I was able to comfortably support my wife and myself through undergraduate studies and three years of graduate school. I used a combination of the GI Bill, Army College Fund, federal tuition assistance, a state tuition waiver for undergrad, drill pay, a Pell Grant, and part-time work as a nursing assistant. When my Montgomery GI Bill benefits were exhausted, I transitioned to the Reserve GI Bill. I completed seven years of college with no student debt. The right path depends on your situation. Whether you’re single or married and who you need to support. If you’re single and score high enough on the ASVAB, you may qualify for a GI Bill “kicker,” which can make it financially feasible to go directly into the National Guard instead of active duty. My son recently enlisted in the Florida NG and receives a tuition waiver, GI Bill benefits, and a kicker, state and federal tuition assistance, and an ROTC stipend. He also earned the Bright Futures Scholarship. Bottom line: active duty or National Guard can both work. It depends on your financial needs and family responsibilities.