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NGB Form 22, officially known as the National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service, documents a National Guard member’s service when they separate from the Guard. The form contains information about dates of service, rank, military education, awards and character of service, among other details. Former Guard members may need NGB Form 22 when applying for certain veterans benefits, including when documenting service for a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Here’s what NGB Form 22 contains, when you may need it and how to get a copy if yours is missing.
A financial advisor can help veterans and service members incorporate housing, retirement benefits and other financial resources into a broader financial plan.
NGB Form 22 at a Glance
NGB Form 22 summarizes a National Guard member’s service and separation information and may be used to help document eligibility for certain veterans benefits. While it is sometimes compared with a DD214, the two forms serve different purposes and apply to different types of service. The table below highlights the basic information to know about NGB Form 22.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is NGB Form 22? | The National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service |
| Who receives it? | National Guard members when they separate from the Guard |
| What information does it include? | Dates of service, rank, military education, awards, character of service, discharge information and other service details |
| Is NGB Form 22 the same as DD214? | No. A DD214 generally documents qualifying active-duty service, while NGB Form 22 documents National Guard service and separation |
| Can NGB Form 22 be used for a VA home loan? | Yes, in certain cases. Some former National Guard members may use it as part of the documentation required to obtain a VA Certificate of Eligibility |
| Is NGB Form 22 always enough by itself for a VA loan? | No. Depending on service history and status, additional documents such as NGB Form 23 or other proof of service may be required |
| What if you lost your NGB Form 22? | You can request another copy through the appropriate National Guard or military records office |
The Purpose of NGB Form 22
In order to be eligible for a VA loan, members of the National Guard need to prove that they’ve served for at least six years. Active service members may qualify for a loan if they’ve served for at least 90 days in a row during wartime or 181 consecutive days during peacetime.
NGB Form 22 is the National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service. It’s one of the forms that members of the Guard can submit as proof of service and evidence that they’ve served long enough to qualify for a VA loan for their home.
Members of the National Guard are not required to complete NGB Form 22. But they will need to sign it when they’re discharged. If you’ve lost your form (or you never received one), you’ll need to contact the National Guard Adjutant’s Office for your particular state.
What’s on NGB Form 22?
NGB Form 22 is a one-page document with more than two dozen boxes. Let’s look at the information you’ll find in each box.
Boxes 1-11
The first few boxes on NGB Form 22 will include personal information. You’ll find your name, your department (or branch) and your Social Security number. You should also see information about your date of enlistment, rank, pay grade, date of rank, station and date of birth. If you were transferred at any point during your service, that information will appear in Box 9.
Box 10 will include details about your record of service, including your net service and any active federal service. Your last day of service will appear in Box 11.
Boxes 12-15
If you completed any military education, you’ll find that information in Box 12. Box 13 will include your primary specialty number along with any additional specialty numbers and titles. The 14th box will include the highest education level you completed. Box 15 should list any honors you received during your time in service, including decorations, medals and badges.
Boxes 16-18
If you’re covered by the Serviceman’s Group Life Insurance, Box 16 will indicate that. Box 17 will include information about any personnel security investigations. Box 18 will include additional remarks and information.
Boxes 19-22
You’ll find your mailing address (after leaving the National Guard) in Box 19. Your signature goes in Box 20. An officer should have signed the form in Box 22 and included his or her name, grade and title in Box 21.
Boxes 23-27
The final sections of NGB Form 22 will note the reason for your discharge from the National Guard. They will also note your character of service and whether you’re eligible for reenlistment.
Bottom Line
NGB Form 22 provides a record of a National Guard member’s service and separation and may be needed to document eligibility for certain veterans benefits. For VA home loans, the documents you’ll need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility depend on your service history and current status. Some former National Guard members may need NGB Form 22 along with NGB Form 23 and proof of character of service, while others may use different service records. If you’ve lost your NGB Form 22 or discover incorrect information on it, requesting or correcting your military records before applying for benefits can help prevent documentation issues later.
Tips for Loans
- If you’re looking for financing then you may want to make sure that your finances are in order first. You can work with a financial advisor to help you prepare and see how much of a loan you can afford. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- Find out if you qualify for a VA loan home loan and what the potential loan details might be under the VA program.
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