotherhood and sisterhood. The friendships and mutual support developed in the Guard last far beyond your military service, providing you with a network of trusted comrades who truly understand the challenges and victories of serving both state and country.





















Financial

Click each section for more information on each benefit.

VA Home Loans

Drill & Training Pay

Bonus Opportunities

Health Insurance

Financial

Drill & Training Pay

When you’re in a drill or training status with the Montana Army National Guard, you will be paid for your time, ensuring that your commitment is recognized and rewarded. Drill and training pay provides compensation for the hours you dedicate to fulfilling your duties, whether it’s during monthly drills, annual training, or other required activities. Additionally, some Soldiers may be eligible for a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) when they are on active orders. This benefit helps cover housing costs and provides financial support while you’re serving on active duty, further enhancing the overall compensation package for your service. 




























Financial

Bonus Opportunities

The Montana Army National Guard offers attractive bonus opportunities for qualified Soldiers, though they are not available to everyone. Soldiers who enlist into one of our High-Density Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) may be eligible for bonuses of up to $20,000, depending on the specific role and enlistment conditions. Additionally, we provide Quick-Ship Bonuses for recruits who are ready to start their training promptly, as well as Prior Service Bonuses for individuals with previous military experience. These bonuses are designed to incentivize and reward those who meet the necessary criteria, providing a financial boost as you begin your service or continue your military career.




























Financial

Health Insurance

TriCare provides exceptional value for health insurance compared to average private options. According to Forbes, the average cost of bronze-level health insurance for an individual is $420 per month. In contrast, TriCare offers Gold-Standard health insurance for individual Soldiers at just $51.95 per month, with a total deductible of $62. For a married couple with one child, the average cost for bronze-level health insurance is $1,318 per month. TriCare covers a Soldier and ALL of their dependents for $256.87 per month total, with a total deductible of $125. This comprehensive coverage at significantly lower costs demonstrates the substantial financial benefits TriCare provides to Montana Army National Guard Soldiers and their families.




























Financial

VA Home Loan

The VA Home Loan program offers significant benefits to Soldiers in the Montana Army National Guard, providing a valuable path to homeownership. This program allows eligible service members to purchase, build, or refinance a home with favorable terms, including no down payment and competitive interest rates. The VA Home Loan also eliminates the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI), reducing monthly costs. With the support of the VA, Soldiers can access a range of benefits designed to make home buying more accessible and affordable, helping them invest in their future and achieve the dream of owning a home.




























Education

Click each section for more information on each benefit.

Student Loan Repayment

100% Tuition Waiver

G.I. Bill

G.I. Bill Kicker

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