The Army National Guard, also known as the Army Guard, is a reserve component of the United States Army. Members of the Army Guard are required to attend drills and training exercises on a regular basis, and in return, they receive drill pay. Drill pay is a type of compensation that is paid to Army Guard members for their participation in drills and training exercises. In this article, we will provide an overview of Army Guard drill pay, including the factors that affect pay rates, the different types of drills and training exercises, and the benefits of serving in the Army Guard.
Drill Pay Rates
Drill pay rates for Army Guard members are based on their rank and the number of years of service. The pay rates are set by the Department of Defense and are adjusted annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. The current drill pay rates for Army Guard members range from 55 to 142 per drill, depending on the member’s rank and years of service. For example, a private (E-1) with less than two years of service would receive 55 per drill, while a sergeant first class (E-7) with over 20 years of service would receive 142 per drill.
Factors Affecting Drill Pay
There are several factors that can affect an Army Guard member’s drill pay, including their rank, years of service, and the type of drill or training exercise they are participating in. For example, members who participate in annual training exercises, which typically last for two weeks, may receive higher pay rates than those who participate in weekend drills. Additionally, members who hold special duty assignments, such as drill sergeant or recruiter, may receive higher pay rates than those in other positions.
| Rank | Years of Service | Drill Pay Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Private (E-1) | Less than 2 years | $55 per drill |
| Private First Class (E-2) | 2-3 years | $65 per drill |
| Specialist/Corporal (E-4) | 4-6 years | $85 per drill |
| Sergeant (E-5) | 7-10 years | $105 per drill |
| Staff Sergeant (E-6) | 11-15 years | $125 per drill |
| Sergeant First Class (E-7) | Over 20 years | $142 per drill |
Types of Drills and Training Exercises
Army Guard members are required to participate in a variety of drills and training exercises, including weekend drills, annual training exercises, and specialized training courses. Weekend drills are typically held one weekend per month and involve training and preparation for a variety of military tasks. Annual training exercises, on the other hand, are typically two weeks in duration and involve more intense and specialized training. Specialized training courses may include training in areas such as first aid, combat skills, and leadership development.
Benefits of Serving in the Army Guard
There are many benefits to serving in the Army Guard, including the opportunity to serve one’s country, develop new skills and abilities, and earn competitive pay and benefits. Army Guard members may also be eligible for education assistance, health insurance, and retirement benefits, depending on their duty status and length of service. Additionally, serving in the Army Guard can provide a sense of camaraderie and esprit de corps that is hard to find in other careers.
- Education assistance: Army Guard members may be eligible for up to 100% tuition reimbursement for college courses and vocational training programs.
- Health insurance: Army Guard members and their families may be eligible for low-cost health insurance through the TRICARE program.
- Retirement benefits: Army Guard members who serve for 20 years or more may be eligible for retirement benefits, including a pension and access to VA benefits.
How often do Army Guard members receive drill pay?
+Army Guard members typically receive drill pay for each drill or training exercise they participate in. The frequency of drill pay can vary depending on the member’s duty status and the type of drill or training exercise.
Can Army Guard members receive drill pay while attending annual training exercises?
+Yes, Army Guard members can receive drill pay while attending annual training exercises. In fact, annual training exercises are typically paid at a higher rate than weekend drills.
Are there any tax benefits to receiving drill pay?
+Yes, drill pay is subject to federal income tax, but it is not subject to state or local income tax. This can result in significant tax savings for Army Guard members, especially those who live in states with high income tax rates.
