State tuition assistance
The Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program (RIRP) is a New York State program designed to recruit and retain members for the State Military Forces. This competitive program will pay the cost of tuition up to SUNY tuition rates per semester.
Only the National Guard has this tuition program.
$20,000 enlistment bonus (for qualified applicants)
Your exciting future offers huge benefits—and may also include a massive bonus. Enlistment bonuses are available for new recruits, prior service members and transitioning active duty Soldiers, as well as Guard Soldiers looking to reenlist.
There are specific MOS and ASVAB requirements.
low cost insurance
Most Soldiers serve because they want to give back to their country. Then they find out that being part of the National Guard comes with other rewards. Beyond earning additional pay and getting help with their education costs, Soldiers and Veterans—and their families—enjoy even more real benefits, such as inexpensive healthcare through the TRICARE system and low-cost life insurance that pays up to $400,000. Take care of your health, your family and your future.
Retirement
FEDERAL RETIREMENT PLAN You probably won't be thinking about retirement for many years, but think about this: The Guard can continue to pay you every month if you have 20 years service while serving in the Guard by age 60 (including service in other branches). And considering that retirement will probably mean time to travel, play, or even start a second business, financial security would be a nice part of your plan.
And it's a pretty simple plan. If you complete a standard part-time term in the Guard by age 60, you could be eligible to receive monthly payments* based on serving one weekend per month plus an additional 15 days per year, for 20 years.
This is on top of any benefits from your civilian career. You'll still receive those and any other retirement funds you may have come. So, you can see how it all adds up. Serving part-time in the National Guard is like money in the bank.
paid job-training in a career field you want (STEM careers)
Our modern age is defined by science, technology, engineering and mathematics. And the National Guard is looking for future Soldiers who specialize in those areas. You may be a scientist or engineer seeking to serve. Or you might be an amateur tech guru with an ambition to level up on military-grade networks.
"Luck is not chance, it's toil; fortune's expensive smile is earned." Emily Dickinson