Frequently Asked Questions
1. I'm a news media representative with questions about the Colorado National Guard. Whom should I contact?
2. What is the National Guard?
3. Why join the Guard?
4. What other benefits are available to me by serving in the Guard?
5. How is the Guard different from Active Duty?
6. Am I eligible to join the Guard?
7. How do I join the Guard?
8. How long do I have to sign up for?
9. How do I find out what will be expected of me at basic training?
10. Could I be sent into combat?
11. How do I find out about military support programs for my spouse while I'm deployed?
12. Do some jobs pay more than others?
13. How much will I make my first year?
14. How do I find out about military and civilian job vacancies in the Colorado National Guard?
15. Will I earn a bonus for becoming an officer?
16. Will I earn a bonus for becoming a noncommissioned officer?
17. Can I go to college while serving in the Guard?
18. How does the state tuition assistance program work?
19. What other tuition assistance is available?
20. What kind of training can I get paid for?
21. If I do more than two weeks of annual training do I get paid?
22. Can I get my student loans paid for?
23. Does the job come with life insurance coverage?
24. Does the job come with health insurance coverage?
25. What happens if someone joins the Guard because of my referral?
26. How do I locate a unit or installation?
27. How do I contact a chaplain?
28. How do I research the history of the Colorado National Guard?
29. How can I obtain copies of my military records?
30. How do I order a National Guard Almanac?
31. How do I rent a National Guard Armory or contact a building manager?
32. How do I sell a product/service to the Colorado National Guard?
33. I am a Soldier, Airman or civilian employee of the Colorado National Guard. How can I create a my CONG network access account?
I'm a news media representative with questions about the Colorado National Guard. Whom should I contact?
Send a message to Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs using the media query form on the "Contact" tab of our home page.
For breaking news, check this website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
Facebook: http://co.ng.mil/Facebook
Twitter: http://co.ng.mil/Twitter
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What is the National Guard?
The National Guard is a military branch that serves both state and federal governments, at home and overseas.
In the National Guard, you'll receive a regular paycheck, paid training, tuition assistance, and more. Benefits include money for education through the Montgomery G.I. Bill, a military retirement plan, and affordable health and life insurance, You'll even have access to free space-available air travel. Ask your recruiter anbout specific benefits in Colorado.
Serving in the National Guard is more than about wearing the uniform-it's about serving your community and your country.
When trouble strikes your state or area, your Governor can call out the National Guard for a mission where you will help save lives, provide support and deliver critical supplies to communities that need you.
Likewise, when your President calls, you will answer by delivering overseas humanitarian aid or support of our nation's homeland defense efforts.
Plus, you serve near where you live.
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Why join the Guard?
There's a great sense of pride from serving communities, state, and nation.
The many benefits to you of serving in the Colorado National Guard include:
Low cost, full-time health insurance for service members and their families
Up to 100% tuition reimbursement at state colleges and universities
Additional help with your education-related expenses
Low cost life insurance
Paid training highly valued by civilian employers
Retirement pay and benefits
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What other benefits are available to me by serving in the Guard?
Veterans Administration (VA) Home Loans
Guard members may be eligible for VA home loans with minimum or no down payment. Working through private lenders, such as banks, savings and loans, and mortage companies, VA guarantees loans for homes up to a pre-determined amount and can also eliminate the need for private mortgage insurance.
Re-employment Benefits
As a member of the Guard, you can be deployed on short notice. And by federal law, when you have to leave your job to serve your country, you're assured of being able to come back to work when you return. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects your right to be re-employed in the same position upon retuning from military service.
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 after you've finished serving when you reach retirement age. This is on top of any benefits from your civilian career and any other retirement funds you may have coming.
And it's a pretty simple plan. If you complete a standard part-time term in the Guard, at age 60 you could be eligible to begin receiving about $1,653 every month-for a total payouy of $287,803*. That's 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 coming. So , you can see how it all adds up. Serving part-time in the National Guard is like money in the bank.
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How is the Guard different from the Active Duty?
The Colorado National Guard is a community-based organization with a long heritage that dates to 1860-before Colorado was even a state.
You'll follow in the footsteps of brave Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen who've served our communities, state, and nation anytime, always ready, always there.
You'll add your legacy to theirs in a career field of your choosing. And because you'll serve part-time in the Guard, you'll do it in a way that fits your life, close to where you live and work.
The National Guard is not only the first military service in the nation. With nearly 470,000 personnel throughout 54 states and territories, the National Guard is uniquely suited to respond to various types of missions.
The Colorado National Guard is the first military responder during domestic emergencies in our state so you'll be protecting our communities. When trouble strikes here at home, the Governor of Colorado can call on you to help save lives, provide support to civil authorities and deliver critical supplies to communities that need you.
