Active duty or National Guard?

If you have decided to join the military, you are faced with a big decision. Do I go on active duty, or should I join my local National Guard unit? It is not an easy choice and there are many factors to consider.

• Do I want to serve full time?
• Am I looking for a way to pay for college?
• How will my family be impacted?
• Which option offers better healthcare and retirement benefits?
• Will I be deployed often?

These are all good questions and after reading this article, we hope that it brings clarity to your decision to serve on active duty, or join the National Guard.

National Guard vs Active-Duty Overview

Active Duty

If you opt for active-duty, you will enlist or be commissioned in one of the following branches of the military:

After you complete basic enlisted or officer training, you will complete technical training in your chosen military specialty, and then assigned a permanent duty assignment. You will be obligated to a minimum service commitment based on the enlistment contract you signed.

National Guard

If you choose the National Guard route, you will be a member of the military reserve component and serve under state authority and can also be federalized under the President.

Which Option Pays More?

Since active-duty members serve full-time, their pay, including housing and subsistence allowances, plus medical coverage, is significantly higher than a traditional National Guard member. As a traditional guardsman, you will get the same pay for your rank as an active-duty member, but you are paid for drill periods, annual training, and any activation orders. This is typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year.

​Here is an example of military pay for an E-6 stationed at Offutt AFB, NE and a member of the Nebraska Air National Guard living in the Omaha/Offutt Area.

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​Source: Military.com

Can Guard Members Serve Full Time?

Yes. The National Guard depends on consistent training and support to maximize readiness. Because the National Guard is largely a part-time force, soldiers and airmen are needed to serve in full-time status (FTS) to:

• prepare members and equipment for rapid response to domestic operations
• organize, administer and train fellow members
• maintain facilities, foster relationships with the local community, and ensure day-to-day continuity.

Here are ways to serve full-time in the National Guard:

AGR (Active Guard/Reserve Position)

As an AGR, you will manage, train, and support your reserve unit so that traditional guardsmen are ready to deploy. AGR position places you on active-duty orders, making you a full-time active-duty member during your tour.

As an AGR, you generally receive active-duty-like pay and benefits while on orders. These positions are highly competitive, and it helps if you have some prior active-duty military experience.

Military Technician (MT) and ART (Air Force Reserve Technician)

As an MT in the Army National Guard or an ART in the Air National Guard, you would have dual status, working as both a civil service employee and a military member. During the week, you would work in your unit as a federal employee, and also attend your one weekend a month and two weeks a year for reserve duty. You only receive a percentage (qualifying years) of military retirement credit since you are only required to work a certain number of hours.

Active-Duty Operational Support (ADOS)

These positions are short-term, but put you on full-time active-duty orders to complete a specific mission, special project, or fill temporary vacancies. The length and type of support is determined by the command looking for help.

State Active Duty (SAD)

In the event of a natural disaster, civil emergency, or federal mission, governors or the President can activate Guard units for full-time duty.

Best Military Option for College Students

Military service offers a wide array of education benefits that can be used while on active duty, in the reserves, or after you leave the military. Both active-duty and National Guard members have exceptional educational benefits available to them through a variety of programs, such as the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance.

Since active-duty is a full-time commitment, going full-time can be challenging, but not impossible. Many members elect to go part-time to complete their college degree. While I was on active duty in the Air Force, I was able to use tuition assistance to earn my bachelor’s degree going part time. I then applied to Officer Training School (OTS), was commissioned, and retired as a Major after 22 years of service.

Active Duty

While on active duty, you have two primary options to pay for your college degree

Military Tuition Assistance (TA): You can get up to $4,500 a year in TA, and the funds are paid to your school for each class you take. Each branch of the military has its own eligibility criteria, service obligation, application process, and restrictions. Generally, TA is only offered to active-duty members, or reserve component members in active-duty status.

TA can be used for undergraduate, graduate, or vocational certifications and licensure and does not cover books or course materials.

Post-9/11 GI Bill: This benefit provides education benefits if you served on active duty or in the selected reserve for 90 days or more after September 10, 2001. The percentage of coverage depends on how much active-duty time you have. While on active duty, some benefits may be limited or unavailable until separation, such as a monthly housing allowance and a book stipend. The school is paid directly and covers up to 100% of public in-state tuition, and is capped for private or out of state schools. If there are any gaps in coverage, check out the Yellow Ribbon Program.

The Post-911 GI Bill generally provides up to 36 months of full-time education and training benefits.

Montgomery GI Bill: The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) offers education benefits to eligible military members who served on active duty. It is different from the Post-911 GI Bill because it is paid to you as a flat monthly stipend, and you have to pay the school directly.

Once I retired from the Air Force, I was able to use my Montgomery GI Bill benefits to get my Ph.D. This led to a great career as a Lecturer of African Studies as a small private college.

Pro Tip: It may be better to use TA while on active duty, and save your GI Bill benefits for when you retire or leave the military.

National Guard

Tuition Waivers: Although members of the National Guard do not get federal TA, nearly every state offers access to state education benefits, such as state-specific tuition waivers or exemptions up to 100% These are typically at state public schools. Most states offer members of the National Guard unique education benefits, tax benefits, and other state-sponsored benefits, such as student loan repayment.

Post-9/11 GI Bill: The Post-9/11 GI Bill can pay full tuition and fees, provided you meet basic eligibility criteria.

Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve: The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) offers education benefits to eligible members of the National Guard and provides 36-months of benefits. Check out Selected Reserve Montgomery GI Bill Payment Rates.

Student Loan Repayment Program: This can help repay qualifying federal student loans.

Healthcare & Retirement Comparison

These two benefits vary greatly for active-duty and National Guard members.

Healthcare

Military healthcare is administered through the Military Health System (MHS), which provides medical, dental, and pharmacy coverage to more than 9.5 million service members, retirees, and family members.

Active Duty

For active-duty members, you will receive 100% free medical care through TRICARE. This covers all hospital stays, doctor visits, medical tests, and prescriptions. You have zero out-of-pocket costs if you visit military treatment facilities or a doctor in your network. There may be a co-pay depending on the service and the provider if you go out-of-network.

TRICARE consists of the following plans, based on your duty station:

National Guard

As a member of the National Guard, your healthcare is covered primarily by the TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS). TRS is a premium-based plan, and rates/coverage vary based on your activation status, giving you comprehensive care during deployments. Check with the VA to see if you qualify.

Retirement Pay

Active duty

If you have accumulated 20 or more years of active-duty service, you are eligible for retirement. Retirement has become a bit more complicated than when I retired from the Air Force in 2001 where it was years of service X 2.5%. The military now has a Blended Retirement System that combines elements of the legacy retirement systems with features found in many civilian 401(k) plans. If you entered military service after January 1, 2018, you are automatically enrolled in the BRS.

Four Components of BRS:

• Defined Benefit: a monthly pension payment that is calculated based on earning history and length of service.
• Defined Contribution: The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), made up of automatic (1%) contribution, and a matching contribution of up to 4%.
• Continuation Pay: a one-time, mid-career incentive available in exchange for agreeing to perform additional obligated service.
• Lump Sum Option: Option to receive a discounted, upfront payment of either 25% or 50% of your estimated retired pay in exchange for reduced monthly retired pay until you reach full Social Security retirement age.

Here are the elements of the BRS

National Guard

To qualify for Guard retired pay, you need to complete at least 20 qualifying years of service. To achieve a “good year,” you need to earn a minimum of 50- retirement points. You generally need to be 60 years of age to draw retirement. This can be reduced through qualifying active-duty service. Your service does not need to be continuous.

The High-36 Plan is available for qualified reserve members.

Deployment Tempo & Family Life

Deployment Tempo

Active Duty

Deployment tempo can be tied to training and ongoing contingency operations. Also, depending on your branch of service, your deployment tempo can vary dramatically. For example, deployment tempo between the Navy and the Space Force or the Air Force is vastly different.

Service members follow a steady, predictable operational tempo. Deployments typically last 6 to 12 months, usually preceded by training and preparation cycles that require significant time away from home

National Guard

Members operate on a “part-time” schedule—typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year. However, federal deployments (often 6 to 12 months) and state-level emergency activations can still occur.

Family Life

The military really does care about both the military member and their family. Family support programs are offered for both active duty and National Guard members to provide needed support before, during, and after lengthy deployments.

Active Duty

Families often live near or on military installations. They have constant access to a tight-knit community, military base amenities, on-base medical care, and specialized family readiness group. Families must move every 2–4 years, meaning frequent restarts for spouses’ careers, children’s schooling, and social circles

National Guard

Families live in civilian communities. While this allows for career and educational stability, it means families are physically separated from military bases and must actively seek out Military OneSource or state-level family assistance centers for support

Learn more about military deployment support.

Active Duty vs Guard Comparison Table

Best Choice by Career Goal

Choosing between Active Duty and the National Guard is very personal, and depends on your career goals, and preferred branch of the military. If you want a full-time military career, then active-duty is the best choice. The National Guard may be a better choice if you want a civilian career, be a full-time college student, or only want a part-time commitment in your home state.

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FAQ

Q: What is the difference between active duty and the National Guard?

Active Duty is full-time military service in one of the six branches. The National Guard is part-time service under both state and federal authority, typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year, with the possibility of state or federal activation.

Q: Which option pays more, Active Duty or National Guard?

Active Duty generally pays more because members serve full-time and receive BAH, BAS, and full medical/dental coverage. National Guard members receive the same base pay rate, but only for the days they work, usually during drill weekends and annual training.

Q:
Can National Guard members serve in full-time positions?

Yes. Available options are:

• AGR (Active Guard/Reserve)
• Military Technician (MT) / ART
• Active-Duty Operational Support (ADOS)
• State Active Duty (SAD)

Q: Which option is better for college students?

The National Guard is often better for full-time students because service is part-time and many states offer up to 100% tuition waivers at public colleges and universities. Active-duty members can use Tuition Assistance or use the GI Bill, but full-time service makes attending school more challenging.

Q: How does healthcare differ between Active Duty and the National Guard?

Active Duty: Gets 100% free medical and dental care through TRICARE.

National Guard: Eligible for TRICARE Reserve Select, a premium-based plan.

Q: How does retirement work for Active Duty vs. National Guard?

Active Duty:

• Eligible after 20 years of active service.
• Covered under the Blended Retirement System (BRS).

National Guard:

• Requires 20 qualifying years (50+ points per year).
• Retirement pay typically begins at age 60, earlier with qualifying active-duty service.