MONEY FOR COLLEGE
The cost of higher education shouldn't stop you from obtaining your goals in life. The South Dakota Army National Guard can aid you in your path to reach those goals, whether that's to obtain higher education or a vocational skill to maintain a great lifestyle. The South Dakota Army National Guard can provide you with numerous ways to reach your goals while earning a monthly paycheck, along with educational benefits.
TUITION ASSISTANCE
The Federal Tuition Assistance Program helps enable you to pursue your education and prepare yourself for the future. This program assists with the cost of tuition up to $250 per credit hour (up to 16 credit hours per year).
The State Tuition Assistance Programs cover up to 50% tuition at South Dakota Board of Regents universities, and 83.5% at South Dakota supported technical institutes.
MONTGOMERY GI BILL FOR COLLEGE AND VO-TECH STUDENTS
Under the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR), you receive a monthly payment toward the cost of attending school. Current payment amounts are available at:
www.GIBill.va.gov
In addition to the MGIB-SR, you may also qualify for the MGIB "Kicker" by enlisting into a certain job with a six-year enlistment. This program provides an additional $350 per month toward the cost of going to school.
GET A JUMP ON COLLEGE
With the South Dakota Army National Guard, you can earn college credits for completion of your military training. Many academic institutions award college credit for various types of military training, thus rewarding and recognizing the substantial experience and skills you've developed. This allows you to get ahead of your peers in obtaining your degree and career after college.
STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM (SLRP)
The Student Loan Repayment Program may pay up to $50,000 for applicants that have eligible student loans at the time of enlistment. This option is available for certain jobs with a six-year enlistment.
Ask your SD Army National Guard Recruiter about the
details of the educational benefits you will receive.
EARN A MONTHLY SALARY
Get paid for attending monthly Unit Training Assemblies (UTAs) with a starting wage between $12.95 - $18.28 per hour (E-1 - E-4 rank with less than two years time in service). Working one weekend a month (UTA weekend drill) and two weeks a year (annual training) can really add up!
All incentives are for qualified Soldiers and are subject to change
BASIC COMBAT TRAINING (BCT)
Becoming a well-trained Soldier starts during BCT. During these ten weeks, you become physically and mentally stronger by learning to overcome the challenges placed before you. BCT instructors teach new Soldiers how to care for themselves, and others, to function as a member of a team and achieve success together.
ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL TRAINING (AIT)
After you complete BCT, you are ready to attend AIT to learn the skills required to perform your military job. You will receive
hands-on training and field instruction to make you an expert in the career field you chose at the time of your enlistment. At the end of your training, you will develop the leadership and technical skills that make you a valuable asset to civilian employers, which gives you an edge in today's highly competitive job market.
YOUR COUNTRY, YOUR STATE
Today, South Dakota Army National Guard members serve both the United States of America and the state of South Dakota and their freedoms. The Army National Guard plays a key role in protecting our homeland. At home, the Guard helps South Dakota communities withstand natural disasters; such as floods, wildfires and winter storms. Guard members also actively participate in local community organizations that assist neighborhoods to improve their quality of life.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
• Affordable medical and dental care for you and your family
• Low-cost life insurance
• Begin earning your retirement
• Free military air flights based on space availability
• Free academic testing and counseling
STRIPES FOR BUDDIES PROGRAM
Promotion to E-2: refer 1 student who enlists
Promotion to E-3: refer 2 students who enlist
SPLIT-TRAINING PROGRAM
High School juniors who are at least 17 years of age may enlist and attend BCT between their junior and senior year. After graduation, you complete AIT.
JOIN NOW, GET PAID NOW
If you are a high school or college student and want to join the South Dakota Army National Guard but don't want to miss any school, you can join and get paid for attending drills for up to nine months before you attend BCT. This allows you to belong to the South Dakota Army National Guard without a break in your education.