College Assistance

Want to go to college full-time, while serving with the Texas Army National Guard only a few days a month and two weeks each summer? The Guard’s outstanding education benefits serve as an incentive for people who want to serve and study, because no other military branch offers more flexibility. With our dual mission – serving both the state of Texas and the federal government – many Texas Army National Guard Soldiers can receive state education funding that isn’t available to other branches of the military. Programs such as Federal Tuition Assistance, State Tuition Assistance and Montgomery GI Bill dedicated to Guard Soldiers, make it possible to cover up to 100% of tuition and bring home a little extra, in addition to their monthly Guard pay. To learn more, check out the education benefits below.

 

Bonus & Incentives

In addition to improving your resume, enlisting in the Texas Army National Guard offers various financial bonuses that can significantly boost your earnings. These bonuses are available not only when you first enlist but also when you choose to reenlist after completing your initial contract.

As you explore your career aspirations and consider the various pathways available to you, it's essential to take the time to understand the specific benefits and incentives that the Texas Army National Guard offers. These include signing bonuses, special skill incentives, and student loan repayments. Gaining a thorough understanding of these benefits will empower you to make a well-informed decision that aligns with your long-term professional goals. To learn more, check out the benefits below.

 

Additional Sites and Benefits


State Tuition Assistance

The State TA program is funded by the State of Texas and intended to help Texas Service Members cover tuition costs at Texas colleges and universities.

Federal Tuition Assistance

Tuition assistance provides financial assistance to Soldiers pursuing an academic certificate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees.

Credentialing Assistance Program

The Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) program provides funding for sources and/or exams leading to an industry-recognized academic or vocational credential.

GI Bill

The GI Bill is designed to assist Soldiers and Veterans with education expenses and job training skills.  Unlike other programs, the GI Bill pays a check that goes directly to you.

Hazlewood Act

The Hazlewood Act provides qualified Veterans an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition and fee exemption at Texas state-supported colleges or universities.

 


 
 
 
 

Texas Army National Guard Incentives Help is only a click away!

TXARNG FY25 Incentives Programs Click link

For the most up to date information click link above 
 

Blended Retirement System - Continuation Pay Click link

The Blended Retirement System combines elements of the legacy retirement system with benefits similar to those offered in many civilian 401(k) plans. The opt-in period for the majority of service members closed Dec. 31, 2018.

Continuation pay is a direct cash payout, similar to a bonus, available to service members enrolled in the Blended Retirement System (BRS). This payment is designed for those at the mid-career stage, typically disbursed between the completion of eight years of service and just prior to reaching 12 years of service, based on the service member's Pay Entry Base Date. While most service members are eligible for continuation pay, the timing and amount will be determined by their respective branch of service.

 

Student Loan Repayment Click link

The Texas National Guard recognizes the importance of higher education and is proud to support service members in their pursuit of it. The Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) is available to Soldiers and officer candidates (09S) who have one or more qualifying and disbursed Title IV federal loan(s)


Please use the TXARNG incentives link below to contact the incentives manager for questions about bonuses, unresolved issues, other services, or basic eligibility for bonuses.   Staff are available 8:00 to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday except state and federal holidays to answer your questions and address your concerns.  If you prefer to speak to the incentives manager, please call the Incentives Office Phone at  512-782-5515, option 6.  The Incentives Office Group Email is ng.tx.txarng.mbx.incentives@army.mil.

 

 

Soldiers and Veterans — and their families — enjoy even more real benefits, such as inexpensive healthcare through the TRICARE system; low-cost life insurance that pays up to $400,000; Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans that can save service members a bundle when buying a home; and something that might not seem like a big deal now, but definitely will later: a generous retirement package. The Guard also offers an array of resources aimed at helping Soldiers find careers — which is especially important for men and women who serve part time but maintain readiness full time, at home and on the job.

Get discounts, privileges, insurance and more.

Fly for Free

Guard Soldiers can travel free on military planes when space is available. You can fly within and between the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico. Availability is based on a priority system. Learn more about flying for free. 

Discount Shopping and More

Guard and Families can enjoy privileges at military installations around the world, including tax-free discount shopping at any Military Exchange (department store) and commissary (grocery store). Other retail and lodging discounts are also available. Find out more about discount shopping.

Healthcare

The Guard cares about the health of Soldiers and their Families. Military members and their Families can purchase inexpensive health coverage from TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS), for the top-quality healthcare they deserve. Your recruiter can offer additional details, or you can find out more through TRICARE.

Life Insurance

Low-cost life insurance plans are available for Guard Soldiers—up to $400,000. Family members are eligible for Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI), which offers insurance to spouses and dependent children of Guard members insured under SGLI. Learn more about life insurance plans.

Veterans Administration (VA) Home Loans

Guard Soldiers may be eligible for VA home loans with minimum or no down payment. Working through private lenders, such as banks, savings and loans, and mortgage companies, VA guarantees loans for homes up to a pre-determined amount and can also eliminate the need for private mortgage insurance. Get more information about VA home loans. 

Re-employment Benefits

As a member of the Guard, you can be deployed on short notice. And by federal law, when you have to leave your job to serve your country, you’re assured of being able to come back to work when you return. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects your right to be re-employed in the same position upon returning from military service. Find out more about re-employment benefits. 

Federal Retirement Plan

You probably won’t be thinking about retirement for many years, but think about this: The Guard can continue to pay you every month after you’ve finished serving. This is on top of any benefits from your civilian career and any other retirement funds you may have coming. Learn more about the federal retirement plan. 

Note: Texas Army National Guard programs and benefits are subject to change. For the latest information, please contact a recruiter.

The Camp Mabry testing facility offers the following testing services:

 

 

 To ensure a smooth process when requesting testing, all tests must be accompanied by a DA 4187 form, which NEED to be signed by the Unit Commander. Please submit this form no later than two weeks prior to the scheduled test date. Keep in mind that we cannot accommodate walk-ins, so appointments are necessary. Thank you for your understanding!

 FY 25 Testing Dates

 

  DLPT/DLAB                     AFCT   

 Jun 4                              July 23

 July 16                           AUG 27

Aug 13                          SEP 24

Sep 10

 

**Request a Reservation** 

For any questions regarding test dates and times, please reach out to the Education & Incentives NCOIC, SFC Ruth Kaster at 512-782-1998 or via email at ruth.l.kaster.mil@army.mil.

Once we receive your DA-4187, it will go through a review process, and you’ll get an email confirmation. Please keep in mind that your appointment request isn’t complete until you receive this confirmation email.

 

For information on alternative testing locations, feel free to reach out to the education centers listed below:

Fort Cavazos Testing Office 254-287-7605

Joint Base San Antonio 210-221-1738

 

   Test Prep Information

Scholarships

Outside scholarships can be used to reduce your Student/Parent contribution to your school financial aid package.
Note: Scholarships will have different funding sources, different application deadlines, and eligibility requirements. Scholarships may reduce the amount of your tuition assistance award.

Contact TXARNG Education & Incentives Center

Call: (512) 782-5515

Press 1 for FTA/CA/TESTING
Press 2 for State Tuition Assistance
Press 3 for Counseling/GI Bill
Press 4 for Bonus
Press 5 for Student Loan Repayment Program
 

Monday – Friday, 0800-1600  Closed Weekends / Holidays

Need to improve your line scores or take a language? 

Alternate testing locations:

Fort Hood Testing: 254-285-5707

Joint Base San Antonio: 210-221-1738

 

Do you have a group that would benefit from learning about their benefits? if so please submit a request form (no CAC required). 

EDUCATION & INCENTIVES BRIEF REQUEST