WELCOME TO THE WASHINGTON ARMY NATIONAL GUARD!
The Education Services and Incentives Offices’ mission is to promote student achievement by preparing service members and their families for global competitiveness by fostering educational awareness, providing funding opportunities through the management of federal and state programs, and ensuring equal access to premier education services.
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Education Contacts
Elymayi Woodall
Education Services Specialist
GI Bill and State Tuition Programs
Elymayi.woodall.civ@army.mil
(253) 512-8435 or Text: (443) 445-0149
We accept walk-ins on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We are in building 15 Camp Murray. Please call ahead or email to schedule an appointment.
ng.wa.waarng.list.per-education@army.mil
Education Services Introduction
The Education Services Office administers Army National Guard education programs and services including Title 38 USC GI Bill programs, Federal and State Tuition Assistance, Credentialing Assistance, Army Personnel Testing, DANTES programs, and many others. Our award-winning education services staff works diligently with unit leaders and stakeholders across the state to provide awareness and inform Soldiers, family members, unit commanders, colleges/universities and outside agencies while ensuring our service members receive the funding needed to complete their educational goals.
Reach out to the education services office before starting any program. It’s important to understand your eligibility.
HERE’S A SUMMARY OF OUR PROGRAMS - CLICK HERE
How to Get Started
Please check out our new education benefits handbook to help get you started! Check out the 2026 Education Benefits Handbook
- Contact us! before starting any education or training program
- Research Programs available in Washington State - https://www.careerbridge.wa.gov/
- Enroll at your school / program and request an Evaluated Degree Plan.
- Apply for Financial Aid EVERY YEAR - https://wsac.wa.gov/apply
- Apply for The Washington National Guard Grant EVERY YEAR - https://wsac.wa.gov/national-guard
- Apply for Federal Tuition Assistance EVERY TERM! You will need a CAC card - https://www.armyignited.army.mil/student/public/welcome
Apply for the GI Bill if you are eligible. This is a one-time application - https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/
The Washington National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant (NGG)
The Washington National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant is a first-come, first-serve grant designed to assist our National Guard and Air Guard students. It assists members and their eligible dependents with funding for undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certificate study programs at approved institutions and programs within Washington State.
Students and eligible dependents should apply quickly every year in June/July to receive funding for the year. Typically, our students receive funding for the Summer and Fall terms of the current year and Winter and Spring terms for the following year.
The grant assists members and their eligible dependents with funding for undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certificate study programs at approved institutions and programs within Washington State.
- The grant can be used by eligible dependents.
- The grant helps pay a portion of college costs not covered by other financial aid.
- Service members and sponsors commit to service for one year per year of funding. Service obligation can run concurrently with contract. Service Members with less than 1 year remaining under contract are not eligible to apply.
Please visit our website for information on awards and FAQ’s.
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve Chapter 1606 & Kicker
Service members joining the National Guard or Army Reserve who sign a 6-year contract become eligible for Chapter 1606 after completion of advanced individual training (AIDT) and Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC).
What Do I Get?
- $493 per month for full-time enrollment (effective 1 Oct 2025)
- Payment is tax free and is made directly to the Soldier each month from the DVA
- CAN be combined with Federal Tuition Assistance for the same course, when attending half-time or more.
- Can be combined with most State Tuition Assistance programs. Check with your state education office to confirm eligibility. www.nationalguard.com/select-your-state
How Do I Apply?
- Contact your State Education Office to verify eligibility.
- Submit the Veterans Online Application at: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits
- Notify the VA Certifying Official at your school so they can certify your enrollment
- Continue to verify your enrollment each month via text message, email, or calling 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551)
Kicker
An additional $100 to $350 payment for those using GI Bill funding. It is an incentive given upon enlistment/reenlistment to attract Soldiers to specific units, skills, or positions to meet and sustain ARNG readiness requirements. The Kicker is paid when using a GI Bill program. It cannot be used on its own and it must be used while serving.
Basic Criteria:
- Be eligible for the MGIB-SR/Chapter 1606 or MGIB-AD/Chapter 30
- Sign a six-year service obligation (Enlistment contract, extension, or Officer Service Agreement)
- Complete MOS or Branch Qualification in contracted skill
Categories:
- Non-prior service applicants (enlisted only); 50 or higher on ASVAB, enlist in a critical skill/unit
- Prior service applicants (enlisted only); 50 or higher on ASVAB/AFCT, MOS qualified, E-7 or below, and enlist in an MTOE or medical unit
- Currently serving enlisted Soldiers who have completed 3 consecutive years of service, but no more than 14 total years of service, 50 or higher on ASVAB/AFCT, SFC or below
- Officer commissioning programs; ROTC/SMP, OCS and WOCS
- Currently serving officers; up to one year after commissioning
How Do I Apply?
- Complete an ARNG MGIB-SR Kicker Contract (NGB Form 5435)
- Submit the Veterans Online Application at: www.va.gov
- Notify the School Certifying Official at your school so they can certify your enrollment
- Continue to verify your enrollment each month via text message, email, or calling 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551)
Federal Tuition Assistance
- You need your supervisor’s contact information and approval to apply.
- Up to $250 per semester-hour, up to 18 SHs for a total of $4,500 per fiscal year (Max TA and CA)
- One degree at each of the following levels, Associates, Bachelor’s and Master’s
- Lifetime limit of 130 undergraduate semester hours and 39 graduate semester hours
- CAN be used simultaneously with Chapter 1606/ MGIB-SR for the same course, when attending half-time or more
- One academic certificate (undergraduate or graduate) up to 21 semester hours per lifetime/career Up to $250 per semester hour, and up to 18 SHs for a total of $4,500 per fiscal year (Max TA and CA)
Federal Tuition Assistance is managed through the ArmyIgnitED portal. It’s important to familiarize yourself with all the requirements necessary and pay close attention to the deadlines to prevent possible recoupments or debts.
DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH REQUESTING FTA? HERE’S A STEP-BY-STEP TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE PROCESS - CLICK HERE (NEW!)
Incentives
Incentives NCOIC
MSG Ashley Cardinal
ashley.r.cardinal.mil@army.mil
Please email our group box: ng.wa.waarng.list.per-inc@army.mil
Federal Bonuses
3-year reenlistment - $10,000.00 lump sum (cannot be combined with SLRP, but can be combined with GI Bill Kicker)
Qualifications-
Soldier must be in a hard slot at time of signature
Must have a current and passing record ACFT
Must have a current and passing height and weight
Must have no more than 13 years and 1 month time in service if enrolled in the Legacy Retirement system
Must have no less than 5 years and no more than 6 years 1 month time in service at ETS date if enrolled in the Blended Retirement System.
Blended Retirement Service Continuation Pay
Incentive based on your Grade and Time in Service
Qualifications-
Must be between 8- and 12-years’ time in service
Must be enrolled in Blended Retirement System
Must have a 4-year remaining service obligation
Student Loan Repayment Program
Provides up to $50,000.00 (up to a cap of $8,333.33 per year).
Must contract for six years.
Must have no more than 16 years of service on contract start date.
Must have authorized, pre-existing loans listed.
Must be in a hard slot (not overstrength).
Must be Duty MOS Qualified.
Must be in an Authorized TDA (deployable unit).
Can be combined with three-year REB.
Must be in good standing!
Common misconceptions:
SLRP will not pay off your student loans, but it will help you!
You should continue to make monthly payments for your loans!
It is the SMs responsibility to create their NSLDS submissions and forward to their FTS.
Additional Resources
