The Army National Guard serves both the governor and the President. Members train one weekend a month and two weeks a year, and can be called to state emergencies or federal missions. This guide explains those missions, what Guard leaders said in 2023 about deployments and benefits, and where current pay rates are published, using sources checked on October 21, 2026.
What missions does the Army National Guard perform?
The Guard has a dual mission. The National Guard Bureau says the governor commands Guard forces in peacetime through the state adjutant general and can call them up for emergencies such as storms, drought and civil disturbances. The President can activate the Guard for federal missions at home and overseas.
| Status | Who commands | Examples from the FAQ |
|---|---|---|
| State | The governor, through the state adjutant general | Local or statewide emergencies such as storms, drought and civil disturbances |
| Federal | The President | Federal missions at home and overseas |
Source for the table: National Guard Bureau FAQ.
How often do Guard members train?
One drill weekend each month and one two-week annual training period each year, usually in the summer, according to the National Guard Bureau. Drill weekends usually fall on a Saturday and Sunday but can start on Friday night. The FAQ also says that when activated by the governor or the President, Guard members serve full time.
Source: National Guard Bureau FAQ.
What did Guard leaders say about deployments in 2023?
In January 2023 the chief of the National Guard Bureau said the National Guard, Army and Air together, had about 430,000 members and 22,000 deployed overseas. He described state missions after fires, floods and hurricanes, and plans to align Army Guard brigades and divisions with the Army to make rotations more predictable.
Source: U.S. Department of Defense, January 2023. These were the figures and plans at that time. Ask a recruiter about current deployment patterns for the units you are considering.
What pay and health changes did Guard leaders propose?
In the same January 2023 briefing, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said about 60,000 Guard members had no medical coverage and supported the Health Care for Our Troops Act, which would provide premium-free coverage. He also called for duty status reform so Guard members doing the same duties get the same pay and benefits.
Source: U.S. Department of Defense, January 2023. These were proposals. Drilling members who qualify can buy TRICARE Reserve Select, a premium-based plan (TRICARE Reserve Select).
Where do you find current Guard pay rates?
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service publishes military pay tables, with separate tables for basic pay and for drill pay. The current tables on its site were posted in January 2026. Your pay depends on your grade and years of service, so use the table that matches your duty.
Source: DFAS: Military pay tables. Housing allowance rates are set separately (Defense Travel Management Office: BAH).
Related TakeOath guides
- Army National Guard FAQ for Virginia prospects
- Army family benefits for Virginia Guard families
- Army National Guard eligibility: what to have ready
Sources
- Army National Guard frequently asked questions, National Guard Bureau, retrieved October 21, 2026
- Leaders detail future of National Guard (January 24, 2023), U.S. Department of Defense, retrieved October 21, 2026
- TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE, Defense Health Agency, retrieved October 21, 2026
- Military pay tables, Defense Finance and Accounting Service, retrieved October 21, 2026
- Basic Allowance for Housing, Defense Travel Management Office, retrieved October 21, 2026