Joining the Guard & Reserves

Home Transitioning & Retiring Joining the Guard & Reserves

Joining the Guard & Reserves

Combine the benefits of military life with civilian life by joining the National Guard or reserves.

Joining the National Guard or reserves is a great way to combine the benefits of military life with civilian life. Reserve duty can also lead to military retirement after 20 years of combined active and reserve duty.

Let us help you navigate your new role.
Image of Phone Blue 800-342-9647

More ways to connect

Service members walking towards helicopter

Joint Services Support for the National Guard

Military OneSource now features additional information about the resources and programs available to the National Guard and their immediate family at the state and unit level, as well as how to make the most of federal benefits and resources provided for all service members.

Find Resources

Featured MilLife Guides

Check out these Joining the Guard & Reserves-related Guides for more information.

SEE ALL MILLIFE GUIDES
Guard and Reserves
Guard and Reserves 
Joining the Military Community
Joining the Military Community 
Advancing in the Military
Advancing in the Military 

Military OneSource Services for Joining the Guard & Reserves

Image of Phone Mobile Resilience Tools
Image of Peer-to-peer support Peer-to-Peer Support
Image of Confidential non-medical counseling Military OneSource Non-medical Counseling

Featured Benefits and Resources

Benefits

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
Military Compensation – Basic Pay
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve
National Guard Youth Challenge Program
TRICARE Reserve Select
See all benefits

Resources

Commissary – National Guard On-Site Sales
National Guard Family Program Lookup
National Guard and Reserve VA Benefits
See all resources

Still Need Help? Connect with an expert 24/7/365.

We get MilLife, and we're here to connect you to the right kind of expert guidance — from quick answers about specific issues to personalized coaching and confidential counseling. In immediate danger? Call military law enforcement or dial 911.

Call to talk with us

Get personalized support over the phone, anytime.

800-342-9647
OCONUS dialing options

Live chat with us

Fill out a quick form to start a secure chat with us for personalized support.

Chat Now

Request non-medical counseling

Make an online request to schedule an appointment with a counselor.

Request