Military
The various military branches in Minnesota offer opportunities to gain new skills and have unique job duties. Local military options are expanded below.
Minnesota Army National Guard and Minnesota Air National Guard members are from every walk of life and from every part of the state. What bonds Guard members together is their love of country, state and community.
Members serve part time; most serve one weekend a month and two full weeks a year. This schedule allows plenty of time for family and friends, as well as college or a full-time career.
The Minnesota Army and Air National Guards are disciplined forces ready to respond to local and state emergencies or natural disasters when called upon by the governor of Minnesota. Both Guards are subject to activation, known as deployments, by the president of the United States.
The Army National Guard is the reserve fighting force for the U.S. Army and the Air National Guard provides strategic air defense.
Other military services available in Minnesota include the Army, Army Reserves, Air Force, Air Force Reserves, Coast Guard, Navy, Navy Reserves, Marines and Marine Reserves. The president can activate all reserve services.
Benefits
Young men and women have many reasons for choosing to become members of the military. Military service provides the opportunity to serve your country, gain time to focus on future plans and explore the world. You'll learn skills like teamwork, responsibility and leadership — all of which are traits employers look for when hiring employees.
The military also offers financial assistance for education. You might qualify to receive the Montgomery G.I. Bill, tuition assistance, student loan repayment, and an enlistment bonus, depending on the service and job skill area you choose.
Below is an example of what a private in the Minnesota Army National Guard might be eligible to receive after joining as an infantryman in May 2007. These rates are based on a four-year education at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus.
MN Army National Guard Example*
| State tuition reimbursement (100%) |
$30,352 |
| Enlistment bonus |
$20,000 |
| Montgomery G.I. Bill |
$11,124 |
| Montgomery G.I. Bill Kicker |
$7,200 |
| Tuition Assistance |
$18,000/year |
| Student Loan Repayment |
$20,000 |
| Pay (estimate 6 years of drill pay) |
$21,000 |
| Initial training payment |
$6,000 |
| Total Income & Money for College |
$133,676 |
* Amounts current as of June 15, 2007
The State Tuition Reimbursement is specifically for members who serve the Minnesota Army National Guard. The program pays 100 percent of your tuition costs. The maximum cap is based on tuition at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.
The Enlistment Bonus can be offered by each of the services for special jobs. Check with your local recruiter about enlistment bonus opportunities.
The Montgomery G.I. Bill is a federal benefit. In the example on page 104, the National Guard private will receive $11,124 in monthly increments over a 36-month school period, or $309 per month. Guard members do not pay into the program. Most active duty members pay in while serving, but can end up receiving $30,000 from the Montgomery G.I. Bill.
The Montgomery G.I. Bill Kicker is an extra benefit offered for special jobs. In the example, the individual will receive an extra $200 a month as full-time student.
Tuition assistance is a federal benefit, available prior to completing basic training and AIT, and in conjunction with the State Tuition Program and the Montgomery GI Bill. Members can earn up to $250 per semester hour, or $4,500 per fiscal year, towards college tuition cost (not to exceed the actual amount of tuition).
The pay scale (salary) is similar for all services. Guard and Reserve service members are paid two days for every one day of drill they attend.
Money from Initial Training is the amount paid to an individual while attending Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (job skill training). All new service members are required to attend similar courses.
More Information
If you're interested in exploring military options, call or visit the Web site of the service you'd like to learn more about. Expect to receive a packet of information from each service you contact. Contact your local recruiter for specific job opportunities and benefits. You can learn more about Reserves from their associated military service.
ROTC Programs
Reserve Officer Training Corps programs are in-college programs designed to prepare young men and women to be officers in the associated military branch. Students are prepared for leadership roles in the military and business world.
Contact the colleges below to learn more about these programs:
Army ROTC is available at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus; Minnesota State University, Mankato; and St. John's University.
Navy ROTC is available at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.
Air Force ROTC is available at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cites and Duluth Campuses; and the University of St. Thomas.
Learn more about military options on ISEEK.
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