Discover how you can cash in.

The Guard pays well. But for civilians and Soldiers with skills and experience, we pay even better, with incentives up to thousands of extra dollars. Serve full-time now in certain jobs, and qualify for big cash.

First-time Soldiers can qualify for bonuses.

Cash Bonus Jobs—Up to $15,000*
Certain high-demand jobs and critical specialties pay you a bonus up to $15,000 when you enlist in the military for the first time.* If you have the skills, or want to learn them, you can earn extra cash to work in one of these exciting and specialized positions. Cash Bonus Jobs vary by state; contact your local recruiter to find out what is currently available.

Active First
With the Active First program, you'll begin your service with full-time military service—at full-time Soldier's pay—plus a cash bonus. Learn a career and travel across the U.S. or overseas, and when your Active Duty commitment is over, return to part-time Guard service with your local unit and pick up your great Guard benefits.
At this time, the Active First program has reached maximum capacity. Active First enlistments are suspended until further notice.

Pay off student loans with the Student Loan Repayment Program

For Soldiers with existing student loans, the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) can pay up to $50,000* for certain jobs, with a six- or eight-year enlistment as a member of a deployable unit. This incentive is also available to applicants entering Officer Candidate School (you must have at least 90 college credit hours and agree to a minimum six-year commitment). Your recruiter has complete details.

Prior Service Soldiers can earn extra cash.

If you’ve served before (prior service), you could be eligible for additional incentives:

Prior Service Enlistment Bonus (PSEB)—up to $15,000*
For Soldiers who have been separated from the military and have a critical Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), you may be eligible for a bonus up to $15,000 when you enlist in the National Guard.

Re-enlistment/Extension Bonus (REB)—up to $10,000*
Soldiers who re-enlist or extend their current term of service may be offered an incentive. Incentive amounts vary, so contact your state Incentive Manager for details.

Healthcare Professionals qualify for additional incentives.

For Medical Professional Officers:

For Medical Students:

Learn more about other bonuses and student loan repayments for healthcare professionals. 

*Note: Bonuses may vary according to your state’s needs. Dollar amounts shown here are not guarantees, as Army National Guard programs and benefits are subject to change. For the latest information, please contact your local recruiter.