Enlistment Programs & Incentives
Split Training Program
This program lets you join the Guard while you’re still in high school.
Here’s how it works: You enlist while you’re still a junior (you must be 17 years old to enlist and have parent or guardian permission), finish that year and attend Basic Combat Training during the summer between your junior and senior year.
You’ll return to school for your senior year, during which you’ll train one weekend a month with your local unit. The summer following graduation, you’ll attend Advanced Individual Training and train for your Guard job (your MOS). In most cases, you should be home in time to start college in the fall.
It’s a great way to start serving and a great part-time job during school. For complete details, contact your local recruiter.
Stripes for Buddies Program
You will be promoted to E-2 if you refer one student/graduate who enlists. If you refer two students/graduates who enlist, you will be promoted to E-3. Check out the difference in pay!
College Credits for Promotion
Depending on how many classroom semester hours you have successfully completed prior to enlistment, you could automatically be promoted to E-2, E-3, or E-4.
Earn College Credits for BCT and AIT
Some of your military training may even count towards college credits. An education officer will evaluate your military training and recommend to your college that they accept anywhere from 7-32 Semester hours. You can also earn college credits for Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.
Delayed Entry Program
If you are a high school or college student and you want to join the North Dakota Army National Guard, but don't want to miss any school, there is a program just for you. With the Delayed Entry Program, you can belong to the North Dakota Army National Guard and get paid for attending drills for up to nine months before you attend Basic Combat Training. This will allow you to join the North Dakota Army National Guard without a break in your education.
• Juniors can take up to 270 days before departing for Basic Training
• Seniors can take up to 360 days before departing for Basic Training
• Graduates can take up to 270 days before departing for Basic Training
GED Plus Program
If you left high school without a diploma, you can still join the North Dakota Army National Guard under the GED Plus Program. Our GED Testing Service will help you pass your GED exam while the North Dakota Army National Guard pays for tutoring in Language, Math, Science and Social Studies – all while you earn your North Dakota Army National Guard pay.
Simultaneous Membership Program
With Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), you participate in both the Guard and your college’s ROTC program at the same time. During this two-year course, you’ll be paired with and mentored by a unit officer, and get paid to drill once a month with your Guard unit. In addition, check these benefits:
- Qualifiy for up to 100% tuition with the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) scholarship
- Earn a cash bonus, depending on your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
- Recieve a monthly allowance, based on your grade level
- Get more money every month through the Montgomery G.I. Bill and the Guard Kicker.
Best of all, upon graduation you'll receive your commission as a 2nd lieutenant, and serve in either the North Dakota Army National Guard or in the Active Army. SMP is your key to success now and after graduation. Your recruiter has all the details.
Contact your North Dakota Army National Guard Representative for more details on the different program and incentive requirements.