National Guard / Reserves Information

The National Guard and Reserves have been mobilized many times for various missions since 9/11 and the beginning of the Global War on Terror. In the near future, most if not all, of these brave servicemen and women will have served in Iraq or Afghanistan. They currently constitute 50% of returning OEF/OIF Veterans utilizing VA services and their ages range from 18 to over 60.

To assist these warriors in their transition to civilian life, the Transition Assistance Advocate Program (TAA's) was established in 2006 by the National Guard Bureau. This program was designed to provide transition assistance to service members and their families.

Transition Assistance Advisors (TAA's) are stationed across the Nation at The Adjutant Generals Office of each State National Guard Agency. They assist National Guard members and their families in a variety of ways before, during and after deployment. These former military, retired military and spouses of military, have become a vital link between service members/families and State, Federal and Local services. They also stand by to assist Reserve members and active duty service members when called upon to do so.

Eligibility

Reserve and National Guard members may be eligible for VA benefits under certain conditions. Additional information can be obtained at http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1138

Other National Guard/Reserve Service Sites

Army National Guard* - Link to the Army National Guard web site for family resources.
Coast Guard Reserve* - The Family Readiness Guide for Coast Guard Reserve personnel and families.
Marine Forces Reserve* - Link to Marine Forces Reserve web site with more links to medical information, family and community services, etc.
Naval Reserve* - Link to the Naval Reserve web site.

State Initiative

Severely injured service members are provided with a consent to release information form which is sent to their State’s Department of Veterans Affairs (SDVA). Signing this form allows the State DVA to contact consenting service member to inform them of STATE Veterans Benefits that are available to. These benefits are provided in addition to those allowed by the USVA. In other words, they are yours to receive… with no impact on your USDVA benefits. If you or a family member are interested in participating in this program mail your respective State DVA.

*Links will take you outside the Department of Veterans Affairs web site.