New Guard guarantees send enrollment higher

Statewide enlistment at the Indiana National Guard is up 14% over last year. In Allen County, new Army Guard recruitment is up 16% over 2024 and a whopping 34% in Air Guard enlistments, said Guard spokeswoman Lauren Houck.

State officials hope recent benefit changes passed by the General Assembly this spring will lead to even further growth.

At a closed ceremony last week, Gov. Mike Braun signed House Enrolled Act 1111. It offers prospective recruits new benefits that could lead to more members of the state's Air and Army National Guard, which totaled 12,173 as of June 30.

"(The bill) expands benefits and protections for Indiana National Guard members, ensuring access to medical insurance, worker's compensation and scholarship opportunities for high-demand careers," state Sen. JD Ford, D-Indianapolis, said in a statement.

Soldiers and airmen who are 21st Century Scholars may now use their Guard grants to pay up to $5,000 for higher education room, board and other expenses for two years. The Scholars program covers tuition to Indiana colleges for foster children and low-income Hoosiers who meet academic requirements.

Additionally, the new state law adds soldiers on state-authorized active duty to the definition of a state employee for death benefit and worker compensation laws, increases the cap on funeral expenses to $20,000 from $8,800, and deletes Guard-related processes for injury claims.

It also allows the adjunct general to provide health insurance for members ordered to active duty by the state. Previously, the adjunct general could only provide allowances to soldiers and airmen to cover insurance premiums.

HEA 1111 strengthens the state's commitment to those who serve, ensuring they have the support they deserve.

Kudos to the General Assembly for making these important changes to encourage Hoosiers to enlist in the Indiana National Guard.