The Indiana National Guard is a joint-force organization with 65 Army National Guard installations around the state, and facilities at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center. Additionally, there are two Air Wings, the 181st Intelligence Wing based in Terre Haute, and the 122nd Air Wing based in Ft. Wayne.

As of January of 2009, this combined force numbers approximately 15,000. The Joint Forces Headquarters is located at Stout Field on the west side of Indianapolis. The sitting Adjutant General is Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, who has held the position since March 11, 2004.

Federal Mission
The Indiana Army and Air National Guard are reserve components of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. During times of national emergency, National Guard members may be called into active federal service by the President of the United States

State Mission

During peace times, the National Guard is commanded by the governor. In it's "state" role, the National Guard assists local law enforcement agencies during emergencies at the direction of the governor. The distribution of soldiers, equipment and facilities across the state allows the National Guard to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies statewide.

This dual federal-state mission is unique to the U.S. military and sets the National Guard apart from any other reserve component.

Officer Careers

Commissioned officers in the Army National Guard hold positions of great authority. They're decision-makers with a profound responsibility to their country and themselves.

To become an Officer, you must demonstrate character attributes including integrity, courage, leadership, intelligence, the ability to make major decisions and the willingness to accept moral responsibility for your decisions.

Once you become a commissioned officer, you’ll choose from, and train in, one of these specialty fields, with the option to train in other branches later as well.

COMBAT ARMS BRANCHES
Note: Combat Arms branches are not open to women.

Infantry
An infantry officer is responsible for leading and controlling the infantry and combined armed forces during land combat. They’re also involved in coordinating employment of infantry Soldiers at all levels of command, from platoon to battalion and higher, in U.S. and multi-national operations.

Armor
Armor Officers are responsible for tank and cavalry/forward reconnaissance operations on the battlefield. The Armor Officer is a leader in operations specific to the Armor Branch and leads others in many areas of combat operations.

Field Artillery
The Army's Field Artillery Branch is responsible for neutralizing or suppressing the enemy by cannon, rocket and missile fire and to help integrate all fire support assets into combined arms operations. The field artillery officer is a leader in operations specific to the Field Artillery Branch and an expert in the tactics, techniques and procedures for the employment of fire support systems.

Air Defense Artillery
Air Defense Artillery Officers are leaders in operations specific to the Air Defense Artillery Branch and experts in the tactics, techniques and procedures for the employment of air defense systems.

Aviation
An officer in the aviation branch is an expert aviator first but is also responsible for the coordination of aviation operations from maintenance to control tower operations to tactical field missions. From providing quick-strike and long-range target engagement during combat operations to hauling troops and supplies, Army helicopter units play a critical role in getting the job done in many situations.

Special Forces
A Special Forces officer is responsible for what is typically organized as a 12-man team, known as an Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA). ODAs are deployed around the world in rapid-response situations, whether it's during peacetime, crisis or war. The Special Forces officer is the team leader of an ODA, responsible for mission organization, outfitting the team and debriefing mission objectives.

Corps of Engineers
An officer in the Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for providing support in a full spectrum of engineering duties. Engineer officers help the Army and the nation in building structures, developing civil works programs and working with natural resources, as well as providing combat support on the battlefield.

COMBAT SUPPORT BRANCHES

Signal Corps
A signal corps officer must be an expert in planning, installing, integrating, operating and maintaining the Army's voice, data and information systems, services and resources. Signal officers must be highly intelligent, forward-thinking and have a complete knowledge of communications and data management technologies.

Military Police Corps
Military Police officers are utilized in direct combat and during peacetime to lead other Military Police Soldiers while they serve five main functions: 1) Maneuver and mobility support operations, 2) Area security operations, 3) Law and order operations, 4) Internment and resettlement operations and 5) Police intelligence operations.

Military Intelligence Corps
Military Intelligence (MI) Officers are always out front, providing essential intelligence and in many cases saving Soldiers who are fighting on the front lines. MI officers assess risks associated with friendly and enemy courses of action, and act to counter or neutralize identified intelligence threats. The MI officer also uses intelligence systems and data to reduce uncertainty of enemy, terrain and weather conditions for a commander.

