How is the National Guard different from the Army Reserve?
The National Guard serves both the federal and state governments and can be called into action by each state’s governor during domestic emergencies, such as storms, floods and civil disturbances. In addition, the president can activate the National Guard to participate in federal missions and overseas deployments. The Army Reserve is controlled by the federal government and supports only the Active Army and federal missions. Also, while the National Guard offers Federal Tuition Assistance up to $4,500 per year, and in most states, State Supplemental Grants to cover up to 100% of tuition costs at state universities, the Army Reserve cannot offer State Supplemental Grants to its members.
