GRFD, What is it?

The GRFD is a guaranteed reserve force duty contract, which is a commitment that works just like a federal scholarship. When a cadet signs one of these, they commit to serving in the National Guard or Army Reserves for six years. Just like the Federal scholarship, any cadet who agrees to this will receive either tuition or room and board and a book allowance. In the case of the guard, soldiers already receive 100% tuition for a state school. This can be combined with the GRFD to cover almost all of a students expenses. This may be the main cause in the rise in the number of cadets joining the national guard. At ISU the percentage of cadets that are entering the National Guard compared to Active Duty is growing. The GRFD may be the main cause of this, but there are a number of other factors. Another factor is the prospect of getting a job after school. Many people view active duty as a loss in liberties and an involuntary relocation. It can be difficult to volunteer to move to a random location, especially if you hope to have a family or maintain a relationship. This jump in GRFD's, regardless of the reason behind them, has had an impact on the accessions process. It is now much easier for qualified candidates to get an active duty spot. Some of the most qualified candidates do not want to go on active duty anymore, opening up slots for those who would not have made it in past years. This change hasn't impacted active duty as much as one might think because the US Army can pull anyone it needs for active duty. The needs of the Army come before the wants of soldiers. The National Guard has had no trouble making its initial recruitment for officers. The challenge has been keeping officers beyond their initial commitment.