On the eve of the 11th anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the chief of staff of the Army paid tribute to the role of the National Guard in the immediate aftermath and in the years since.
Army General Raymond T. “Ray” Odierno also said 9/11 made America stronger.
“That day changed the lives of Americans forever,” Odierno said. “And it will continue to impact generations of Americans. But—as in the past—our enemies underestimated the will, the pride, patriotism of Americans.
“I believe these attacks have made America stronger, creating a spirit of service in the hearts of a new generation of Americans.”
Air National Guard pilots were in the air within minutes of the attacks, and Army National Guard members responded on the ground—including some who simply showed up at readiness centers without waiting to be called.
“Our Citizen-Soldiers were the first to respond,” Odierno told attendees at the 134th General Conference of the National Guard Association of the United States. “Within days—within hours—of the terrorist strikes, Operation Noble Eagle mobilized Guardsmen around the country … to provide security on military installations, airports and other key infrastructure, as well as to patrol America’s borders.
“And … our Total Army has been essential to our plans for the last eleven years: We have a true and proven operational Reserve, with experience that comes from more than 675,000 mobilizations.
“Fifty percent of our Guard Soldiers today are combat Veterans, many in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“National Guard Soldiers continue to provide support to our civil authorities around the nation in a variety of missions.”
In recent weeks, Guard members from multiple states have responded in the thousands to support civil authorities in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac, to battle wildfires, and to provide security for both the Republican and Democratic political conventions, Odierno said.
“These missions, both overseas and in support of our civil authorities, are critical,” he said.
Your total enlistment period will be eight years, but you can serve as little as three or six years, and spend the remainder in IRR (Individual Ready Reserve).
Learn moreAbsolutely. Your Guard service is only part time—just one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year.
See how the Guard helps with school.Recruits need to meet certain standards of height, weight, age, fitness and education in order to enlist.
Learn about the Guard's eligibility requirements.Yes. Guard members can be mobilized to protect and defend America in battle domestically or overseas.
Learn more about about training.MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing Station, METS stands for Military Entrance Testing Site.
Learn moreThe Guard is a military branch that serves both state and federal governments, at home and overseas.
Find out more about the Guard.Guard pay is based on your rank and the number of years you've served, along with incentives like hazardous-duty pay.
Contact a representative to learn more.Your pay depends on a few different factors, but you won't make less than $183 for every weekend you drill.
Find out more about Guard pay.Different states may offer commissioning bonuses for critical skill positions. Please check with your local Guard representative for current bonus information.
Learn more about becoming an officer.Yes, you will be paid for every day you work.
Find out about Annual Training pay.There are different ways to become an officer. If you’re heading to college, the ROTC program is the way to go.
View how to become an officer.The training period varies for each job.
Learn moreFor certain career specialties, particularly medical professions, the Guard will reimburse student loans.
Contact a Guard representative.Find jobs in your area on our Job Board.
Learn moreIn two major ways: getting promotions and activating retirement benefits.
Learn more from a Guard representative.If you've completed Army or Marine Corps Basic Training, you won't need to repeat BCT. Most other prior service personnel will need to attend BCT (except USAF and USN Special Operations personnel). Your recruiter has details.
Talk to a Guard representative.Yes, provided you can complete 20 years of total military service by age 62.
Learn more about retirement benefits.As a National Guard Soldier, you get good pay and great benefits, and continue building toward a military retirement—while serving your country in a part-time status.
Learn moreYou are eligible for this benefit only once in your career. Once it has ended, it cannot be reinstated, even with a new enlistment contract.
Learn more.Your Chapter 1606 GI Bill benefit is suspended while you are AGR. You may need to extend your enlistment to have it reinstated once you return as a traditional drilling Soldier.
Learn more.Eligibility for Chapter 1607 is based on Title 10 Active Duty periods. The Border Mission is Title 32 and not considered a mobilization eligible for Chapter 1607.
Learn more.If you are released from Active Duty prior to completing 90 days due to an illness or injury in the line of duty, you will receive Chapter 1607 benefits at a 40 percent rate.
Learn more.You cannot receive payment from more than one benefit program at a time.
Learn more.Your estimated total for the first year.
*DetailsPlease understand that these calculations are only estimates and that a recruiter will have the most up-to-date information about benefits.
Because of the broad range of pay options, the Pay Calculator does not apply to Medical Professional Officers.
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