Simone Lawson
The National Guard is a component of the US Army that serves both a federal and state role. A good year in the National Guard is a year of service that counts towards retirement. In order to qualify for a Good Year, members must earn at least 50 points. These points are based on the types of service performed and can include a combination of years served in the National Guard, Army Reserves, or active duty. Members typically need 20 Good Years to be eligible for retirement, at which point they can receive a pension and other benefits such as VA home loans and education benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of points required for a good year | 50 |
| Minimum number of good years required for retirement | 20 |
| Reset date for yearly points | Anniversary of MEPS |
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What You'll Learn
Accumulate 50 points per year
Accumulating 50 points per year is essential for a "Good Year" in the National Guard, which is crucial for retirement benefits and overall career progression. Here's a detailed breakdown of what it means to accumulate 50 points and how it contributes to a successful year in the National Guard:
Understanding the Point System
The National Guard employs a unique point system to evaluate and reward members' service. Unlike active-duty service members, whose retirement pay is based on the number of years served, National Guard members earn points based on the types of service they perform. These points accumulate and contribute to "Good Years," which are years of service eligible for retirement benefits.
The Criteria for a "Good Year"
To qualify for a "Good Year," a National Guard member must earn at least 50 retirement points within an anniversary year. This means that each year, members need to accumulate 50 points to maintain their momentum and work towards a successful retirement package. These points are a measure of their dedication, service, and eligibility for benefits.
Earning Points
There are various ways to earn points in the National Guard. One common method is through Active Training (AT). While participation in AT is not mandatory to earn points, it is often encouraged by units to maximize participation. Members can also earn points through active duty service, with one point awarded for each day served. Additionally, guard units may offer flexibility by allowing soldiers to make up AT days if they cannot commit to the scheduled two-week time frame.
Accumulating Points for Retirement
It's important to understand that the 50 points needed for a "Good Year" reset annually on the anniversary of joining the National Guard. This means that members need to consistently earn points each year to maintain their eligibility for retirement benefits. The accumulation of "Good Years" leads towards the ultimate goal of a fulfilling retirement package. Generally, members of the National Guard need 20 "Good Years" to be eligible for retirement, showcasing the importance of consistently accumulating 50 points per year.
Strategies for Success
To ensure a successful accumulation of 50 points per year, National Guard members should be proactive in understanding their point status. Requesting a DA FORM 5016 can help members track how many points they need for a "Good Year." Additionally, open communication with commanders and units is vital. By staying informed about unit requirements and working collaboratively, members can ensure they meet their annual point goals and avoid any issues regarding participation in activities like AT.
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Serve a minimum of 20 years
Serving a minimum of 20 years in the National Guard is a significant commitment that comes with important benefits and considerations. Here are some key points to note about serving 20 years in the National Guard:
Retirement Benefits
One of the most important considerations for serving 20 years in the National Guard is retirement eligibility. In general, members of the National Guard need to accumulate 20 "Good Years" of service to be eligible for retirement benefits. These "Good Years" refer to years in which members earn at least 50 retirement points. These points are based on the types of service performed and can be earned through a combination of service in the National Guard, Army Reserves, or active duty.
Pension Eligibility
While retirement benefits can become available after 20 years of service, it's important to note that pension eligibility typically doesn't begin until the age of 60. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, some individuals may qualify for early retirement based on their active-duty time or activations. Additionally, those who receive a medical retirement or meet specific criteria under the Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) may also have different eligibility requirements.
VA Benefits
National Guard members who serve for 20 years become eligible for various VA benefits. These benefits include financial support for education through the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill. Additionally, they may qualify for VA-guaranteed home loans, providing assistance in purchasing, retaining, or adapting a home. Other VA benefits may also become accessible, such as vocational training, certification tests, and on-the-job training opportunities.
"Gray Area" Retirees
It's worth mentioning that individuals who complete 20 years of service but have not yet reached the age of 60 are often referred to as "gray area" retirees. This means that while they have met the service requirement for retirement, they are not yet old enough to receive their full retirement benefits. During this "gray area" period, individuals may explore other opportunities or continue serving in a different capacity until they become eligible for their pension.
Point Accumulation
Understanding how to accumulate points towards retirement is crucial for National Guard members serving for 20 years. Points can be earned through various activities, such as active-duty days, training, and deployments. It's important to stay informed about the specific requirements and opportunities to earn points, as they can vary depending on the unit and circumstances.
