Most of the NCO’s in the association eventually get asked, why should I join the association.   There are a lot of reasons to join the association, not the least of which is supporting an organization that has a primary mission of promoting the enlisted members of the Mississippi National Guard. Listed below are some of the accomplishments and benefits that every member the Mississippi National Guard receive in large part to the NCO Association.

Accomplishments of the NCO Association and EANGUS

• National Guard Car Tag
• The Tuition Assistance Program
• Income tax deduction increased from $5,000 to $15,000 per year
• New Armories around the state
• New equipment through our lobbying efforts through EANGUS as well as maintain contact with our states elected officials.
• Stopped DOD attempts to increase TRICARE fees for under-65 retirees
• BAH II all but eliminated; moved threshold from 139 days of active duty to less than 30 days
• Pay Raises
• New education benefit for Guard and Reserve members who have served in support of a contingency operation since September 11, 2001: 90 days to less than one year of service would earn 40% of the active duty MGIB benefit level; one year to less than two years earns 60% of active duty level; and two years or more of continuous duty earns 80% of the active duty level. Benefits can be paid for up to 36 months, but the member must remain in the Selected or Ready Reserve.
• Reenlistment bonus eligibility extended from 16 to 20 years service
• TRICARE for all reservists at only ONE rate (28%) and not three rates

Membership Benefits

• Membership in EANGUS (A large portion of your dues goes to pay for membership dues for EANGUS.
• Scholarships
• Insurance

• Every Member Counts:  When the association goes to see our Legislature, one of the first things the Legislator wants to know is how many members does the association have.   One of the major reasons for our successes is the number of members our association has.  Imagine what we could have and can still accomplish if 100% of the eligible members of our association actually became a member.     Remember, when you join your state association, you also become a member of EANGUS.  EANGUS is a the National Level association of Enlisted members of the National Guard.  The number of members of our state association are combined with all of the other state associations and then EANGUS goes to Washington and Lobbies congress on the behalf of the Enlisted association.