When you become a member of the New York Army National GUARD officer corps, you can be proud to know that you are leading some of the most dedicated, hard working and knowledgeable soldiers in the country that have been time tested again and again. The choice to enter the GUARD is a choice to join a distinguished, time-honored profession that is rich in tradition. This is only the first step in a demanding, exciting and rewarding career that can be yours as an officer in the New York Army National Guard. Do you have the Fortitude to meet the challenge and become an Officer in the GUARD?

• Money for College
  • Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) towards your 1st professional degree ($4,500.00 yr)
• Career Skills
  • As an officer in the Army National Guard, you have a multitude of career choices, all exciting, challenging and rewarding.
  • Once you become a commissioned officer in the GUARD, you’ll choose from, and train in, one of many specialty fields, with the option to train in other branches later as well.
  • As an officer in the GUARD, you’ll have a greater impact on people around you while furthering your professional development.
  • Whatever your dream job is, there's a corresponding career in the National Guard that will train you for it.
• Server Where You Live
  • There are over 60 Guard Armories in New York
  • New York Army National Guard Fatigue Management IDT Lodging Program
  • Most GUARD members train part-time to be ready to serve their country or community anytime anywhere
• Extra Cash
  • EARN EXCELLENT PAY FOR PART-TIME WORK. This includes pay for attending one weekend of training per month and two weeks of annual training - a total of 39 days per year
  • Army National Guard Reserve Income Replacement Program (RIRP)
• Health Insurance
  • Enhanced TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) Program
• Retirement
  • You will be enrolled in a retirement plan that, providing you serve 20 years, will give you a pension beginning at age 60
  • 401K Plan = Thrift Saving Plan (TSP)
• State Benefits
  • New York Army National Guard Fatigue Management IDT Lodging Program is available to all Soldiers who meet the travel distance criteria and are in any of the following duty statuses: Unit Training Assembly (UTA’s), Multiple Training Assemblies (MUTA’s), Equivalent Training Assembly (ETA’s), Readiness Maintenance Assembly (RMA’s), or Readiness Additional Flight Training Period (RAFTP’s) conducted at Home Station. This program is managed by the State AVN Safety office, MNAV-OS
  • Free hunting and fishing licenses. Free hunting and fishing licenses may be issued to all Guardmembers. POC: New York State Department of Conservation, Sporting License Help Line at (866) 472-4332 or at http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6091.html.
  • Free State Parks pass. Allows for free Empire Passports for Guardmembers called to federal or state active duty in response to an emergency after “9/11.”. Please contact POC: NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation at 518-474-8081 or at http://www.nysparks.com/admission/empire-passport/ for details.
  • No state Tax on State Active Duty Mission (Home land security missions, emergencies). New York State Tax is exempt from state income taxation on any state military pay received while serving on any “emergency” state active duty under New York State Military Law. Additional information may be obtained at www.tax.state.ny.us. POC: New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Personnel Tax Information Center at (800) 225-5829.
  • Reimburses members for SGLV coverage’s not other wise reimbursed. Guardmembers in a Title 10 status, Title 32 status, for reasons other than training and/or State Active Duty (SAD) are eligible for SGLI Reimbursement for SGLI cost. See DMNA regulation 1-2 for detail guidance and web site https://dmna.ny.gov/sgli/
  • Public employees authorized 30 calendar days paid military leave a year. Plus, additional supplemental Military Leave for State Employees call to active duty. POC: State Agency Human Resources Office / NYS Department of Civil Service, Attendants and Leave Unit at 518-457-2295.
  • Distinctive NG license plates for a one time fee of $12.50

What makes the National Guard different from other branches of the military is its unique duel mission. The GUARD is called to serve both country and our communities. In the wake of natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, or wildfires, the Governor has the option to call out the NY Army National GUARD to assist with the relief effort in affected communities. This is why American public knows it’s not a real emergency until they hear the GUARD has been activated. Then they know it’s really bad.

• Founding Fathers - When American’s founding fathers authorized the documents that gave birth to the new republic, they strongly held that few institutions are more important than a well-regulated militia (The GUARD). Large standing armies, they believed, could become instruments of tyranny. According to the consensus, it would be better to rely on volunteer citizen-soldiers to take up arms. Signers of the Constitution enshrined the right of individual states to raise and maintain their own home guards, and local militia become a bedrock of good government and vital instruments for preservation of American Liberty.

  Since then, the concept of the GUARD has grown to what it is today. The Army National Guard is an elite group of warriors who dedicate a portion of their time to serving their nation. Each state has its own Guard, as required by the Constitution-in fact, it is the only branch of the military whose existence is actually required by the Constitution.

  The GUARD first and foremost responsibility will be protecting and defending American interests. This may mean deployment out of state or overseas. If they’re called up, they'll be ready. There is a long and noble history of the National Guard serving at home and abroad to ensure the safety and freedom of their fellow citizens. They have combated natural disasters, supported regular Army troops and, when called upon, born arms against their nation’s enemies.

  Since 1636, the GUARD has brought glory and honor upon itself and its soldiers through quiet and selfless service. It’s being a part of a noble tradition of service extending back almost 400 years. It means you become a member of the best trained, best equipped, and most respected military force in history. It means you will make a difference. Do you think you have what it takes to be a member of this select group?

Being an Officer in the NYARNG means you’re a leader, a counselor, a strategist and a motivator. It’s similar to being a vital manager in a corporation. As an officer, you will lead other soldiers in all situations (Wars, fires, floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters) and adjust in environments that are always changing. Living up to the motto: ALWAYS READY, ALWAYS THERE!