What It Is

As a member of the Guard or Reserve, your pay comes from drills (weekend training), Annual Training (two weeks a year), and any special orders you are on.

Why It Matters

Understanding your pay structure is essential for budgeting. Drill pay is a reliable part-time income, while active duty orders can significantly boost your earnings and accelerate benefits eligibility.

Who Qualifies & How It Works

• All members of the Selected Reserve (SELRES) and National Guard.
• Drill Pay: A standard drill weekend consists of four, 4-hour drill periods. You are paid for each period. One drill weekend equals four days of active duty base pay for your rank and time in service.
• Annual Training (AT): This is typically a 14-day period of active duty, for which you receive full active duty pay and allowances.
• Order Types: You can volunteer for various types of active duty orders (e.g., ADOS, ADT, Mobilization) which provide full pay and benefits and count towards Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility.
• Pay is taxable and subject to FICA, just like active duty pay.

Actionable Steps

What It Is

TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based PPO-style health plan available to qualified members of the Selected Reserve and their families. It offers comprehensive coverage worldwide.

Why It Matters

TRS is an extremely affordable health insurance option compared to most civilian plans, offering robust coverage with a low monthly premium. It is one of the most valuable benefits of being in the Guard or Reserve.

Who Qualifies & How It Works

• Members of the Selected Reserve (not on active duty orders) and their families. You are NOT eligible if you are eligible for the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
• Low Premiums: As of 2024, premiums are approximately $51 per month for the member and $256 for member and family coverage.
• PPO Structure: You can see any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral, but costs are lower if you see a network provider.
• Cost-Sharing: You will have an annual deductible and cost-shares for services, which are generally much lower than civilian plans.
• When mobilized or on active duty orders for more than 30 days, you and your family transition to TRICARE Prime at no cost.

Actionable Steps

What It Is

Guard and Reserve members earn a retirement pension based on a points system. You earn points for drills, annual training, active duty orders, and even for just being a member in good standing.

Why It Matters

A reserve pension, though typically smaller than an active duty one, can be a powerful source of income in your later years (starting at age 60, or earlier with qualifying service).

Who Qualifies & How It Works

• You must complete 20 'qualifying years' of service to be eligible for retirement pay. A qualifying year is one in which you earn at least 50 points.
• Point Accrual: You get 1 point for each drill period, 1 point for each day of active duty (like AT), and 15 'gratuitous' points just for being a member each year.
• A typical year of just drills and AT will earn you about 78 points.
• Pension Calculation: (Total Points / 360) x 2.5% (or 2.0% for BRS) x High-3 Base Pay.
• Pay Out: You begin receiving your pension at age 60. This age can be reduced by 3 months for every 90 days of qualifying active duty service within a fiscal year.

Actionable Steps