ADVANCE YOUR NEW MEXICO
New Mexico Army National Guard Benefits
UNMATCHED BENEFITS
FOR YOUR SERVICE
Serving in the New Mexico Army National Guard comes with a range of exceptional benefits designed to support you and your family throughout your military career and beyond. From affordable healthcare through TRICARE, ensuring access to quality medical, dental, and vision coverage, to the Blended Retirement System (BRS) that helps you build long-term financial security with a pension and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), the Guard provides stability for your future. Additionally, Guard members can take advantage of education benefits such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) to help cover tuition, housing, and training expenses. Financial incentives, including enlistment, reenlistment, and MOS-based bonuses, offer extra rewards for your commitment to service. Whether you are just beginning your journey or continuing your military career, the New Mexico Army National Guard provides the resources you need to succeed in and out of uniform.
HEALTHCARE
FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
As a member of the New Mexico Army National Guard, you and your family gain access to high-quality, affordable healthcare through TRICARE, the military’s premier health insurance program. TRICARE offers comprehensive coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription services, ensuring that you receive the care you need—whether at home or on duty. With multiple plan options designed to fit the needs of part-time and full-time service members, TRICARE provides peace of mind at a fraction of the cost of civilian healthcare. Explore the benefits of TRICARE and see how serving in the Guard helps secure your health and future.
Secure
Your Future
Planning for your financial future is a vital part of military service, and the Blended Retirement System (BRS) helps New Mexico Army National Guard members build long-term financial security. Combining the traditional military pension with a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) that includes government matching contributions, BRS provides greater flexibility and portability for today’s service members. Whether you serve for a few years or a full career, BRS ensures you can grow your retirement savings while earning valuable military benefits. Take control of your financial future with the New Mexico Army National Guard and the advantages of the Blended Retirement System.
The Education Office continuously tracks Soldiers within the 8-12 year service window for BRS incentive eligibility. If eligible, the office sends this data to Brigade (BDE) S-1s, who then distribute it to individual units.
The Unit Retention Officer or RNCO contacts the Soldier to complete the Blended Retirement System-Continuation Pay (BRS-CP) Control Number Request Form (see BRS Forms section).
Once completed, the unit sends the form through the chain of command to the BDE S-1, following the brigade’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The BDE S-1 reviews and consolidates forms, then uploads them to the designated folder under “BRS Processing.”
The Incentive Manager (IM) submits the form to the National Guard Bureau (NGB) to obtain a Control Number (CN) and obligate funding for the incentive.
NGB finalizes the Blended Retirement Continuation Pay Request Form (containing the CN) and sends it to the State Incentive Manager/Education Office. This agreement must be signed by the Soldier, the Commander, and NGB (as the certifying official
The State IM uploads the signed contract to the designated BDE S-1 folder, which is then distributed to the Soldier per BDE SOP. Setting Alerts: BDE S-1s should set an email alert for file uploads in their designated folders by selecting the “BRS Processing” button, hovering over their folder, selecting the three-dot menu (ellipsis), choosing “Alert Me,” and confirming notification preferences.
The Unit Commander ensures the agreement is properly completed, signed by both the Soldier and Commander, and returned to the BDE S-1 per SOP.
The BDE S-1 reviews the agreement for administrative accuracy. If correct, they upload it to the “BRS-CP Request Contract Signed (All BDEs to Edu Off)” folder. Note: Only the BDE S-1 is authorized to upload files here. Any unauthorized uploads will be deleted unless prior communication is made.
Once uploaded, the State IM receives an email notification and may receive a follow-up email from the BDE S-1.
The State IM reviews the form for accuracy. If errors exist, they will work directly with the BDE S-1 for corrections. If correct, the form is forwarded to NGB for payment processing and moved to the “Submitted to NGB for Payment” folder.
NGB processes the payment within approximately 30 days after submission, provided no errors exist.
EDUCATION BENEFITS FOR
NEW MEXICO ARMY NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS
As a member of the New Mexico Army National Guard, you have access to a range of education benefits designed to help you achieve your academic and career goals. Programs such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill (Chapters 30 & 1606), and the Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) provide financial support for tuition, housing, and training expenses. Guard members must apply for these benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by visiting the GI Bill Application Portal.
