Frequently Asked Questions
(Prior service)

Q: If I enlist in the Army National Guard, will I have to attend Basic Training again?
A: No. Successful completion of basic training in any branch fulfills the requirement.

Q: At what rank can I be enlisted?
A: In almost all cases, you can be enlisted at the rank you last held, However, slots for E-5 and above may be difficult to find.

Q: Does all my pervious service time count?
A: Yes, unless you had any "lost time" (which is for AWOLs, ect.). Any lost time won't count.

Q: Do I have to undergo another MEPS physical and processing again?
A: No. If you have a copy of a physical that is less than 5 years old from a military facility, you don't need another one. If your physical is more than 5 years old, we have three alternate sites for physicals. Once a good physical is on hand, all processing is done right at the armory or you home.

Q: How long do I have to enlist for?
A: If you possess a job skill ( from any service) that makes you qualified for a job in the National Guard, you can enlist for as little as one year or as many as six. If your prior service job doesn't match any available jobs in the National Guard, you must enlist for at least 3 years or up to six years. If you don't have a job that matches and want to enlist, the National Guard conducts it's own MOS training courses and will see that you become MOS-qualified in your job.

Q: What determines if I'm eligible to re-enter the military?
A: The RE Code block of your DD Form 214. Any RE-1 or Re-2 code can usually be enlisted without any problems. RE-3s and above may require a waiver for enlistment. This must be determined by the SPD Code block on the DD Form 214.

Q: What is the pay for a weekend drill meeting?
A: That depends upon your pay grade and number of years of service. See the attached pay chart. For example, an E-4 over 4 years service for pay makes $199.64 for a two-day weekend meeting.

Q: Is there any bonus money available to me as a prior service member?
A: Yes. If you are still on the initial eight-year commitment. If you have any inactive reserve time left on you initial enlistment, and you join for a job in which you are qualified, you are entitled to an Affiliation Bonus. The Affiliation Bonus pays $50.00 per month for each remaining month of your obligation. This is in addition to your weekend drill check. If you are under 14 years of total service, then you are eligible for a $2,500.00 Reenlistment Bonus for a reenlistment of 3 years and $5,000 for a 6 year reenlistment. You must be MOS-qualified to receive the Reenlistment Bonus. You must also be completely separated from the military having finished any obligations for at least 12 months and have under 14 years of service.

Q: Are there any educational benefits for prior service people who join in the Pa. Army National Guard?
A: Yes, several different programs. The Montgomery GI Bill, the Pa. Educational Assistance Program, the federal tuition credit programs (ACES), and the Pa. National Guard Scholarship Fund.

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Q: What is the pension and how does it work?
A: It is the same as an active duty pension (and Benefits); however, you won't collect any money until you reach age 60, no matter what age you retire at. You have limited privileges during the years between when you retire and start drawing a pension.

Q: What is the difference between the National Guard Montgomery GI Bill and the active duty one?
A: If you have contributed to the MGIB through the active duty, you should use it, as it pays you more. If you never contributed to it in active duty, you can get the GI Bill through the NG by enlisting for at least six years. It pays as follows: $255.00 (full-time); $191.00 (3/4-time); $127.00 (1/2-time); $63.75 (1/4-time). The total value if you use the entire amount is $9,180.00.

Q: What is the Pennsylvania Educational Assistance Program?
A: The state Educational Assistance Program is available ONLY to Pa. National Guard members. This program requires a 6-year enlistment (or extend to have a 6 year commitment). It pays as follows: if you attend a Commonwealth Member Institution (like IUP), it pays 2/3 of your tuition up front. If you attend any other college, community college, trade or technical school, it pays 2/3 of the tuition charged at a CMI. It pays $3,618.00 per year for up to five years for total of $18,090.00. This money is paid directly to the institution form PHEAA and is a non-taxable grant.

Q: What is the federal Tuition Credit Program?
A: The federal tuition credit program is available through the Army Continuing Education System (ACES). It pays as follows: Freshman and sophomore years = $60.00 per credit up to a total of $720.00 per year. Junior and senior years = $85.00 per credit up to a total of $1,020.00 per year. This is paid directly to you and is non-taxable income.

Q: What other benefits are available for prior service members?
A: Many!!! Here is a partial list of benefits you'll be eligible for:

- PX, Commissary and Class VI privileges.

- SGLI low-cost term life insurance (this is the same as the active duty SGLI)

- AAFES Deferred Payment Plan, a special credit plan designed to help buy merchandise from the PX or Clothing Sales on extended payment terms at a low annual finance rate.

- Space-Available travel on military aircraft worldwide.

- Vacation resort benefits. Guard members and their families can use a accommodation designed specifically for military families. There are facilities in Florida, Hawaii, Germany and Korea.

- Military post services. Members and their families can utilize all the services available at active duty military posts, like athletic facilities, lodging, and dining facilities.

- Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union membership eligibility.

- State Tax Exemption. Any duties performed outside of Pennsylvania is not taxable by the state and is exempt from state income tax.

- Pennsylvania Emergency Relief Fund. A Guard member who has a financial hardship apply for up to $500.00 in interest-free loans.

Q: I have thought about it and decided that I want to enlist into the Army National Guard. What should I do next?
A: Call the Pa. Army National Guard Recruiting Office at (724)-789-7546/7681. Bring a copy of your DD Form 214, separation physical, and personal documents like birth certificates for you and your dependents, current state driver's license, social security cards (you and dependents), marriage license, and high school diploma. If you have all these documents and they are current, we can have you back on the payroll today.