Army National Guard Pay Scale

Introduction to the Army National Guard Pay Scale

The Army National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Army, comprising citizen-soldiers who serve part-time in the military while maintaining civilian careers. The pay scale for the Army National Guard is based on a combination of factors, including rank, time in service, and the type of duty performed. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Army National Guard pay scale, exploring the various factors that influence compensation and providing an overview of the current pay rates.

Understanding the Army National Guard Pay Scale

The Army National Guard pay scale is divided into two main categories: drill pay and active duty pay. Drill pay refers to the compensation received by soldiers for attending weekend drills and annual training, while active duty pay applies to soldiers who are deployed or serving full-time in the Army National Guard. The pay scale is further broken down into enlisted ranks and officer ranks, each with its own set of pay grades and corresponding pay rates.

Enlisted Ranks and Pay Rates

The enlisted ranks in the Army National Guard range from Private (E-1) to Sergeant Major (E-9). The pay rates for enlisted soldiers are as follows:

Rank	Pay Grade	Drill Pay (per month)	Active Duty Pay (per month)
Private (E-1)	E-1	138.73</td> <td>1,733.40
Private Second Class (E-2)	E-2	161.53</td> <td>1,942.50
Private First Class (E-3)	E-3	184.33</td> <td>2,151.60
Specialist/Corporal (E-4)	E-4	217.63</td> <td>2,638.40
Sergeant (E-5)	E-5	253.63</td> <td>3,144.90
Staff Sergeant (E-6)	E-6	293.63</td> <td>3,651.30
Sergeant First Class (E-7)	E-7	334.63</td> <td>4,158.60
Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8)	E-8	375.63</td> <td>4,665.90
Sergeant Major (E-9)	E-9	416.63</td> <td>5,173.20

As shown in the table, pay rates increase with rank and time in service.

Officer Ranks and Pay Rates

The officer ranks in the Army National Guard range from Second Lieutenant (O-1) to Colonel (O-6). The pay rates for officers are as follows:

Rank	Pay Grade	Drill Pay (per month)	Active Duty Pay (per month)
Second Lieutenant (O-1)	O-1	324.63</td> <td>4,046.40
First Lieutenant (O-2)	O-2	384.63</td> <td>4,783.20
Captain (O-3)	O-3	445.63</td> <td>5,519.80
Major (O-4)	O-4	516.63</td> <td>6,256.40
Lieutenant Colonel (O-5)	O-5	587.63</td> <td>7,003.20
Colonel (O-6)	O-6	659.63</td> <td>7,749.80

As with enlisted ranks, pay rates for officers increase with rank and time in service.

Special Pay and Allowances

In addition to basic pay, Army National Guard soldiers may be eligible for special pay and allowances, such as: * Hazardous Duty Pay: Soldiers who perform hazardous duties, such as parachuting or handling explosives, may receive extra pay. * Flight Pay: Pilots and aircrew members may receive flight pay, which varies depending on the type of aircraft and the individual’s level of experience. * Subsistence Allowance: Soldiers may receive a subsistence allowance to help cover the cost of food and other living expenses while on active duty. * Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): Soldiers may receive BAH to help cover the cost of housing, whether they live on or off base.

💡 Note: Special pay and allowances may vary depending on the individual's circumstances and the specific duty assignment.

Benefits and Incentives

Army National Guard soldiers are eligible for a range of benefits and incentives, including: * Education Benefits: Soldiers may be eligible for education benefits, such as the GI Bill, which can help cover the cost of tuition and other education expenses. * Health Insurance: Soldiers and their families may be eligible for TRICARE, a comprehensive health insurance program. * Retirement Benefits: Soldiers who serve for 20 years or more may be eligible for retirement benefits, including a pension and access to veterans’ benefits. * Bonus and Incentive Pay: Soldiers may be eligible for bonus and incentive pay, such as enlistment bonuses or re-enlistment bonuses, which can provide additional compensation for service.

In summary, the Army National Guard pay scale is based on a combination of factors, including rank, time in service, and the type of duty performed. Soldiers may be eligible for special pay and allowances, benefits, and incentives, which can provide additional compensation and support for their service. By understanding the Army National Guard pay scale and the various factors that influence compensation, soldiers can better plan their careers and make informed decisions about their service.