Inactive duty training, also known as drill weekends, is a crucial component of serving in the National Guard or Reserve components of the US military. While the primary focus of these trainings is to maintain and enhance military skills, they also provide an opportunity to boost pay. Here are 10 tips to help you make the most out of your inactive duty training and increase your earnings.
Understand the Pay Structure
First, it’s essential to understand how pay works for inactive duty training. Members are paid based on their rank and the number of drill periods they attend. A drill period is typically four hours long, and most units conduct four drill periods per drill weekend. Knowing how your pay is calculated can help you plan and maximize your earnings.
Attend All Scheduled Drill Weekends
One of the most straightforward ways to boost your pay is by attending all scheduled drill weekends. Since pay is directly tied to attendance, missing a drill weekend can result in reduced pay. Make sure you prioritize your drill weekends and communicate with your unit if any conflicts arise.
Take Advantage of Additional Drill Periods
Many units offer additional drill periods outside of the standard drill weekends. These can include extra training days, annual training, or special duty assignments. Participating in these additional drill periods can significantly increase your pay, as each period counts towards your total pay.
Pursue Higher Education and Certifications
Education and certifications not only enhance your military career but can also lead to higher pay grades. The military offers various education assistance programs, including the GI Bill and tuition reimbursement. Pursuing higher education or certifications can lead to promotions, which in turn increase your pay during inactive duty training.
Stay Fit and Pass the Physical Fitness Test
Maintaining a high level of physical fitness is crucial for military service. Passing the physical fitness test with high scores can lead to special pays or bonuses in some cases. Moreover, being physically fit reduces the risk of injury, ensuring you can attend all drill periods without interruption.
Volunteer for Special Duty Assignments
Special duty assignments, such as recruiter or instructor duties, often come with additional pay. These assignments can not only enhance your pay but also provide valuable experience and skills that can benefit your civilian career.
Participate in Annual Training
Annual training, also known as AT, is a two-week training period that all Guard and Reserve members are required to attend annually. While it’s a commitment, annual training provides an excellent opportunity to earn extra pay, as it typically includes more drill periods than a standard drill weekend.
Consider Joining the Guard or Reserve as a Prior Service Member
If you have prior military service, joining the Guard or Reserve can offer higher pay grades based on your previous experience. This can significantly boost your pay during inactive duty training, as pay scales increase with rank and time in service.
Utilize the Military’s Pay and Compensation Resources
The military provides various resources to help members understand and manage their pay and compensation. Utilizing these resources can help you identify opportunities to increase your pay and ensure you’re receiving all the compensation you’re eligible for.
Plan Ahead and Set Financial Goals
Finally, planning ahead and setting financial goals can help you make the most out of your inactive duty training pay. By understanding your financial situation, setting aside savings, and planning for expenses, you can ensure that your inactive duty training pay supports your financial stability and goals.
Maximizing pay during inactive duty training requires a combination of attending all scheduled drill periods, pursuing additional training and education, and taking advantage of special duty assignments. By following these tips, Guard and Reserve members can not only enhance their military skills but also boost their financial compensation.
| Rank | Drill Pay per Drill Period |
|---|---|
| Private (E-1) | $111.24 |
| Private First Class (E-2) | $125.45 |
| Specialist/Corporal (E-4) | $173.49 |
| Sergeant (E-5) | $213.55 |
How is pay calculated for inactive duty training?
+Pay for inactive duty training is calculated based on the member's rank and the number of drill periods attended. Each drill period is typically four hours long, and most units conduct four drill periods per drill weekend.
Can attending annual training increase my pay?
+Yes, attending annual training can increase your pay. Annual training typically includes more drill periods than a standard drill weekend, providing an opportunity to earn extra pay.
How does pursuing higher education affect my pay?
+Pursuing higher education can lead to promotions, which in turn increase your pay during inactive duty training. The military also offers education assistance programs that can help fund your education.
By understanding the pay structure, attending all scheduled drill weekends, taking advantage of additional drill periods, and pursuing higher education and certifications, you can significantly boost your pay during inactive duty training. Remember, maximizing your pay requires a combination of attendance, education, and strategic planning.
