Your future continues here

STAY GUARD! Know your benefits.

Available Bonus ($10k x 3 years)

Student Loan Repayment Program

Up to $50,000

MOS Re-class Bonus

$10,000 x 3 years

Continuation Pay

One time payout 0.5 x basic pay.

Need orientation of available benefits? Contact your assigned RAM NCO

Retention Attrition Management (RAM)

Find work!

Army PaYS Program provides American Soldiers with an opportunity to serve their country while they prepare for their future. PaYS Partners guarantee Soldiers an interview

and possible employment. This unique Program is part of the Army's effort to partner with Americas business community and reconnect America with its Army https://armypays.com/

  • To see the announcements and to apply to go AGR:

https://ftsmcs.ngb.army.mil/protected/FTSMCS/

Translates military experience into civilian language: JST

  • Gives potential employers a chance to see the real-world value of your experience.

  • Allows academic counselors a better understanding of a military member’s skills.

  • Saves time and money by awarding academic credits for military experience https://jst.doded.mil/jst/home

Extension Eligibility Prior to ETS

Soldiers may extend up to 365 days prior to their Expiration Term of Service (ETS). The key to a successful extension is communication and coordination with leadership and the unit Readiness Noncommissioned Officer (RNCO).

As soon as the need for an extension or Interstate Transfer (IST) arises, the Soldier should contact their RNCO. The RNCO will determine if the Soldier is administratively ready, meaning there are no pending Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) actions, disciplinary issues, medical readiness flags, or other administrative concerns.

Once the Soldier is deemed eligible, the RNCO will initiate the extension process and provide guidance throughout each step.

EDUCATION INCENTIVES

  • Annual Federal Tuition Assistance Total  |  
    -Up to $4,500 for 18 semester hours

  • State Tuition Assistance (Public/Private schools)

  • State Education Tuition Assistance (FIGNA)  |  Asistencia de Matrícula Educativa Estatal (FIGNA)
    -Up to $900/yr for Bachelor's Degree

  • -Up to $1,350/yr for Master's or Doctorate Degree

Additional Discount at the Following Private Universities / 25% off for Puerto Rico Army National Guard Soldiers & 10% off for their dependents

  • -EDP University

  • -Huertas College

  • -Universidad Ana G. Méndez

  • -Northbridge University

  • -Universidad Interamericana de P.R.

  • -Universidad Albizu

  • -Caribbean University

  • -Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU)

  • Federal TA Website Link  
    ArmyIgnitED

DEOCS Survey

Opportunity to Evaluate your unit Leadership

Retention Swag

Soldiers who extend for at least one year will receive an extension swag as a token of appreciation after your Retention NCO confirms your extension contract through iPERMS.

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For those extending for three years, you’ll also be eligible for the extension bonus, adding even more value to your continued service.

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Stay committed, stay rewarded. Extend today and let us celebrate your dedication to the mission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1- Will I qualify for a reenlistment or extension bonus?

Bonuses depend on the current incentive message, MOS, unit vacancy, contract length, and your eligibility status. A retention NCO can verify what incentives are available at the time of reenlistment.

2- What happens to my benefits if I get out completely?

That depends on the benefit. Some benefits stop when service ends, while others may continue only if you already earned and locked in eligibility. Before separating, it is smart to review education, medical, retirement, and transfer-related consequences.

3- What if my civilian job makes it hard for me to drill?

That should be discussed early. Leaders may be able to help with scheduling options, counseling, or coordination, but participation requirements still apply. You should also understand your protections under USERRA related to military service.

4- What if I am having financial problems and that is why I want to get out?

That is a common concern. Before separating, it is worth reviewing military pay, incentives, education savings, low-cost health coverage options, and any financial counseling resources available through the Guard or supporting programs.

5- Will staying in help my civilian career?

Often, yes. Guard service can strengthen leadership, discipline, technical skills, certifications, security clearance value, and networking, which can benefit many civilian careers.

6- What if my family does not want me to stay in?

That is a very real issue. A good counseling session should talk through family concerns such as time, deployments, healthcare, school benefits, retirement value, and the support system available to Soldiers and families.

7- What if I want to stay in, but not in my current unit?

That may be workable. Unit transfers, MOS changes, or vacancy-based moves can sometimes help retain a Soldier who still wants to serve but needs a different environment or opportunity.

8- Can I come back later if I get out now?

Maybe, but it can be harder later. Prior-service accession depends on age, medical qualification, rank, RE code, vacancies, and current policy. Staying in now may preserve options that are more difficult to regain later.

9- What questions should I ask before deciding to stay in?

You should ask about incentives, benefits, schools, unit vacancies, MOS options, retirement points, health coverage, promotion potential, deployment posture, and how Guard service fits your family and civilian goals.

10- Why is it important to make this decision before the last minute?

Waiting too long can limit your options, reduce time to fix eligibility issues, and create stress. Early action gives you the best chance to review all available paths.

"Extend to Defend"

Contact your Retention NCO for more details about reenlistment opportunities.