The National Guard is a unique and essential element of the U.S. military. Founded in 1636 as a citizen force organized to protect families and towns from hostile attacks, today’s National Guard Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while maintaining their military training part-time, always ready to defend the American way of life in the event of an emergency. Take advantage of the opportunity to work less than a part-time job for full time benefits including $20,000 sign-on bonus, up to $12,000 a year in tuition assistance, up to $50,000 in student loan repayment, and the experience of a lifetime.