Graduate Debt-Free
WITH Part-TIME Service
Louisiana National Guard members are eligible for FREE TUITION at in-state, public colleges, and universities through the LA STEP Program.
About the Army National Guard
The Guard dates back to 1636, when Citizen-Soldiers formed militias to defend community and country. Since the beginning, the Guard has stayed true to its roots. Enlisting in the National Guard means more time at home. Training typically requires one weekend each month, with a two-week training period once each year. Get a degree with money for school, learn job skills that translate to the civilian world, make bonds that last a lifetime and earn pride for life. When you become a Guard Soldier, your family will thank you, your country will thank you and your future will owe you.
Louisiana Army National Guard Benefits
When you join the Louisiana Army National Guard, you’re joining a local team with purpose and setting yourself up for a successful future. You’ll gain job skills and leadership experience while getting a head start on your civilian career. Explore the many ways Guard service can accelerate your life.
Complete the form above to speak with a recruiter to see if you qualify for the benefits below.
Pay
Gain skills that will give you a competitive edge in the job market, while getting paid for your service.
Enlistment Bonus (varies)
You will be paid for every day you serve (including all training days)
Dependents (if applicable) may also qualify for an additional housing allowance
You will pay income tax only on your base pay—any upgrades or bonuses received while serving overseas are exempt, meaning this money all comes straight to you
You earn Active Duty pay any time you’re deployed (at home or overseas) for any reason
Education
The Louisiana Army National Guard values higher education and offers many types of assistance to help you stay on track while you serve.
Step Tuition Exemption Program – In-state tuition at public colleges waived for Louisiana Army National Guardsmen and women. For more information go to Louisiana Revised Statute 29:36
Student Loan Repayment Program – Receive up to $50,000 in student loan repayment, if you qualify. 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)
Montgomery GI Bill – in addition to your tuition being covered, receive up to an additional $466.00 a month through the Montgomery GI Bill program, if qualified. The GI Bill Programs are statutory entitlements that are administered by the military services and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Soldiers may receive up to 36 months in any one DVA educational assistance program and a maximum of 48 months of combined benefits if eligible for two or more programs. For more information, go to Education Programs
- Patriot Scholarship – The Patriot Scholarship is a Louisiana law passed in 2023 to work in conjunction with the State Tuition Exemption Program (STEP) to help Louisiana Army and Air National Guardsmen work towards an undergraduate degree. The Patriot Scholarship covers mandatory fees towards an undergraduate degree at Louisiana public institutions of higher learning. Your mandatory fees may vary depending on the number of hours enrolled, but Patriot Scholarship will scale to meet them.
Insurance
Inexpensive healthcare through the TRICARE system, for as little as $47.20 for a single individual and $238.99 for a family (costs as of 4/15/21 and are subject to change – go to Health Care Costs Information for more information)
Low-cost life insurance that pays up to $500,000
