Base Privileges
As an Air National Guard member you will be entitled to certain privileges at all Active Duty Air Force Bases. For example, base exchange privileges and commissary privileges.
References:
http://www.aafes.com
http://www.commissaries.com
Experience
After you complete Technical Training school your training will continue through upgrade training and in-service training. This will ensure that you have the most advanced training in your career field. You will also be given the opportunity to apply that training in a working environment. Giving you the hands on experience you will need to be a success in the Illinois Air National Guard and in the civilian community. You will also be given management training. That's right! The Illinois Air National Guard will also provide you with management training through the Professional Military Education Program. This training will help you to assume future management positions in the Guard as well as in the civilian community.
Free Travel
Space Available flights are available to traditional Guard members within the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Active Duty Guard members are able to travel worldwide.
G.I. Bill
The G.I. Bill is available to Guard members enlisting for six years. GI Bill money comes directly to you to use for school expense.
Reference:
www.gibill.va.gov
Guard Pay
Air National Guard members get four days pay for each drill weekend and 15 days annual training pay. Plus, while you are attending basic military training and technical training you will receive a monthly salary. Depending on your pay grade at time of enlistment you could receive anywhere from $1547.00 to $1823.40 a month while in training.
Reference:
http://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers.html
Illinois National Guard Grant - 100% Tuition Program
Pays 100% tuition and some fees at Illinois 2 or 4 year public colleges and schools for up to 120 credits. Members receive an additional 60 credits upon completion of 10 years in the Illinois National Guard. Applications are found online and must be submitted annually.
Reference:
http://www.isac.org/students/during-college/types-of-financial-aid/grants/illinois-national-guard-%28ing%29-grant-program.html
Life Insurance
The Servicemen's Group Life Insurance is available for Guard members ranging in rates from $4.50 for $50,000 coverage to $29.00 for $400,000 worth of coverage. This covers you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Post 9/11 GI Bill
-The Post 9/11 GI Bill is an active duty benefit that you may become eligible for with 90 days active duty time through deployments etc.
-This is the only transferable education benefit the military offers.
-If you think you are eligible and would like to transfer the benefit to a spouse or children please contact the Retention Office.
Retirement
Members qualify for retirement after completing 20 good years of military service. Retirement pay begins at age 60.
Summary
You will receive valuable training that will help you in the Illinois Air National Guard and in the civilian community, and the best part of this is you will earn while you learn. You will also receive money to pay for your college education and get a chance to be part of one of the most exciting teams in America.
Training
All of your training is free through the Air National Guard and we will pay you while you learn. The training you receive is comparable to the training you can receive in civilian colleges and vocational technical schools. Plus college credits hours are awarded upon completion of the training.
Reference:
http://www.maxwell.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.asp
Uniforms
Complete military wardrobe including shoes, boots, jacket, all weather coat, hats, and caps. Everything is replaced free upon return with normal wear and tear.
What are the requirements for the Illinois Veterans Grant (ING)?
· If you have served at least one year of Federal Active Duty service you may be eligible for the IVG
· Pays 100% tuition and some fees at Illinois 2 or 4 year public colleges for up to 120 credits