NCSP: The Lesser Known Military Enlistment Option

One little-known enlistment option available to potential servicemembers is the National Call to Service Program (NCSP). Enacted in 2003, this enlistment option contains a unique service requirement along with a link to GI Bill education options.

Like other military enlistments, enlisting under the NCSP incurs an eight-year total obligation. However, with the NCSP enlistment, a servicemember’s active duty commitment is only 15 months (versus the traditional three, four, five, and six year commitments). Once this active duty service is fulfilled, the servicemember has a number of options for fulfilling the remaining years of commitment.

Requirements and Education Benefits of the NCSP

NCSP service requirements include:

• Completion of initial entry training (IET), including basic combat training and advanced individual training
• Serving a 15-month active-duty tour after completion of IET
• Serving a 24-month period of service in either the National Guard or Reserves
• Serving the remainder of the obligation in the National Guard or Reserves; in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR); in the AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, or other National Service program; or a combination of these options

In return for their service, enlistees can choose:

• A $5,000 bonus
• Up to $18,000 of student loan repayment
• Money for school that’s equal to the full Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB) education allowance for up to 12 months of college at a GI Bill school
• Money for school that’s equal to one-half of the MGIB education allowance for up to 36 months of school

For those who have a desire to serve our county, both in a military and civilian status, the NCSP option can be a great way to go. Not only will leadership, teamwork, and accountability for actions be learned in the military, but those who enlist under NCS also have the opportunity to further their traditional education by getting money for school.

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