Guard and Reserve Pay Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you know about National Guard and Reserve pay? If you are considering a move from active duty to the National Guard or the Reserve, you’ll want to see how that pay differs from current active duty military pay, and you may even need to know how it stacks up to a civilian salary.
Do you want to learn more about making the transition to Guard and Reserve from active duty? Or do you need to learn what Guard/Reserve pay benefits are offered? Keep reading. Understanding how you’ll be compensated for your part-time military service is key when considering or continuing your commitment.
Guard and Reserve Pay Frequently Asked Questions
As a National Guard or Reserve member, will I get paid for attending my regular weekend drills? Yes, you will receive military pay for every drill period you attend. Basic pay for National Guard and Reserve members depends on the service member’s rank and time in service.
Is my pay while serving on a deployment typically subject to federal income tax? Generally, all pay earned during a deployment is tax-exempt.
Are my National Guard or Reserve earnings subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes? Yes, your drill pay and annual training pay are subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes, similar to civilian income.
How does my civilian income affect my National Guard or Reserve pay? Your civilian income does not directly affect your military pay. You are paid for your military duty, regardless of your civilian earnings.
Can I have direct deposit for my National Guard or Reserve paychecks? Yes, direct deposit is the standard method for receiving your military pay. You will typically set this up through your unit’s administrative section.
Guard and Reserve Drill and Training Pay FAQ
How many hours constitute one drill period for pay purposes? One drill period is equal to four hours of work.
Will I receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for a standard two-day drill weekend? No, BAH is not provided for regular drill weekends.
When can I expect to receive my drill pay after a weekend drill? You can generally expect to receive your drill pay within the pay cycle following the drill weekend. Pay processing timelines can vary slightly.
When I am deployed, will I receive the same types of pay and allowances as active duty personnel? Yes, during deployment, you are activated and will receive pay and allowances similar to active duty, including BAH, BAS, and potentially other special pays.
What is the annual training period commonly referred to? It is called Annual Training, or AT.
If my annual training lasts for two weeks, will my base pay differ from that of an active duty counterpart of the same rank and time in service? During annual training, your base pay will be the same as that of an active duty member with the same rank and time in service, prorated for the duration of your training.
Guard/Reserve Housing Allowance Questions FAQ
If my annual training is 20 days long, what type of housing allowance will I likely receive? You will likely receive Basic Allowance for Housing Reserve Component/Transient (BAH II), as the threshold for full BAH (BAH I) is more than 30 consecutive days of active duty.
Is BAH II calculated based on my specific duty location? No, BAH II is based on your rank, dependency status, and a national average for housing costs.
If my annual training period extends to 35 days, what type of housing allowance will I likely receive? You will likely receive the full Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH I).
Other Guard/Reserve Pay Questions
If I participate in additional training beyond the standard drill weekends and annual training, will I be compensated? Yes, you are typically compensated for any additional military duty you perform, such as specialized training or military schools, based on your rank and time in service.
Are there any additional special pay or incentives I might be eligible for as a Guard or Reserve member? Yes, there are over 60 different special and incentive pay options based on your job, skills, and additional training.
Are there any resources available to help me manage my finances as a National Guard or Reserve member? Yes, various resources are available, including financial counselors through military family support centers and online financial education programs offered by military aid societies and other organizations. Military regulations and pay policies can change over time. Consult official sources like DFAS and your unit’s administrative personnel for the most current and personalized information.
Are there TRICARE options for National Guard and Reserve members?
Guard and Reserve members typically enroll in TRICARE Reserve Select, but when they go on active duty, Guard/Reserve troops qualify for the same TRICARE benefits as active-duty personnel.
Learn more about the transition to Guard and Reserve from active duty.
About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
