National Guard

The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces. Composed of National Guard military members and units from each state, the District of Columbia, and the territories of Guam and the Virgin Islands, the National Guard can be deployed or mobilized for federal and domestic missions.

National Guard News

A loaded M4 rifle belonging to a National Guardsman.

Civilian Finds Rifle Left in Unlocked Vehicle by Guardsman on Border Mission

Capitol Hill stock photo taken in Washington D.C.

Inflation Bonuses for Troops Make it into Sweeping Defense Bill

Patriot Front demonstrates near the National Archives in Washington.

4 Veterans and a National Guard Cadet Among Members of White Supremacist Group Arrested in Idaho

A soldier counts his money

4 Ways to Maximize Annual Training Pay

A court-martial of 64 members of the All-Black 24th Infantry Regiment is held on Nov. 1, 1917, at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, stemming from the Houston Race Riot more than two months earlier. (National Archives and Records Administration photo)

How a Race Riot Involving an Army Unit Led to the Largest Murder Trial in US History

A veteran pauses for reflection at the Blackfoot Veterans Cemetery dedication. in Idaho.

First Guardsman Buried at State Vets Cemetery Following Federal Rules Change

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National Guard Pay & Benefits Guide

(U.S. Army/Sgt. Alexandra Shea)

National Guard Pay Overview

If you're serving as a member of the National Guard, you're eligible for regular drill pay and might qualify for some special...

servicemembers boarding jet

Guard and Reserve Deployment: Pay Benefits

If you are a Reserve or Guard member who is deployed, you become eligible for basic pay, along with some extra pay benefits.

Tricare for Reserve & Guard

Tricare offers many insurance programs for Reserve and Guard members and their families.

Question mark on chalkboard

USERRA Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of FAQs about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

Join the National Guard

National Guard celebrates birthday

The History and Roles of the National Guard

Air Force Reserve plane awaits postflight inspection

Joining the Air Force Reserve

Army Reserve soldier Chicago

Joining the Army Reserve

Coast Guard Reserve patrols waters in Delaware

Joining the Coast Guard Reserve

Marine Corps Reserve Centennial ceremony

Joining the Marine Corps Reserve

Chief of Navy Reserve

Joining the Navy Reserve

Retiring from the National Guard

Learn about what is important for a military retirement

Benefits for "Gray-Area" Military Retirees

Sign by the main gate at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Ft. Worth, formerly Carswell AFB, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Guard, Reserve Soldiers and Reduced-Age Retirement

Leave the Gray Area: Guard and Reserve Retirement