Chemical Corps
The chemical officer advises the commander on issues regarding nuclear, biological and radiological warfare, defense and homeland protection. Chemical officers also employ chemical units in combat support with chemical, technology and management.

COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT BRANCHES

Adjutant General Corps
An adjutant general officer is responsible for helping Soldiers with the tasks that affect their overall welfare and well-being, while assisting commanders by keeping Soldiers combat-ready. In many cases, the duties of an adjutant general officer are similar to the function of a high-level human resources executive in the civilian world.

Finance Corps
The Army's finance corps is responsible for sustaining operations through purchasing and acquiring supplies and services. Officers in the finance corps make sure commercial vendors are paid, contractual payments are met, balancing and projecting budgets, paying Soldiers for their service and other financial matters associated with keeping the Army running.

Transportation Corps
Transportation officers are experts in the systems, vehicles and procedures in moving troops and supplies in the Army. Transportation officers are responsible for commanding and controlling transportation operations and combined armed forces during land combat.

Ordnance Corps
Ordnance officers are responsible for ensuring that weapons systems, vehicles and equipment are ready and available and in perfect working order at all times. Thus, ordnance officers and the Soldiers they lead are a critical component in the Army's success. Ordnance officers also oversee the development, testing, fielding, handling, storage and disposal of munitions.

Quartermaster Corps
Quartermaster officers are responsible for making sure equipment, materials and systems are available and functioning for missions. More specifically, the quartermaster officer provides supply support for Soldiers and units in field services, aerial delivery and material and distribution management.

SPECIAL BRANCHES

Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps
As an officer in the JAG Corps and a practicing attorney or judge, your responsibilities will cover a wide range of practices that includes military law, criminal prosecution, international law and legal assistance, both in the United States and abroad.

Chaplain Corps
As a chaplain officer, you will lead a Unit Ministry Team (UMT), which consists of you and a trained chaplain assistant. As an Army chaplain you will be responsible for caring for the spiritual well-being of Soldiers and their families. Army chaplains are the spiritual leaders of the Army and perform religious ceremonies; from births and baptisms to confirmations and marriage, to illness and last rites.

Medical Corps
An Army medical corps officer is responsible for the overall health of Soldiers and their families. From allergists to oncologists to surgeons, medical corps officers are also responsible for providing health care to Soldiers' families and others eligible to receive this care in the military community. During combat, the medical corps officer oversees the emergency medical management of casualties and makes sure Soldiers are combat-ready when it comes to their overall health.

Dental Corps
An Army dental corps officer is responsible for the dental health of Soldiers and their families. They're also responsible for providing health care to Soldiers' families and others eligible to receive this care in the military community. During combat, the dental corps officer assists in the emergency medical management of casualties, identifies casualties through dental records and makes sure Soldiers are combat-ready in terms of health.

Veterinary Corps Officer
Army veterinarian officers practice in three primary areas: animal medicine, veterinary public health, research and development. Veterinarian officers are responsible for treating government-owned animals and the valued pets of service members and their families. Army veterinary corps officers are also responsible for programs ensuring the safety and security of Department of Defense food supplies, both in the United States and abroad.

Medical Specialist Corps
Medical specialist corps officers are essential in treating and helping the overall health of Soldiers and their families. From medical fields such as occupational therapy and physical therapy to dietician and physician assistant, the Army medical specialist corps includes several areas of specialty.

Army Nurse Corps
Army nurse corps officers lead diverse nursing teams in a variety of settings and provide holistic multi-disciplinary care for Soldiers and their families. Officers are leaders. All Army leaders require self-discipline, initiative, confidence, the ability to problem solve and make timely decisions.

Medical Service Corps
Medical service corps officers are essential in treating and helping the overall health of Soldiers and their families. They’re also responsible for much of the medical research that takes place in the Army. From medical fields such as optometry and podiatry to laboratory sciences to behavioral sciences, the Army medical service corps includes many areas of specialty.

Miss the high-speed action? Miss the camaraderie? Miss the life?

Returning to military service is a smart thing to do. The Army National Guard may be the smartest.

