What is the guard?  

The Massachusetts Army National Guard is the Massachusetts state-based military force that becomes part of the reserve components of the United States Army when activated for federal missions. It is a military reserve force composed of Army National Guard military members of Massachusetts. Our mission is to serve and protect the commonwealth of Massachusetts. As a state organization, the Massachusetts Army National Guard can be called on by the Governor to assist in national disasters and public safety emergencies. In its national role, the Massachusetts Army National Guard can be mobilized for active service with the United States Armed Forces. 

What we offer? 

As a soldier in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, you are entitled to State AND Federal benefits, unlike other components of the Department of Defense. Here are a few of the many benefits you are eligible for. 

Education 

As a soldier in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, you are eligible for our 100% Tuition & Fee waiver at any state school in Massachusetts. Don’t want to go to a state school? No problem! We also offer Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA).  

100% Tuition & Fee Waiver 

We can’t get any simpler than that! We waive all your tuition and fees! These are the schools we offer! 

University of Massachusetts 

State Universities 

Community Colleges 

Federal Tuition Assistance

FTA is financial assistance provided for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of a Soldier’s professional and personal self-development goals. (Reference: AR 621-5, Army Continuing Education System) 

What do I get? 

For eligible Soldiers, FTA funds up to $250 per semester hour for up to 16 semester hours each fiscal year—all towards tuition to advance your education. Here’s a look at the FTA lifetime limits of the program: 

  • 130 undergraduate semester hours 
  • 39 graduate semester hours 

To be eligible, your college or university must be regionally or nationally accredited—and an ArmyIgnitED participant. 

CAN be used simultaneously with Chapter 1606/MGIB-SR for the same course, when attending half-time or more. 

FTA will pay toward one credential at each of the following levels: 

  • Associate degree, bachelor’s degree and master’s degree 
  • First professional degrees are NOT eligible (e.g., doctorate degrees, juris doctorates) 

Tuition assistance is for advancing your post-secondary education, so it may not be used to achieve a lower or lateral diploma or degree.
 

Remember, FTA is tuition assistance, which means it is for tuition only. It does not cover fees, examinations, e-learning or other expenses that are outside of an official degree plan. 

Montgomery GI Bill “Kicker”

Need some extra money while you’re in school? No problem, let us help! The Army National Guard Montgomery GI Bill Kicker program encourages qualified applicants and Soldiers to enlist into critical military jobs and units. This program applies only to specific critical Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) and certain deployable units. The Kicker is an incentive, not an entitlement, so you’ll need to be qualified in order to receive the benefit. A Soldier may receive a maximum of 36 months of benefits under the Kicker program based on the kicker rate they contracted for ($100, $200 or $350). All payments are tax-free. When eligibility for the basic benefit expires, so does eligibility for the Kicker.