MONTGOMERY GI BILL – SELECTED RESERVE
The Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) offers education benefits to eligible National Guard Soldiers. This program is managed at the state level, but payments are made through the VA, requiring Soldiers to apply directly for entitlement and incentive use.
To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
Agree to a six-year commitment in the Selected Reserve after June 30, 1985 (Enlisted: DD Form 4/DA Form 4836; Officers: DA Form 5447-R)
Successfully complete Initial Active-Duty Training (IADT) or Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC)
Return to Individual Duty Training (IDT) status from an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) or Military Technician (MilTech) position
Your eligibility may be affected if you:
Have an unauthorized break in service lasting more than 12 months
Take an authorized break in service (benefits are suspended but may be restored upon return)
Exit the military (ETS, retirement, or discharge)
Accept an AGR or MilTech position (benefits are suspended but can be reinstated upon return to drilling status)
Fail to meet participation requirements (UNSAT participation may result in Kicker incentive termination)
For questions regarding your eligibility, contact your Education Office GI Bill representative.
POST – 9/11 GI BILL
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides tuition assistance, housing stipends, and other education benefits to Guard members who have served on active duty for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001. This program also allows for the Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) to dependents under certain conditions. Payment and eligibility are directly managed by the VA.
MONTGOMERY GI BILL – ACTIVE DUTY
The Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD) is a VA-managed benefit that requires active-duty service for eligibility. Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Soldiers are automatically enrolled, with a mandatory $100 monthly deduction from their paycheck for 12 months. While this benefit provides long-term education funding, Soldiers have the option to opt out if desired. Consult the Education Office for more details on using, maintaining, or opting out of this benefit.
EARN MORE
FOR YOUR SERVICE
As a Soldier in the New Mexico Army National Guard, you may be eligible for financial incentives designed to reward your service and commitment. Whether you are joining for the first time, returning with prior service, or continuing your career, bonuses are available based on your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and Unit Identification Code (UIC). These include the Non-Prior Service Enlistment Bonus (NPSEB) for new recruits, the Prior Service Enlistment Bonus (PSEB) for those returning to duty, and the Reenlistment Bonus (REB) for Soldiers extending their service. Additional incentives, such as the Enlisted Affiliation Bonus (EAB) and MOS Conversion Bonus (MOSCB), provide opportunities to maximize your earnings while serving your state and country. Explore your eligibility and take advantage of these benefits as you build a rewarding career in the New Mexico Army National Guard.
As a current New Mexico Army National Guard member, you can access your bonus addendum through the iPERMS system by following these steps:
Login to iPERMS
You will be prompted with a Privacy Notice – select “I Accept”
Click DS EAMS-A LOGIN
Enter your CAC PIN
A second Privacy Notice will appear – select “I Accept” again
Select “SOLDIER IN NM”
Navigate to the iPERMS Task Bar and select “Documents”
On the left side of the screen, locate the “Search Documents” box
Type “Bonus Agreement” or “NGB 600-7-4-R-E”
Click on the appropriate document that applies to your current incentive
As a New Mexico Army National Guard member, the process for initiating and receiving your bonus payment follows these essential steps:
Signing the Enlistment/Reenlistment Contract & Bonus Addendum
The enlistment/reenlistment agreement (contract) and bonus addendum must be signed on the same day in accordance with NGB policy.
Any system issues or delays may require prior approval or an Exception to Policy (ETP) to remain valid.
Approval & Establishment in Military Pay Systems
The contract is approved by NGB and established in the Defense Joint Military Pay System – Reserve Component (DJMS-RC).
This step ensures your bonus is linked to your Master Military Pay Account (MMPA) for future payments.
A new bonus cannot be established until any previous bonus is fully processed and closed out.
Important: The date listed in your contract for your next payment is when you become eligible—not necessarily when you will receive the payment. Processing takes time.
Unit Bonus Eligibility Review (UBER) Check
Once your bonus is in the UBER bin within the Guard Incentive Management System (GIMS), the Commander or Readiness NCO (RNCO) validates eligibility.
This review includes checks for:
Satisfactory participation (attendance)
ACFT performance & height/weight standards
Absence of any flags/SPFAs
Assignment to a valid position (Para-Lin)
Education Office Review
The Education Office verifies that all eligibility checks were properly conducted.