The Guard offers all the benefits and perks of military life, but, since it's a part-time job, you can keep enjoying the civilian life you've created.

Build on your retirement. Use our college funds to earn a higher degree. Start a new career. Take your current one to the next level.

The Guard offers unique and lucrative benefits to prior service members.

Benefits in the Army National Guard

The benefits of being in the Army National Guard are many. College funding, health insurance, retirement and opportunities to earn major cash bonuses are just a few examples.

The complete list of benefits changes often, so contact a local recruiter for in-depth information. Below you’ll find a sample of some of our most popular benefits.

Education
Programs such as 100% Tuition Assistance and the Montgomery G.I. Bill can fund up to 100 percent of your college education.

Health Insurance
The Army National Guard is proud to offer TRICARE health insurance to all Guard member. Soldiers receive medical treatments at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF), or they can choose from a network of preferred and in-network providers. No co-pay to the Soldier.

G-RAP
The Guard Recruiting Assistance Program, or G-RAP, rewards members who recruit from their own community with a bonus of $2,000 for each new member who enlists and reports to basic training.

Home Loans
Guard members may be eligible for a VA Guaranteed Home Loan with no down payment and minimal out-of-pocket closing costs.

Space-available Travel
Soldiers may be eligible to travel for free aboard military aircraft when space is available.

PX/Commissary
The PX/BX and military commissaries are shops that carry everything a Soldier and their family needs, from groceries to clothes to computers, at greatly discounted prices.

Leisure Time
MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) is an Army program of extensive support services, offering entertainment, sports, children’s programs and other key services.

Low-cost Life Insurance
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides life insurance for Guard members. Spouses and dependent children of service members participating in SGLI are eligible for Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI). Ask about the various SGLI and FSGLI plans and costs.

Drive your career to the top.

With the Drive The Guard enlistment option, you can:

• Get paid for monthly drills while attending commercial truck driving school


• Graduate with a Commercial Driver's License


• Be guaranteed a full-time job with a motor carrier


• Continue to serve in the Guard

After Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, you'll get paid for monthly drills while attending commercial truck driving school - plus be guaranteed a full-time job after graduation.

How does the program work

There's always a demand for qualified and certified commercial drivers. And now the National Guard's Drive the Guard program:

• Helps you complete truck driver training at an approved school


• Provides you with a monthly paycheck while you train


• Assists you with finding a full-time job with a reputable trucking company once you complete the program

How it works:

• Your Recruiter will provide you with an application for an approved truck driving school.


• If you meet the National Guard eligibility requirements, you'll complete and submit the application.


• Once accepted, you'll enlist in the National Guard and begin receiving benefits—like a monthly paycheck, base privileges and much more.


• You'll complete Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (if you've never served previously).


• After training, you'll attend an approved truck driving school and complete monthly Guard drills at your local unit.


• You'll graduate with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and work full-time for a carrier and serve part-time as a Guard Soldier.

*Prior Service applicants will follow the same process with the exception of attending Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training. Current Guard Soldiers are also eligible and will complete truck driving school while in a drilling status.

Eligibility Requirements

There are a few requirements to participating in Drive the Guard. Take a look to see if you meet the standards.

Basic Requirements:

• You must have a valid driver's license


• You must be a U.S. Citizen


• You must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards

Program Requirements:

• You must be accepted at a CDTFI-affiliated (Commercial Vehicle Driver Training Foundation, Inc.) truck driving program*


• You must have a clean driving record


• You must be 21 (varies by state/territory) to obtain your Commercial Driver's License

*Find a school near you at www.cdtfi.org and hit the road with the Guard

Put More Cash in Your Pocket

The Army National Guard offers more than just your monthly paycheck. Our wide array of bonuses and incentives can put extra money in your wallet—thousands of dollars, in fact.

Below are a few examples. Eligibility requirements apply. Ask your local recruiter for details about these and other Guard bonuses.

• Up to a $10K bonus – for choosing certain MOSs (jobs) or entering designated units


• Up to a $15,000 bonus for prior service members in certain critical skills


• Up to a $2K bonus – under G-RAP, for helping recruit a new Soldier

The National Guard is a lucrative job in many ways.