Likewise, when the President calls, you'll answer by delivering overseas humanitatian aid or support to contingency operations or bolster our nation's homeland defense efforts.
Our dual mission at both the federal and state levels makes the National Guard a unique branch of the military.
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Am I eligible to join the Guard?
Recruits need to meet certain standards of height, weight, age, fitness and education in order to enlist.
How do I join the Guard?
Contact Colorado Army or Air National Guard recruiting by clicking the "Join Us" option on the left side of our home page. The first step in joining the National Guard is to talk to a recruiter.
How long do I have to sign up for?
Your total enlistment period will be eight years, but you can serve as little as three or six years, and spend the remainder in the IRR (Individual Ready Reserve).
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How do I find out what will be expected of me at basic training?
For information on basic military training for Army National Guard recruits, visit the U.S. Army Basic Training web page at: http://www.armybasic.org.
For information on basic military training for Air National Guard recruits, visit the U.S. Air Force Basic Training web page at: http://www.airforce.com/training/enlisted/.
Could I be sent into combat?
Yes. Guard memnbers can be mobilized to protect and defend America against threats domestically or overseas.
How do I find out about military support programs for my spouse while I'm deployed?
Click on the Colorado National Guard Family Program logo on the right side of our home page. You can also send a request to the Colorado National Guard Family Program office on the "Contact" tab of the home page.
Do some jobs pay more than others?
Guard pay is based on your rank and the number of years you've served, along with incentives like hazardous-duty pay.
How much will I make my first year?
Your pay depends on a few different factors, but you won't make less than $179 for every weekend you drill and more if you're an officer.
You'll also earn a salary during your two weeks of annual training. If you work more than two weeks each year, you'll earn pay for that duty as well.
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How do I find out about military and civilian job vacancies in the Colorado National Guard?
Vacancies are advertised on the "jobs" tab of our home page.
Will I earn a bonus for becoming an officer?
Yes. At this time, the Guard is paying Officer Accession bonuses.
Contact recruiting to learn about available bonuses and eligibility requirements.
Will I earn a bonus for becoming a noncommissioned officer?
Bonuses are available for those enlisting into critical-skilled positions, completing initial training during a certain period, having previously served in the military, or possessing certain job skills.
Contact recruiting to learn about available bonuses and eligibility requirements.
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Can I go to college while serving in the Guard?
Absolutely. Your Guard service is only part time-just one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year.
How does the state tuition assistance program work?
The Colorado National Guard funds up to 100% of tuition costs.
Tuition Assistance may be used in addition to the Montgomery G.I. Bill, G.I. Bill Kicker, Active Duty Montgomery G.I.Bill, and Pell Grants. An application for tuition assistance must be completed by a pre-set deadline before the start of each academic quarter at a designated state-funded college or university.
Contact recruiting for details.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility begins the day a person joins the Guard, prior to basic training or even while still in high school.
Students need to complete courses in which Tuition Assistance is provided before their Expiration Term of Service date.
Commissioned officers must agree to remain in the Guard for at least 4 years following completion of the course in which Tuition Assistance is provided.
The college or university attended must be a nationally or regionally accredited institution.
Tuition Assistance funds will not be disbursed without verification of enrollment.
The institution must provide the student with documentation clearly describint the cost of each course
Students must remain satisfactory participants in the Colorado National Guard.
Contact recruiting to determine your eligibility.
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What other tuition assitance is available?
Besides up to 100% tuition assistance at state universities and colleges, the Reserve Montgomery G.I. Bill can help with college expenses. This benfit pays you a stipened of more than $300 a month, while attending college (or other approved technical school). Over a period of 36 months, you can receive about $12,000. This money is sent directly to you (not to your school) to spend on books, supplies-or anything you want.
The Montgomery G.I. Bill may be used in addition to the 100% Federal Tuition Assistance and the G.I. Bill Kicker. Prior service members may also be entitled to the Selective Reserve Montgomery G.I. Bill.
Eligibility requirements
Have a high school diploma or equivalency
Have a 6-year enlistment obligation
Must have a career field specialty code or have completed a basic officer course
You must have depleted the Active Duty Montgomery G.I. Bill, if applicable.
There is also a G.I. Bill Kicker which pays up to about $350 a month for living expenses while attending college (or other approved technical school). Paid as a stipened, this incentive pays up to about 12,600 over a period of 36 months.
There are additional requirements to qualify for the G.I. Bill Kicker program. Contact recruiting to determine your eligibility.
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What kind of training can I get paid for?
