September 26, 2025

Education Benefits

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Our Mission is to improve the readiness of the Massachusetts National Guard by planning, resourcing, and implementing educational programs and services to support the professional and personal development of quality service members.

The ARNG Education Services Office and ANG Wing Retention Managers are committed to Transform, Innovate, and Lead Soldiers and Airmen to all of their educational benefits.

As a member of the National Guard, you could receive substantial education benefits. While serving part-time and full-time in the Massachusetts National Guard you may be eligible for the State Tuition and Fee Waiver (State Tuition Assistance), Federal Tuition Assistance (ArmyIgnitEd), Credentialling Assistance (Army), Air Force Credentialing Opportunities Online (AF COOL), and GI Bill benefits.

Contact your Education Office or Wing Retention Office today to learn more.

Services Provided:

• Testing- AFCT / Language (DLPT) / SIFT / AFOQT
• Credentialing Assistance Information
• Federal Tuition Assistance Information
• GI Bill – Flyers / Information
• State Tuition and Fee Waiver Information/ National Guard Family Education Program
• Incentives – Bonus / SLRP (Army) / BRS

Contact Us

ANG Wing Retention Managers

102nd IW:  MSgt Tabitha Gendreau 
tabitha.gendreau.1@us.af.mil

104th FW: MSgt Bento Fernandes
bento.fernandes@us.af.mil

ARNG Education Office
Main: 339-202-3199
Education Services email: ng.ma.maarng.mbx.education-ma@army.mil 
Incentives Support email: ng.ma.maarng.mbx.incentive-ma@army.mil

Mrs. Suzanne Carson
MA ARNG Education Service Officer

Vacant
MA ARNG Education Services Specialist

1SG Michael Pavone
MA ARNG State Incentives Manager

Mr. Christopher Rush
NGB Education Services Specialist (FTA)
christopher.d.rush1.civ@army.mil

Education Programs & Benefits

GED Plus Program

Individuals that do not have a GED or a HS diploma can obtain help. The Army National Guard’s GED Plus Program provides free training and testing services that will enable you to successfully obtain your GED

You must also meet the following criteria:

– You must have withdrawn from high school for at least six months prior to your date of application for enlistment. No waivers are authorized.
– You must be 18 years old or older, or not be eligible to return to your local high school to complete your diploma program.
– You must score a minimum of 31 on the AFQT. If you score 50 or higher on the ASVAB you may be eligible for other incentives and/or bonuses.
– Anyone testing positive on the Drug and Alcohol Test (DAT) screening will be immediately discharged from the program. DAT waivers are not authorized.

If you enlist under the GED Plus Program you will not be able to participate in the Split Training Option (STO), and may not be shipped for Initial Entry Training (IET) until you complete the GED Plus Program.

The GED Plus training program will take place at the Professional Education Center in Arkansas.

Anyone enlisting under the GED Plus Program who presents an accredited GED completion certificate or diploma prior to shipping will not be required to attend the ARNG GED Plus Training program.

Excerpt from Massachusetts House Bill H4469 Pertaining to Education

Section 2A: Such guidelines shall provide tuition and fee waivers for Massachusetts National Guard members. The Commonwealth, not the institutions of public higher education shall bear the cost of such tuition and fee waivers for Massachusetts National Guard members.

Benefit to Guard member: This provides Guard members in good standing with State backed funding to complete 130 credit hours at any of the 28 Massachusetts State Universities, Colleges and Community Colleges.

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

Any member of the National Guard who has been mobilized on or after September 11, 2001 for at least 90 continuous days of active service, in response to a war or national emergency, is eligible for enhanced benefits under Chapter 1607, the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP). Unlike Chapter 30, the traditional active duty GI Bill, service members do not have to pay anything into the Chapter 1607 program in order to participate.

Monthly payment rates under Chapter 1607 are a percentage of the Chapter 30, Active Duty GI Bill monthly rate of $1,034. Your rate is determined by the length of time you were mobilized. Monthly rates for full-time attendance are as follows:

– 90 days, but less than one year, equals 40% ($413.60)
– One year, but less than two years, equals 60% ($620.40)
– Two or more years, equals 80% ($827.20)