Enlistment Bonuses

Below are a few highlights of the Army Enlistment Bonus policy:

• The Guard is offering up to $20,000 bonus to people with no military experience who enlist in one of the top MOS's in their state.


• Non-Prior Enlistment Bonuses (NPSEBs) amounts may vary, based on whether or not the Soldier receives the Quick-Ship or Off-Peak Bonus. The total NPSEB cannot exceed $20,000.
  Officer Accession Critical Skills Bonuses are available up to$10,000 for 6 year contracts.


• Officer Bonuses of up to $30,000 are available for certain specialties, including different medical fields. Eligibility requirements for bonuses vary.

Contact your local recruiter for more information.

Officer Incentives

You may be eligible for certain incentives or an Army National Guard bonus when becoming an officer in the Army National Guard. In addition to receiving a monthly paycheck, monetary incentives include cash bonuses and healthcare professional loan repayment.

Army Bonus Program

The Increased Officer Accession Bonus of up to $10,000 has been extended. Eligibility requirements for bonuses vary.

You may be eligible for bonuses of up to $30,000 when becoming an officer in the Army National Guard. This bonus for officers is available for several specialties including different medical fields. Eligibility requirements for bonuses vary.

Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment
Healthcare professionals may be eligible for up to a $50,000 bonus in healthcare professional loan repayment. Many specialties are eligible for repayment, including dentists, clinical psychologists and optometrists. Eligibility requirements for loan repayment vary.

Continuing Medical Education
Healthcare professionals are eligible for one Continuing Medical Education (CME) each year—up to a $2,500 bonus (within the continental U.S.).

Contact your state Officer Strength Manager for additional details and eligibility requirements for the Army bonus program and the affiliation bonus for officers.

The National Guard is the only division of the United States military with a dual mission: federal and state. This means that for some purposes, federal and state sectors can act independently. When it comes to helping you financially, they definitely do.

Educational Benefits

State tuition programs pay up to 100% of tuition when attending state colleges or universities for first associate's or bachelor's degree.

Incentives

Two year deployment exemption for Soldiers entering the Guard from active duty with no break in service.

Miscellaneous

State employees: 15 days paid military leave/year. Exempt from jury duty. Legal defense for LOD acts. Eligible for NG license plates.

Group Insurance

IN NGA offers monthly plans for the following:

• $5,000 for $2


• $10,000 for $3.66


• $15,000 for $5.33


• $20,000 for $7.00


• $25,000 for $8.67


• $35,000 for $12.00


• $50,000 for $17.00

We also offer a family plan of $5,000/$10,000 for $3.33 or $6.66 plus $1,000 to $10,000 for each child depending on age.

Injury/Death Benefits

State AD: Guard members receive pay, allowances, & medical expenses for 90 days. If disabled after 90 days, benefits same as federal, including death gratuity, widows pension, and funeral expenses up to $500.

Tax Advantage State Income

$5,000 of service pay exempt.

Medical Benefits

State AD: Guard members entitled to medical & dental care, including hospital as a direct result of injuries/illness/disease process incurred/aggravated by State AD.

Get the Life Skills You Need

To succeed in today's competitive world, you need more than desire and brains. You need a résumé. Real-world experience. Nothing gives you that faster than military service.

Our programs train you for the career of your dreams and give you concrete skills for your résumé. When employers see the National Guard on your résumé, they'll know they can count on you.

In the National Guard, you'll build character. Explore your potential. Find out what you're made of. If you left high school without graduating, you can earn your GED through us. If you're still in high school, keep going and train with us part time.

From Basic Combat Training to Advanced Individual Training, flight school to Special Forces training, the Guard will get you where you want to go.

Education

It’s within reach.

Planning on college? Looking into trade school? Need your GED?

Wherever you are in your goal for a higher education, the Army National Guard can help pave the way.

If college is on your agenda, we offer financial aid programs that cover all tuition and expenses. We have SAT and ACT prep and testing—and much more.

If you need your GED, get it through our GED Plus program.

