Law Boosts Benefits for Indiana Guard

Strengthening the Guard That Protects Indiana and the Nation

For more than two centuries, the Indiana National Guard has stood as a defender of both Indiana communities and the nation at large. Formed in 1801 to protect early territorial settlements, the Guard has grown into one of the country’s largest and most respected community-based military forces. Today, approximately 14,000 soldiers, airmen, civilian employees, and reservists make up the Indiana National Guard, headquartered at Stout Field in Indianapolis with training facilities at Camp Atterbury, the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, and armories across the state.

Their mission is clear: Develop the most talented soldiers and airmen to fight and win our nation’s wars, while serving the Hoosier state whenever called. Their dual federal-state responsibility makes the National Guard unique—and essential.

This year, State Sen. Daryl Schmitt said he was honored to help advance that mission even further.

A New Law Focused on Benefits, Recognition, and Opportunities

Sen. Schmitt helped champion House Enrolled Act 1111, a sweeping measure designed to improve support for Indiana National Guard members and their families. The law strengthens benefits, expands educational opportunities, and creates new honors to recognize exceptional service.

One of the most significant changes gives the Adjutant General new authority to procure health insurance plans for Guard members on state active duty. Previously, the state only offered premium assistance—not a full insurance plan. This update ensures that men and women ordered to serve during state emergencies have access to affordable, reliable health coverage for the duration of their service.

Sen. Schmitt said this is not only commonsense policy, but a moral obligation.

“These soldiers and airmen step up for Indiana in our worst moments,” he said. “We must be certain they are taken care of.”

Expanding Pathways for Education and Workforce Training

Another major provision of HEA 1111 modernizes how Guard members can use the National Guard Tuition Support Scholarship, which already provides 100% tuition and regularly assessed fees at Indiana public institutions—and up to $5,000 annually at eligible private nonprofit colleges.

Under the new law, the scholarship may now be applied toward approved workforce training programs, not only traditional college coursework. The Adjutant General and the Department of Workforce Development will determine which programs qualify.

This change opens doors for soldiers and airmen who want to build skills in high-demand fields without pursuing a traditional degree. Indiana’s growing industries—manufacturing, logistics, cybersecurity, health care, and trades—stand to benefit directly from the expanded talent pipeline.

For former Guard members, the Scholarship Extension Program remains available, offering continued tuition coverage for those honorably discharged who served overseas since 2001 and who previously used the tuition supplement grant.

Honoring Outstanding Service and Sacrifice

House Enrolled Act 1111 also establishes two new medals to recognize extraordinary performance:

• The Outstanding Airman or Soldier of the Year Medal
• The Exemplary Fitness Medal

These honors elevate the achievements of Guard members who go above and beyond the call of duty, reinforcing a culture of excellence that Indiana’s military community prides itself on.

Strengthening Care for Families of the Fallen

The law contains one of the most meaningful expansions of benefits in recent memory: if a Guard member dies in active state service, the amount paid by the state increases from $8,800 to $20,000. In addition, the spouse or dependent of the fallen member becomes eligible for the state employee death benefit.

For families who sacrifice alongside their service member, these improvements provide security during the most difficult moments.

A Commitment to Hoosiers Who Serve

Sen. Schmitt says his support for the legislation reflects a long-held belief: Indiana must take care of those who protect it.

“Hoosiers should be proud of the work our National Guard does to protect our communities,” he said. “I will always work hard to ensure they are well taken care of.”

From emergency responses to national deployments, the Indiana National Guard continues to exemplify readiness, training excellence, and service rooted in community. With HEA 1111 now law, Indiana’s support for its Guard members is stronger than ever—reflecting the respect and gratitude they deserve.