Joining the Army National Guard? As of Aug. 5 new recruits will not have to serve a full year before using the tuition assistance program.

Currently Guard members must serve one year before receiving assistance with undergraduate degree programs and 10 years for master’s degrees.  Next month new Guard members can use the tuition assistance as soon as they complete the Advanced Individual Training (AIT) course.

Enlisted soldiers working towards a master’s degree must finish the Advanced Leaders Course (ALC) and officers must complete the Captains Career Course before using tuition assistance.

Military members can receive 100 percent of their tuition covered up to $250 an hour and up to 16 semester hours each year. Individual states may have additional programs to cover education costs for National Guard members who reside in that state.

For more information about National Guard Tuition Assistance, visit www.military.com/education/money-for-school/national-guard-tuition-assistance.html