Fund Your Education with the Virginia National Guard

VA Army National Guard Benefits Breakdown

Tuition assistance: Up to 100% of tuition covered at public universities, colleges, or trade schools when you combine Virginia State Tuition Assistance with Federal Tuition Assistance, both of which help pay for approved classes while you serve part-time. (State tuition assistance capped at $20,000 per year, federal tuition assistance capped at $4,500 per year)

Books, supplies, and additional fees: May be covered through ROTC enrollment and participation in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), which lets you be in both ROTC and the Guard at the same time.

Monthly drill pay: You get paid every time you train, including one weekend a month and a longer training period in the summer. Pay is based on your rank and years of service, so your income grows as you advance.

GI Bill and other federal education benefits: As a member of the Selected Reserve, you may qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) and, with enough qualifying active service, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. These can help cover tuition, books, and sometimes a housing stipend while you are in school.

Bonuses and extra cash incentives: Depending on your job and contract, you may qualify for enlistment or reenlistment bonuses, and Virginia also offers a Referral Enlistment Program that can pay up to $1,000 when someone you refer successfully joins the Virginia Army National Guard.

Career training and professional certifications: Many Guard jobs offer paid training in fields such as cybersecurity, medical support, aviation, engineering, and logistics. Federal programs like Credentialing Assistance can help pay for professional licenses and certifications that transfer directly to civilian careers.

Affordable health care options: Eligible Guard members can buy TRICARE Reserve Select, a low-cost health insurance plan, and receive full TRICARE coverage when on qualifying active duty orders.

Retirement and long-term benefits: Service in the Guard counts toward military retirement, and time on active duty can help you qualify for additional VA benefits later in life.

Service Obligation and Requirements

Serving in the Virginia Army National Guard is a part-time commitment, but it is still a real, multi-year military contract averaging 3-6 years. You agree to train regularly with your unit and complete initial full-time training in exchange for tuition benefits, pay, and career experience.

Drilling schedule typically looks like:

• Train one weekend a month with your unit
• Attend about two weeks of annual training each year, often in the summer
• Complete Basic Combat Training and job training (AIT) on full-time active duty for several weeks or months at the beginning of your service

Virginia Army National Guard Eligibility

You may qualify to serve in the Virginia Army National Guard and use education benefits if you meet these basic requirements:

• You are 17 to 35 years old (or have a parent or guardian’s consent if under 17)
• You are at least a high school junior, or have a high school diploma or GED.
• You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

To use Virginia tuition benefits, you typically need to live, work, or attend school in Virginia.

Applying for the Virginia Army National Guard

Getting started is pretty straightforward. The process usually looks like:

1. Connect with a recruiter
   • Reach out online, by phone, or at a school visit to talk about your goals, education plans, and interest in serving.
2. Confirm your eligibility and explore jobs
   • Your recruiter will check basic eligibility, answer questions about benefits, and help you explore different Guard jobs that fit your skills and interests.
3. Take the ASVAB (if you have not already)
   • The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a test that helps match you with jobs in the Guard.
4. Complete your MEPS appointment
   • You will visit a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for:
     • A full medical exam
     • A background review and final eligibility checks
   • If everything is approved, you will choose your job, sign your enlistment contract, and take the Oath of Enlistment.
5. Ship to training and apply for tuition assistance
   • You'll get a training date for Basic Combat Training and job training.
   • Once you are in your unit and enrolled in college or trade school, you can apply for Virginia National Guard tuition assistance by the deadlines set for each term or semester.

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