In summary, serving a minimum of 20 years in the National Guard comes with important benefits, including retirement eligibility, pension considerations, and access to various VA benefits. Understanding the point system and retirement requirements is essential for National Guard members aiming to complete a successful and rewarding 20-year service.
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Eligibility for VA home loan benefits
To understand what constitutes a "good year" in the National Guard in the context of eligibility for VA home loan benefits, it is important to grasp the point system that determines retirement benefits. Members of the National Guard or Reserves accrue retirement points, which accumulate as "Good Years" or years of service eligible for retirement calculations. Generally, 20 "Good Years" of service are required for retirement eligibility.
Now, regarding eligibility for VA home loan benefits, National Guard and Reserve members may qualify by meeting specific conditions. Here are the criteria:
- Transfer to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve after serving honorably.
- Serve in the Selected Reserve for more than six years.
- Serve for at least 90 days on active duty during a wartime period.
- Complete at least 90 days of active duty service, including a minimum of 30 consecutive days, as specified in specific sections of the relevant legislation (your DD214 form should indicate this).
- Receive an honorable discharge or release from active duty due to a service-connected disability.
It is worth noting that the VA also offers other benefits, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill, which provide financial support for education. These programs have their own eligibility criteria, often involving minimum active service days and/or service-connected disabilities.
Understanding the point system for retirement benefits and the specific eligibility requirements for VA home loan benefits is crucial for National Guard members to maximize their benefits and plan their financial future effectively.
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Access to VA education benefits
National Guard members with active service may qualify for a variety of VA benefits. Active service includes full-time duty, such as unit deployment during a war, and full-time National Guard duty, such as responding to a national emergency. National Guard members may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, provided they have served at least 90 aggregate days of active service after September 10, 2001, or were discharged with a service-connected disability after serving at least 30 consecutive days after that date.
The Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty has a minimum service obligation, and the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve requires a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve, completion of Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT), service in a drill unit, and maintenance of good standing, as well as a high school diploma or equivalent.
National Guard members may also qualify for VA education benefits, which provide financial support for undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational and technical training, licensing and certification tests, and more. If you have two or more qualifying periods of active duty, you may be eligible for up to 48 months of entitlement. Generally, if you are eligible for more than one education benefit, you may be able to receive up to 48 months (or four years) of VA education benefits.
Additionally, National Guard members may qualify for VA-guaranteed home loans. This includes those who have served in the Selected Reserve for more than six years or have served at least 90 days of active duty, including at least 30 consecutive days.
It is important to note that eligibility requirements for VA benefits may vary, and it is recommended to refer to the official Veterans Affairs website or seek advice from the relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Retirement benefits
To qualify for a Good Year, National Guard members must earn a minimum of 50 retirement points each anniversary year. These points can be earned through various activities and types of service. For example, one can gain points for each day spent on active duty, with one point awarded per day. Additionally, points can be earned through activities such as training, deployments, and responding to national emergencies. It is important to note that points reset annually on the anniversary of joining the National Guard, and members should aim to accumulate a total of 20 Good Years to be eligible for retirement benefits.
The retirement benefits for National Guard members include healthcare and pension plans, similar to those offered to active-duty service members. However, it's important to understand the eligibility requirements, which may differ between the two groups. Generally, National Guard members become eligible for a Reserve pension after completing 20 Good Years of service. However, the pension usually commences at age 60, unless the member qualifies for early retirement based on active duty time or activations.
In certain circumstances, it is possible to continue earning retirement points after official retirement. One common way is to be reactivated or recalled to duty. Alternatively, individuals can explore the option of continuing to serve for points, although this is allowed only in very limited circumstances with waivers. It is recommended to consult the branch's human resources or personnel office for specific information regarding retirement benefits and eligibility.
National Guard members may also be eligible for additional benefits, such as VA Education benefits, which provide financial support for undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational training, licensing tests, and more. Furthermore, they may qualify for VA Home Loan benefits, aiding in purchasing, retaining, or adapting a home. These benefits are designed to support National Guard members in their pursuit of higher education and homeownership.
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Frequently asked questions
A "good year" in the National Guard is a year of service that counts towards retirement.
To qualify for a "good year", members of the National Guard need to earn a combination of points totalling at least 50 retirement points each anniversary year.
You can earn points by performing different types of service. You get one point per day you're on active duty.
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