Join Connecticut's Home Team!

Since 1636, the National Guard has stood ready to defend our communities, state, and nation. Enlisting in the Army or Air National Guard is a path to civil service that keeps you close to home. Training typically requires a commitment of one weekend a month with a two-week training period once a year. While serving in the National Guard you can earn your degree (tuition free!), learn job skills that translate to the civilian world, make connections that last a lifetime, and earn the respect of your fellow citizens. 

Contact a recruiter today to learn more about what opportunities the Connecticut National Guard has for you!

Benefits

100% FREE COLLEGE TUITION TO CT STATE COLLEGES

When you enlist in the Connecticut Army or Air National Guard, you'll receive a waiver tuition for every Connecticut State College and University. The National Guard also offers many other ways to help pay for tuition and other educational expenses. If you're a high school senior considering college, the National Guard has counseling programs to help guardsmen prepare for college-level examinations, standardized tests, and other career-based testing programs. 

To learn more about what each state school offers for veterans services, please use the links below:

University of Connecticut (UCONN) Southern Connecticut State University Eastern Connecticut State University Central Connecticut State University Western Connecticut State University

Asnuntuck Community College Capital Community College ​Charter Oak State College Naugatuck Valley Community College Northwestern Connecticut Community College

​Norwalk Community College Quinebaug Valley Community College Three Rivers Community College Tunxis Community College

UP TO $20,000 IN ENLISTMENT BONUSES

All non-prior service recruits enlisting in the Army or Air National Guard may be eligible for a signing bonus up to $20,000. Bonus amounts are based on length of contract and chosen Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC). Contact a recruiter to learn more about what you're eligible to receive.

EARN REAL-WORLD JOB EXPERIENCE

Whatever you choose to do in the National Guard, you'll receive valuable hands-on experience that translates to the civilian work force.

REGULAR PAYCHECKS

Whether you decide to join the Connecticut National Guard full-time or part-time, you'll be well compensated for your time. Specific pay levels are determined by your rank, job, and education level. The longer you stay in and the higher ranks you earn, the more money you'll make!
 

Army Pay Calculator | Air Force Pay Calculator

INSURANCE BENEFITS

Serving in the Connecticut National Guard offers more than an additional paycheck or getting education assistance. Soldiers, Airmen, Veterans—and their families—may also be entitled to inexpensive healthcare through the TRICARE system and low-cost life insurance that pays up to $400,000.

All veterans are also entitled to additional medical benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

RETIREMENT PLANS

You may not be thinking about retirement right now, but serving in the National Guard opens the door to supplementing your civilian retirement pay and adding another layer of financial stability later in life. If you serve 20 years as a traditional guardsmen, you'll be eligible to earn monthly pay by the age of 60. Guardsmen are also eligible to enroll in Thrift Savings Plans (similar to a 401K) regardless of whether you serve 20 years.

VA HOME LOANS

Guard members may be eligible for home loans from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with little to no down payment. VA loans make buying a home more affordable and are available for home purchases and refinances. A VA loan eliminates the homebuyer's need to make a down payment and purchase private mortgage insurance for homes up to $484,350.

Learn more about VA Home Loans HERE. 
 

(860) 817-1389

(800) 992-4793

Prior Service

You already know the unmatched pride that comes from serving your country. The Connecticut National Guard makes it easy for you to continue serving while receiving valuable benefits and increased flexibility in many aspects of your life. Serve part-time, and choose your life path now. Decide where you want to live, what your civilian career will look like and more.

Your skills and experience from any branch of service may transfer to the Guard.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL SERVICES

• Age – Must qualify for non-regular retired pay by age 60.
• Physical – Must meet height/weight and current medical requirements.
• Education – Must meet education standards for the MOS/AFSC or option for which you enlist.
• Background – Must have most current DD 214, NGB22 or discharge order and have an approved DD Form 368 Conditional Release.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Prior Service personnel who have completed Army Basic Combat Training, U.S. Marine Corps Basic Training, U.S. Air Force (USAF) Special Operations Forces training, U.S. Navy Special Operations Forces training, or USAF Security Forces training and who have more than a five year break in service may be required to attend Prior Service-Army Integration Course (PS-AIC), Basic Combat Training (BCT), or One Station Unit Training (OSUT).
2. Prior Service enlistees (including Officer Candidate School (OCS) and Warrant Officer OCS (WOCS)) who have not successfully completed an Army BCT, Warrior Transition Course, or U.S. Marine Corps (BCT) Course, or have not completed training for Air Force or NAVY Special Operation Forces, or Air Force Security police during previous military service must enter on IADT within 180 days after enlistment in the National Guard and successfully complete BCT conducted by the Army. Soldiers who fail to attend BCT within 180 days after entry are required to return to MEPS to be rescheduled for this training. Members enlisting into the USAR or ARNG that require BCT must be processed through the MEPS. Members that are required to attend BCT and retraining into a new MOS will attend BCT first. After completion of BCT, the unit of assignment will schedule to attend appropriate MOS training.

For full requirements and additional information, please contact your local recruiter.