The House and Senate have begun formal work on the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)—the cornerstone legislation that sets military pay, policy, benefits, and strategic funding priorities.
On July 9, the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) passed its version authorizing $878.7 billion, while the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) approved the $848.2 billion budget requested by the Department of Defense on July 15. Both versions include a 3.8% base pay increase for service members.
Why This Matters to the Connecticut National Guard
This isn’t just a federal policy discussion—it directly impacts the lives, careers, and readiness of Connecticut’s Soldiers, Airmen, retirees, and military families.
After sitting down with Guard leaders across the state, NGACT has identified several critical Connecticut-specific priorities that depend on strong NDAA support:
Airlift Support Is a Readiness Issue Airlift remains a top concern. Connecticut Guard units often struggle with access to airlift resources for deployments and joint training. This limits their ability to fully participate in federal missions and maintain combat readiness. We need NDAA provisions that fund and prioritize strategic and theater airlift for Guard and Reserve units, especially in geographically constrained states like ours.
Modernization and Equipment Parity Many Connecticut Guard units operate with aging equipment passed down from active-duty components. The NDAA is our opportunity to advocate for modernization funding that brings the Guard closer to parity—ensuring our troops can train and respond effectively.
Support for Dual-Role Operations Connecticut Guardsmen serve both at home and abroad. Whether it’s disaster response, cybersecurity support, or overseas missions, the Guard’s dual role must be funded appropriately.
Beyond Pay: Other NDAA Provisions That Matter
In addition to the 3.8% pay raise, the NDAA contains many provisions that impact Guard families and retirees:
- Healthcare Access and TRICARE Parity The NDAA could expand TRICARE eligibility for Guardsmen serving on short-term orders and offer more flexibility for family enrollment. NGACT supports these reforms.
- Tuition and Education Support Lawmakers are debating enhancements to tuition assistance programs for M-Day (traditional) members and better alignment between the Montgomery GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Mental Health and Transition Services Several amendments seek to fund more behavioral health programs and transition support services—key for retention and post-service reintegration.
- Childcare and Family Readiness The NDAA may increase childcare stipends and fund new readiness centers that support families during deployments and extended training periods.
Key Policy Proposals NGACT Is Tracking
As the NDAA moves forward, NGACT is keeping a close eye on:
- Expansion of Montgomery GI Bill benefits to match Post-9/11 GI Bill coverage
- Early retirement credit for all Guard mobilizations, regardless of mission type or duration
- Pilot programs offering incentive pay for critical skills and hard-to-fill roles
- Funding for spouse employment programs and improved access to family support services
What Happens Next
Now that both chambers have passed their versions, the NDAA enters a reconciliation process led by a conference committee. Lawmakers will negotiate the final language. This is the moment where key programs can be added—or stripped out.
This is where advocacy matters most.
Call to Action: Join. Share. Advocate.
At NGACT, we fight for our members—active, retired, and their families. But we need you standing with us to have the greatest impact.
Here’s how you can help:
- Join NGACT – Membership strengthens our voice in Hartford and Washington
- Share Your Voice – Tell us what challenges you’re facing so we can bring them forward
- Advocate – Help us educate lawmakers and push for the changes our Guard community needs
The Guard shows up when the nation calls. Now it’s our turn to show up for them.