Enlistment Programs & Incentives
Split Training Program
High School Juniors who are at least 17 years of age may enlist and attend Basic Combat Training between their junior and senior year. After graduation you would then complete Advanced Individual Training, and in most cases, be home in time to start college. Seniors, graduates and seasonal workers may also utilize this program.
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.
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
Active First Program
Begin your service with full-time military service at full-time Soldier's pay, plus an additional enlistment bonus. Learn a career and travel across the U.S. or overseas, and when your Active Duty commitment is over, return to part-time North Dakota Army National Guard service with your local unit, and pick up your great North Dakota Army National Guard benefits.
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 North Dakota Army National 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 North Dakota Army National Guard unit.
Plus, get up to 100% tuition plus a cash bonus and monthly allowance, and get paid to drill once a month with your North Dakota Army National Guard unit.
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.
Patriot Academy Program
The Patriot Academy gives you an opportunity to earn your accredited high school diploma – not a GED – in a military academy setting. For recruits who have left school short of graduation, Patriot Academy offers a second chance to earn your diploma and hone your military training while receiving active duty pay and benefits.
If you're a qualified North Dakota Army National Guard recruit who has dropped out of high school within 10 credit hours of graduating, you may apply for admission to the Patriot Academy. If you're accepted, you'll be sent to Basic Combat Training (BCT), then go directly to the Patior Academy. You'll also have regular military training, including a rigorous physical fitness course, and be required to complete at least eight hours of community service. After graduating, you'll then head to Advanced Individual Training (AIT), where you'll learn your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
Patriot Academy offers a great way to finish high school and offers valuable skills which will make you a better Soldier or noncommissioned officer.
Contact your North Dakota Army National Guard Representative for more details on the different program and incentive requirements.