The ARNG GI Bill Kicker is not an entitlement but an additional benefit to the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIBSR, Chapter 1606) or Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIBAD, Chapter 30). The purpose of this benefit is to encourage use of MGIBSR or MGIBAD for education, supplement that use, and encourage the retention of those Soldiers making use of those benefits.
Soldiers must apply for and qualify to receive this additional benefit. Any Reserve Component (RC) Soldier who qualifies is able to establish kicker eligibility once in their military career. Soldiers who previously contracted for the Kicker in any RC and have not completed their initial 6 year obligation (as established in their Kicker contract) are not eligible to contract for this ARNG GI Bill Kicker. (The exception is the Soldier who transfers from the USAR to the ARNG without a break in service. They ARE eligible if they contract to complete their original six year obligation.) Soldiers who contracted for the Kicker benefit in any RC and have completed the initial 6 year obligation are eligible to transfer their Kicker contract to the ARNG.
Categories and Rates
Eligible soldiers can receive up to either $7,200 or $12,600 in educational assistance under this program. Unless the Service Member violates the terms of the contract, All ARNG GI Bill Kicker contract amounts are valid for the entire term of the contract regardless of future increases or decreases by National Guard Bureau (NGB). Current Categories and Rates for Applicant/Soldiers are shown in the chart below. (The enlisted kickers will receive a supplement to $350
for those eligible for the Commissioning Kicker.)
| Category | Fulltime | 3/4Time | 1/2Time | Less than 1/2Time |
| NonPrior Service | $200 | $150 | $100 | $50 |
| Prior Service | $200 | $150 | $100 | $50 |
| Current NG Soldier | $200 | $150 | $100 | $50 |
| Commissioning Kicker | $350 | $262 | $175 | $88 |
| Officers (without Degrees) | $200 | $150 | $100 | $50 |
Helpful Resources
Additional information about GI Bill education benefits can be found on the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Education Assistance programs at:
- DVA website: http://www.gibill.va.gov
- DVA Education hotline: 1.888. GI Bill1 (1.888.442.4551)
Questions about National Guard GI Bill education benefits can be directed to the GI Bill support team via e-mail (Gibill@pec.ngb.army.mil) or by phone: 866.628.5999.