Supporting Guard Members at Work and in Education
If you ask anyone who’s served in the military what their service means to them, you’ll likely get a variety of responses invoking duty, sacrifice, obligation and honor.
After a total of 22 years of active duty and National Guard service, my response would also include the word “appreciation” related to educational benefits. Those benefits enabled me to earn my doctorate from North Carolina State University and launch my academic career.
Rather than fully transitioning into civilian life upon leaving active duty, many service members choose to join the National Guard, allowing them to continue serving their country part-time while pursuing a non-military career.
The National Guard Receives Both Federal and State Funding
Unlike military reserve units, which fall under the exclusive command of the federal government, the National Guard has a dual state and federal mission and therefore receives funding from both the state and the federal government.
Currently in my home state, the North Carolina National Guard comprises approximately 10,000 citizen soldiers and airmen sworn to protect the Constitution and the state. Typically, their commitment includes serving one weekend a month and attending two weeks of training per year.
Higher Education Challenges and Benefits for Guard Members
Serving in the National Guard brings unique challenges, especially when balancing educational aspirations and civilian employment. Many guard members face situations where their drill weekends or training periods overlap with work or school obligations, requiring both understanding and flexibility from employers and educational institutions.
One specific benefit that I encourage all guard members to consider, if their state offers it, is college tuition reimbursement, like the North Carolina Tuition Assistance Program (NCTAP) or Tennessee STRONG programs. In North Carolina, actively drilling Army and Air Guard members with at least two years of service remaining are eligible to apply for tuition assistance for any school in the state, including approved online institutions such as Western Governors University.
Applications for the Spring 2026 term for NCTAP began January 1, 2026.
Recommendations for Guard Members Considering a Degree
Earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree can benefit a guard member both in their civilian and military careers. It’s not easy juggling all these commitments, but it can be done with the following considerations:
Choose a military-friendly school. Military-friendly schools understand the specific challenges and concerns that face the military and offer specific support such as financial aid and tuition assistance, credit for military training, flexible academic policies, and veteran support services.
Create a structured schedule. Servicemen and women are used to structured and precise schedules. Create one that includes set times for study.
Set realistic goals. Set incremental, achievable goals and consider enrolling part-time or in a school that allows for flexibility.
Leverage support systems. Don’t be afraid to seek support from a cohort of fellow military students, military support networks, academic support services, and family and friends.
Recommendations for Employers of Guard Members
Ensuring that these individuals are supported through clear policies and accommodations not only benefits service members but also strengthens our workforce and communities. If your organization employs National Guard members, you can support them through the following actions:
Comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). This is a federal law that protects the civilian job rights of service members and veterans.
Train managers. Educate your supervisors on the rights of service members and ensure they understand them.
Plan for absences. Work with your staff to plan coverage for times when your employee is training with the guard.
Offer differential pay and flexibility. Help your employees close the income gap during military leave and offer schedule flexibility around drill weekends and deployments.
Offer tuition assistance. If your employee is pursuing higher education, provide some form of tuition assistance that is stackable with other aid, grants and scholarships.
Supporting Military Members, Together
Many states have a long tradition of supporting the military community, whether it be active-duty personnel, reserve or guard personnel, retirees or their families. By continuing to provide education support and workplace accommodations, we can make it easier for National Guard members to continue proudly serving our states and country.