The RNCO must upload required documents into GIMS, including:
Height/Weight & ACFT screenshots from Digital Training Management System (DTMS)
Bonus addendum & enlistment documents
Incomplete documentation will delay payment processing.
Submission to USP&FO for Payment Processing
If all contract requirements and NGB policy guidelines are met, the Education Office submits the bonus payment request to the USP&FO through GIMS for review and processing.
Payment Timeline
If all data in GIMS, DJMS, and DFAS aligns correctly, your payment will post to your LES within 30-90 days after submission.
If discrepancies exist, processing may take longer than expected until they are resolved.
Important: Do not plan major financial obligations (e.g., rent, car payments) based on an assumed payment date, as delays can occur.
Receiving your bonus payment as a New Mexico Army National Guard member requires strict compliance with contract terms, policy guidelines, and system accuracy. Below are the most common issues that can disqualify or delay your incentive.
1. Soldier-Caused Issues
Failure to meet contract obligations or performance standards can suspend or terminate your bonus.
Bonus Addendum Compliance:
Not reading and reviewing the bonus addendum annually.
Failing to comply with all contract requirements for the entire duration.
Performance Issues:
Height and Weight Failures
ACFT Failures
Unit Identification Code (UIC) Mismatches – Voluntarily moving out of assigned UIC.
MOS Changes – Voluntarily transferring to a new MOS.
Accepting a MilTech or AGR Position for 179+ days, which may void eligibility.
Suspension of Favorable Personnel Actions (SFPA) – Any flagged status may violate your agreement.
Inactive National Guard (ING) Status:
Entering ING status will typically suspend eligibility.
To reactivate, an enlisted Soldier must extend their contract for the same time spent in ING.
OCS Candidates:
Failing to start an officer-producing program within 1 year of enlistment.
Failing to earn a bachelor’s degree within 2 years of enlistment.
Important: This is not an exhaustive list. Read your bonus addendum carefully to avoid disqualification.
2. Unit/Contract Issuer Errors
Mistakes by the unit or contract issuer can delay or invalidate your bonus.
Command-Directed Moves:
If a UIC or MOS change is not annotated as a “Needs of the Government” move, it may result in bonus termination or recoupment.
Personnel Data Mismanagement:
Errors in GIMS, DJMS, or DFAS can cause payment failures.
Improper Contract Execution:
Bonus addendum not signed on the same day as the enlistment contract—requires an Exception to Policy (ETP) for correction.
Unit-Level GIMS Processing Delays:
RNCOs must review eligibility in the UBER bin before submission.
Communication with your RNCO is vital to ensure timely processing.
3. System-Related Issues
Technical problems beyond unit control can also impact payments.
Data Mismatches Across Systems (IPPS-A, GIMS, DJMS/DFAS):
Example: A one-day mismatch in enlistment dates can cause DFAS payment rejection.
Automated Monitoring Rule Failures:
Systems automatically flag contract violations and halt payments until resolved.
Fiscal Year (FY) Conflicts:
Monitoring rules from one FY can occasionally impact another FY, requiring NGB intervention.
MOS/UIC Mismatches:
If incorrectly recorded, the system may not update properly, requiring an Admin Correction Request (ACR).
4. Education Office Processing Issues
During incentive review, the Education Office may:
Identify violations of Law, DoDI, Army Regulations, NGB Policy, or contract terms.
Overlook contract violations or data mismatches, causing payment rejection or delays.
5. Exception to Policy (ETP) Limitations
ETPs are not guaranteed and can only be approved if they do not violate higher policies (AR, DoDI, or Law).
Example:
NGB can approve an ETP for a specific UIC/MOS change.
NGB cannot approve an ETP for:
A bonus exceeding the authorized amount (e.g., $30k when the max is $20k).
A missing bonus addendum (DoDI-level violation).
Higher-Level Corrections:
If an issue exceeds NGB authority, a case must be filed with the Army Board of Corrections for Military Review (ABCMR).
Key Takeaways:
✔ Review your bonus addendum carefully and comply with all requirements.
✔ Maintain eligibility by meeting height/weight, ACFT, and participation standards.
✔ Communicate regularly with your RNCO and Education Office to track progress.
✔ System issues and administrative errors can delay payments—stay proactive.
✔ ETPs are not guaranteed and must comply with Army, DoD, and legal policies.