Employers want experienced and disciplined applicants. The Guard will not only provide you with real-world training in over 200 exciting careers but also instill in you the virtues of a quality work ethic and reliability. When employers see the Guard on your resume, they know they can count on you.
Non-prior service members will attend a military specialty school to train in the job they selected upon joining the Guard. Prior service members selecting a different job skill will attend a school to reclassify.
You will continue to sharpen your job skills through training within your unit. The Guard provides you the opportunity to attend schools to further your knowledge in your occupation. Leadership schools will teach you management skills as you move up in rank.
Contact recruiting to learn about available job positions and eligibility requirements.
If I do more than two weeks of annual training do I get paid?
Yes, you will be paid for every day you work.
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Can I get my student loans paid for?
The Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) will pay up for particular kinds of student loans and only for those who have an existing student loan obligation at the time of enlistment in the Guard. Some members who extend their enlistment contract for a minimum period of six years are also eligible for this program if they meet certain requirements.
Members can use the SLRP in addition to tuition assistance and the GI Bill-related programs by taking out student loans for living and travel expenses, then have the Guard pay off these loans through the SLRP. SLRP is one of the least used benefits, yet one of the easiest to qualify for and receive.
Contact recruiting to determine your eligibility.
Does the job come with life insurance coverage?
Under Service members' Group Life Insurance (SGLI), you can receive up to $400,000 worth of life insurance for about $27.00 a month. That's 24-hour-a-day coverage for an unbeatable price. Family members are eligible for Family Service members' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI), which offers insurance to spouses and dependent children of Guard members insured under SGLI.
Does the job come with health insurance coverage?
The Guard cares about the health of Soldiers, Airmen, and their Families. While serving in the National Guard, military members and their Families can purchase inexpensive health coverage from TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS), for the top-quality healthcare they deserve. Your monthly premium rate is determined by the type of coverage you purchase. Visit www.tricare.mil, enter your profile, and click on "Costs." You can choose to cover only you or you and your family members.
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What happens if someone joins the Guard because of my referral?
The Guard is one of the best kept secrets out there. We need to change that to maintain Guard readiness and strength. If you know someone who's interested, sign up to be a recruiting assistant for the Army National Guard Recruiting Assistant Program https://guardrap.com (G-RAP) which allows Soldiers and retired members of the U.S. Military to earn up to $7,500 for referring Officers—or $2,000 for new recruits—who enlist and report to basic training.
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How do I locate a unit or installation?
If you are looking for a Colorado Army National Guard unit, click on the Colorado Army National Guard logo on the left side of the home page. You can contact most units via their Web sites.
If you are looking for a Colorado Air National Guard unit, click on the Colorado Air National Guard logo on the left side of the home page.
How do I contact a chaplain?
You may contact the chaplain's office via the "Contact" tab of our home page.
How do I research the history of the Colorado National Guard?
Click on the "Heritage" tab of our home page and/or contact the Colorado National Guard historian via the "Contact" tab of our home page.
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How can I obtain copies of my military records?
If this is regarding a Colorado National Guard member's records, call the archivist on the "Contact" tab of our home page. Requests from third parties about Guard members must be in writing clearly stating why the information is required. Privacy Act guidelines apply.
An individual's complete service record is available to the former service member or, if deceased, to his/her next of kin (parents, spouse, or children). Limited information (such as dates of service, awards, and training) is available to anyone.
Not available to the general public is information which would invade an individual's privacy; for example, medical records, Social Security number, or present address.
If this is regarding service members' records who did not serve in the Colorado Air or Army National Guard, please contact:
National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Blvd
St. Louis MO 63132
Phone: 314-801-0800 or 1-866-272-6272 (1-86-NARA-NARA) For individuals compiling family histories, NARA provides assistance to those interested in genealogy. NARA normally charges a nominal fee for research and reproduction costs. Their address is:
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
8th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20408
202-501-5400
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How do I order a National Guard Almanac?
Copies can be purchased by contacting: UNIFORMED SERVICES ALMANAC, INC., P.O. Box 4144-Z, Falls Church, VA 22044-0144. Phone: 703-532-1631. http://www.militaryalmanac.com
How do I rent a National Guard armory or contact a building manger?
Many of our armories are available for use by the public. Please contact a building manager for more infomation about availability, fees, and to submit the official request.
How do I sell a product/service to the Colorado National Guard?
Please contact the contracting office via the "Contact" tab of our home page.
Under the Federal Acquisition Regulations, any contracting opportunities/projects that the National Guard undertakes are solicited via normal contracting procedures and channels.
For your convenience, to find out about contracting opportunities with the National Guard, log on to the Commerce Business Daily web site at: http://cbdnet.access.gpo.gov. All solicitations on behalf of the Guard can be found on that site.
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