Vocational school, distance learning and alternative credit programs are all part of our system, too. Our Educational Support Center answers questions and guides you through the process.

We even have programs to educate your spouse.

Take advantage of the Guard’s generous educational programs.

Other Benefits

There are many tangible benefits available to Soldiers in the Army National Guard. Programs that help pay for your college education. Cash bonuses for specific jobs and excellent pay for your service are the most recognizable. There are other benefits available to Guard members; listed below are just a few.

Fly For Free

As a member of the Army National Guard, you are eligible to travel free on military aircrafts when space is available. You can fly within and between the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico.

Base Privileges

As a member of the Army National Guard, you and your family can enjoy the different privileges of military installations around the world. Benefits include unlimited discount shopping at any Military Exchange (department store) and commissary (grocery store). Discount lodging, cabins and campsites are available on most installations. You can loan or rent sports' activity gear and camping equipment. Craft, automotive, and woodworking hobby shops offer an area and the tools to work on personal projects.

TRICARE Reserve Select

The National Guard is concerned about the well-being of its Servicemembers and their families, which is why the new TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) program is being initiated. The program will help these individuals receive the healthcare they deserve by now allowing every member of the Selected Reserve the option to purchase health coverage from TRICARE.

Life Insurance

Life insurance plans are available for Army National Guard members and their families, through inexpensive insurance programs geared towards their needs.

The insurance plan offered to Guard members is the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI), which provides coverage for a Guard member 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It costs approximately $16.25 per month for $400,000 of insurance with smaller amounts of coverage available. Coverage is available through age 60, upon receipt of your first retirement check or 120 days after a Soldier's ETS.

Family coverage is available through Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI). This program is available to the spouses and dependent children of members insured under the SGLI program. FSGLI provides up to a maximum of $100,000 of insurance coverage for spouses, not to exceed the SGLI amount of the insured member. It also provides $10,000 for dependent children. Spousal coverage is issued in increments of $10,000. Coverage costs vary among plans.

Guard Recruiting Assistance Program

To maintain today's readiness and strength requirements while preparing for tomorrow's challenges, the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program promotes strength from within by recognizing and rewarding those who help the ARNG achieve its goals.
Guard Recruiting Assistants can earn additional income assisting ARNG recruiting efforts by identifying well-qualified men and women for service in the ARNG. RAs earn $2,000 for each new recruit who enlists and reports to Basic Training or for each prior service member who affiliates with a unit for four months.

Guard Recruiting Assistants are embedded in their respective communities and are uniquely positioned to identify potential Soldiers in the people they already know. It's the effective way to promote strength from within.

Veterans Administration Home Loans

Army National Guard members may be eligible for a minimum or no down payment loan, offered by the Veterans Administration, to make buying a home more affordable. VA loans 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 $359,650. Qualified veterans need to obtain a certificate of eligibility from the VA, or your lender may be able to obtain one for you online. Members with six or more years of Guard service, or those with 90 days of continuous federal active duty service (Title 10), are eligible for the "VA Home Loan Insurance Program."

VA guaranteed loans are made by private lenders, such as banks, savings and loans or mortgage companies to eligible veterans for the purchase of a home, which must be for their own personal occupancy. To obtain a loan, a veteran must apply to a lender. If the loan is approved, the VA will guarantee a portion of it to the lender. This guaranty protects the lender against loss up to the amount guaranteed and allows a veteran to obtain favorable financing terms.

Explore your options online at www.homeloans.va.gov.

Contact your local recruiter for more information.

Guard Recruiting Assistance Program
To maintain today's readiness and strength requirements while preparing for tomorrow's challenges, the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program promotes strength from within by recognizing and rewarding those who help the ARNG achieve its goals.

Guard Recruiting Assistants can earn additional income assisting ARNG recruiting efforts by identifying well-qualified men and women for service in the ARNG. RAs earn $2,000 for each new recruit who enlists and reports to Basic Training or for each prior service member who affiliates with a unit for four months.

Guard Recruiting Assistants are embedded in their respective communities and are uniquely positioned to identify potential Soldiers in the people they already know. It's the effective way to promote strength from within.