Re-enter the Atmosphere

Miss the high-speed action? Miss the camaraderie? Miss the life?
Returning to military service is a smart thing to do. The District of Columbia National Guard may be the smartest thing you can do.
The Guard offers all the benefits and perks of military life, but, since it's a part-time job, you can keep enjoying the civilian life you've created.
Build on your retirement. Use our college funds to earn a higher degree. Start a new career. Take your current one to the next level

As a prior service recruit, what will my rank be when I enlist in the District of Columbia National Guard?

Mostly likely, you'll enlist in the District of Columbia National Guard at the rank you held when you left your prior military service. If you're unsure of this grade, it's the one listed on your DD214 or NGB22.

How will my prior service benefit me in the District of Columbia National Guard?
Prior service helps in two major ways: getting promotions and activating retirement benefits. Whatever military division you served in previously, your accrued time carries over into the District of Columbia National Guard toward your overall military career. In addition, by joining the District of Columbia National Guard, you continue earning points toward activating your retirement benefits. Your G.I. Bill will also be extended upon enlistment.

Will I need to attend Basic Training?
If you were with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corp, U.S. Air Force or their Reserve Components and didn’t complete six or eight weeks of U.S. Army Basic Training or USMC Boot camp, you will need to attend a Warrior Training Course. Your recruiter can explain this in detail.

How likely is that I'll be deployed?

We can't answer this definitively, but in recent years, the number of federal deployments of the National Guard has increased due to growing crises in regions like Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. Because the Guard has a dual state-federal mission, members can be mobilized in-state, out-of-state or overseas in support of combat operations. If you're deployed while serving in the Guard, you'll be ready.

Am I too old to join?

It depends on your objective in enlisting. If your goal is to accrue time toward retirement benefits, you must be able to complete 20 combined years of service by the age 62. So if, for example, you have twelve years of service already, you need to be no older than 52 to join and receive your retirement. If retirement benefits are not your objective in joining, your maximum age will depend on your specific service history. No two situations are alike. Please speak to a recruiter to discuss how your age affects your enlistment.

What benefits does the District of Columbia National Guard offer?

Along with your monthly paycheck, we offer financing and administrative support for your higher education, retirement benefits, cash incentives, special bonuses, an Education Support Center to help with school administrative matters, free space-available travel on military aircraft, a possible enlistment bonus and much more.

How is the District of Columbia National Guard different from other U.S. military divisions?

We have a unique mission. Unlike the other branches of the Armed Forces, we answer to both state and federal governments. District of Columbia National Guard members can be mobilized by either the governor of their resident state, or the president of the United States, depending on where they are needed most.

What will my salary be?

Just as in other divisions of the military, it depends on your rank. There’s a complete list of salaries, including Enlisted Soldiers, Warrant Officers and Commissioned Officers at paytable2009.pdf. To find your rank, click on the appropriate category.

What kind of education benefits can I receive?

Our education benefits include financial, guidance counseling and administrative support. Our funding packages such as 100% Tuition Assistance, Student Loan Repayment, and the Montgomery G.I. Bill and its Kicker, can cover virtually all of your tuition and expenses, plus pay off student loans. Our Education Support Center, a full-service education assistance station, offers one-on-one help with entrance exams, paperwork, degree planning, distance learning options and much more.

Can my Separation Code keep me from re-enlisting?

Your Separation Code reflects your status at the time you were discharged from prior service. Several factors—such as a change in your personal situation, the length of time out of the service, or even the branch in which you served—can affect your current eligibility status. Your Recruiter should be able to tell you if you qualify for re-enlistment in the Guard.

Have I served too long already to qualify for a bonus?

You can't have more than 16 years total prior military service when you enlist in the Guard. You'll also need to have received an honorable discharge for all prior periods of service. Your Recruiter can answer any specific questions.

Can I qualify for the Student Loan Repayment Program?

Prior service enlistees can qualify for up to $50,000 in student loan repayments. You'll need to reenlist for not less than 6 years, enlist in a deployable unit, and have at least one existing, qualifying loan at the time of your re-enlistment. Ask your Recruiter about other requirements.