National Guard Benefits
and resources
There are various ways for you gain the maximum
benefits from your National Guard career.  On this page
we have listed several websites that offer you free
items, software, anti-virus, tax filing, discounts, and
more.




*Note: All links are set to open in a new browser.  Please
disable any pop-up blocking software you have running.
AKO (Army Knowledge Online)
After logging into www.us.army.mil, along the top of the screen, there is a drop-down link labeled "Self Service".  
The first label is "AntiVirus Services."  From the antivirus page, as you scroll down, along the left you will see
several name brand types of Anti-Virus services.  Simply click on the brand of your choice and follow the
step-by-step instructions to continue downloading your anti-virus for free.  


GKO (Guard Knowledge Online)
Provides the ability to post and read announcements, a calendar that integrates Microsoft Outlook, discussion
boards, surveys that can be easily and quickly built, the ability to send information to targeted groups, access to
features that determine who can access your information, and several other benefits.  To find out more, visit
https://gko.ngb.army.mil.  


Virtual Armory
www.virtualarmory.com, is a site specifically for National Guardsmen.  (This is also where you will apply for
Federal Tuition.)  This is a good source for a variety of information.


Military OneSource
Military OneSource (www.militaryonesource.com) offers free tax filing for military.  As well as a great wealth of
information, there is also a link at the top labeled "Military Discounts."  From here you can find over 700
companies that offer military specific discounts, including some only offered online.  


Anheuser-Busch
"Here's to the Heroes"
Budweiser is offering free one-day per year, per member, admission tickets to:

Anheuser-Busch's SeaWorld, San Antonio (seasonal), Orlando & San Diego
Busch Gardens, Williamsburg (seasonal), & Tampa Bay
Sesame Place (seasonal)
Water Country USA
Adventure Island

(For all active duty, activated or drilling reservists, or National Guardsmen.)
www.herosalute.com/states/index.html


Shades of Green Resort at Walt Disney World
This resort is designed to provide R&R for our nations brave servicemembers, their families and certain other
eligible persons. Specific eligibilty criteria must be met before a guest may make a reservation

Shades of Green Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) located in Central Florida. The newly
expanded Shades of Green is the only AFRC located in the continental U.S. The Shades of Green Resort is a
true resort destination; offering the perfect mix of exceptional resort accommodations and friendly hospitality.

A peaceful wooded setting surrounding 586 oversized guest rooms, cascading waterfalls, lush tropical gardens,
spectacular views from private patios and balconies amid stunning sunrises. With diverse dining options,
championship golf, plenty of kids activities and a premier location on WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort, Shades of
Green has all you are looking for in a totally relaxing vacation destination.

Shades of Green has guest rooms designed to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. You
will find many dining and transportation options designed for our guest's enjoyment and convenience. Our ADA
friendly resort includes standard oversized rooms with all the amenities and features you would expect.  Our
oversized elevators, special transportation options and multiple ramps give you full resort access and peace of
mind.
Shades of Green Home Page


Army Small Computer Program
All Army personnel are eligible for a licensed copy of Microsoft Office for use on their home computers.  The
only cost is for packaging and shipping, approximately twenty dollars, as compared to the usual price of the
systems, which sells for several hundred dollars.  For more information visit
http://ascp.monmouth.army.mil/scp/software/hup.jsp.


The North Carolina National Guard Association
(ncnga@bellsouth.net & www.ncnga.org)

This website offers information on all sorts of benefits for North Carolina National Guardsmen, such as discouts
to theme parks such as Busch Gardens, Carowinds, Water Country, Wet 'n Wild Water Park, and much more.  
Currently they are featuring discounts for both Apple Computers and AAA.

After entering the page, the top left link is labeled "Benefits."  Click on the link to learn more about discounts
and benefits for you.  

Note: At the very bottom of the Benefits page, there is an additional link to "10 ways to put your membership to
work."  This page may be of assistance to you as well..


AARTS
To download a copy of your military transcripts, and what the Army recommends as a college equivalent for your
personal training, visit
http://aarts.army.mil/.


GI Bill
For more detailed information about the Montgomery GI Bill and Kicker, visit www.gibill.va.gov/.


Online Army Correspondence
Enroll in online classes to earn points towards promotion.
https://www.aimsrdl.atsc.army.mil/secured/accp_top.htm  


TRICARE Reserve Select Medical Insurance
The National Guard is concerned about the well-being of its Servicemembers and their families, which is why the
new TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) program was initiated. The program will help these individuals receive the
healthcare they deserve by now allowing every member of the National Guard the option to purchase health
coverage from TRICARE.  Rates start at $81 per month for member-only coverage and $253 per month for
Member-And-Family coverage.  Click here to learn more about
 Tricare Reserve Select .


TRICARE Dental Program
Members of the National Guard are also eligible to purchase dental insurance through the Tricare Dental
Program.  Rates start at $11.05 per month.  Click here to learn more about the
Tricare Dental Program.


Education Benefits
www.nc.ngb.army.mil/education


National Guard Benefits
Benefits specific to the National Guard.  Here you can also find the Federal Tuition Assistance Application,
download a copy of your Chapter 1606/1607 NOBE, and information about the Montgomery GI Bill.  
https://nationalguardbenefits.com


Education Support Center
More educational benefits specifically for National Guardsmen.  Apply here for Military Credit Evaluation and
Degree Plans (what military training
most universities will allow to transfer to college credit).  
https://esc.pec.ngb.army.mil


Army E-learning
The courses are free to every active Army soldier and civilian, in addition to Army National Guardsmen,
reservists and ROTC cadets who need information technology or information assurance training. SkillSoft Corp.,
is the vendor responsible for offering Army members more than 2,000 commercial, Web-based courses related
to information technology, business, leadership and professional development, according to Willard J. Scott, the
Army project manager at SkillSoft.  
https://usarmy.skillport.com