Since 1735, the WV National Guard has been protecting and assisting the citizens of West Virginia

Benefits of Joining


In-State Tuition Rates for all WV Guard members the minute you enlist

By enlisting in the WV National Guard, you automatically qualify for In-State Tuition Rates which saves you over $17,000 a year.

Montgomery GI Bill (1606)

Once you complete both Basic Training and AIT, you become eligible to receive a stipend of $466 a month while attending college as a full time student. This money is sent directly to you! Best of all, you can use it for things other than tuition. After all, we have your tuition paid for to begin with!

State Tuition Assistance

The National Guard is the only military branch that can give State Tuition Assistance! Every state has various allotments, but WV pays you $10,000 a year toward Tuition Assistance. The State of WV gives you this money for school in-turn for serving the state.

Federal Tuition Assistance

Along with the State Tuition Assistance, you also have access to the same $4,000 a year of Federal Tuition Assistance that every branch offers. You’ll have access to this money because of the dual-mission we have to support and defend the United States of America.

Monthly Pay Check

As a National Guard Member you can receive between $600- $1500 per month for working as little as one weekend a month.

  • Monthly Drill Pay Check $200-$350

  • GI Bill - $466 a month while in school

  • GI Bill Kicker- $350 a month while in school* (must qualify)

    • ROTC Stipend - $420 a month

Enlistment Bonus, GI Bill Kicker, and Student Loan Repayment

For qualifying applicants who score above a 50 on the ASVAB, and select a job on our “Top Job List”, you’ll have the ability to select 2 of the 3 incentives below:

  • Up to $20,000 Enlistment Bonus

  • $350 GI Bill Kicker added to your monthly GI Bill while in school

  • Up to $50,000 Student Loan Repayment

WVU ROTC

If you enlist, and join WVU ROTC, you will be considered a Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) member! Meaning you are both a WVU ROTC Cadet, and a member of the WV National Guard. Upon graduation, you will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (2LT) along with receiving extra monthly pay while in the program.