Viral: Kezia Syifa, an Indonesian diaspora member from Tangerang , Syifa took the bold step of joining the United States National Guard.
Sabtu, 24 Januari 2026
This decision was made as a character-building effort and an investment for her future in America.
Income and Salary Details
The United States military pay system is strictly regulated based on rank and length of service. For entry-level soldiers at the Enlisted level like Syifa, the income is very competitive.
According to the latest data as of January 2026, the average annual salary for National Guard members is $35,072, or approximately IDR 605 million. Digging deeper, this income is equivalent to $2,922 (IDR 49.5 million) per month, or approximately $16.86 (IDR 285,000) per hour. This figure can rise to $45,000 per year for those with higher qualifications or specializations.
Work System and Training Status
As a member of the National Guard, Syifa undergoes a systematic deployment pattern. In the initial phase, soldiers typically undergo two days of routine drill training per month, plus two weeks of Annual Training.
During these job skills training and annual training, soldiers are considered to be on Active Duty status, meaning they receive full pay according to active-duty military standards.
Additional Benefits and Perks
In addition to base pay, serving in the US military offers several significant financial benefits:
* Housing Allowance: Housing assistance is available for soldiers with dependents.
* Tax Benefits: Taxes are only levied on base pay. Bonuses or additional income earned while serving overseas are often tax-exempt.
* Career Development: Income will continue to increase with advancement in rank, education level, and field experience.
Life in the United States
Syifa and her family currently live in Kensington, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C. As Green Card holders, they have permanent residency and work permits in the US. Despite receiving mixed reviews, Syifa's extended family fully supports her career choice after consulting with fellow Indonesians in the American military.