Join Kentucky Army National Guard

REFER. REWARD. REPEAT.

Get recognized and rewarded for helping the Kentucky Army National Guard grow.

What is KEEP?

The Kentucky Enlistment Enhancement Program (KEEP) rewards current Soldiers, as well as Prior Service Army or Air National Guard that have honorably retired or discharged, who help bring new talent into the Kentucky Army National Guard. Also eligible are participants in the “Buddy Program” – ARNG applicants who refer a friend who enlists in the Guard through KEEP.

KEEP was created to recognize the power of peer referrals. If you know someone who would make a great Soldier, you could earn up to $1,000 per enlistment, promotional opportunities, and official recognition for your efforts.

Eligibility Criteria

To refer someone through KEEP, you must:

• Be a current KYARNG Soldier, a Prior Service Army or Air National Guard member who has honorably retired or discharged, or an eligible participant in the “Buddy Program”
• Not be affiliated with or living with a member of the KY RRB
• Not be affiliated with ROTC as instructor/contractor (e.g., PMS, APMS, ROO)

KEEP referrals are valid for 1 year (based on the submission date on the lead form on this website). For a referral to be valid:

• Lead types must meet RZ eligibility windows:
◦ Applicants: 6 months since last RZ action
◦ Prospects & Leads: 30 days since last RZ action
• KEEP Form 1 must be signed by the KEEP Recruiter, the lead, and the RRNCO
• KEEP payments are not taxed, but Soldiers will receive a 1099
• KEEP awards are presented in person (mailed to HOR for retirees)

KEEP Incentives

1

Enlistments

$500 + KYARNG promotional item + Army Recruiting Ribbon
(E1–E3 Soldiers may be eligible for one-rank promotion)

2

Enlistments

$750 + KYARNG promotional item based on inventory + Army Recruiting Ribbon + promotion eligibility
(Promotional items may include a knife, hatchet, or clothing)

3

Enlistments

$1,000 + Army Recruiting Ribbon + promotion eligibility

4

Enlistments

$1,000 + Army Recruiting Ribbon

5+

Enlistments

$1,000 + Army Commendation Medal
(Top 3 referrers in the FY receive a military school of their choice based on availability)

Army Recruiting Ribbon and StripE for Buddies

Each enlistment earns the Army Recruiting Ribbon and promotion points (up to 40 max for 4 awards). Unit Commanders may promote Soldiers one rank per valid referral (E1–E4), bypassing time-in-grade requirements per PPOM 23-006a.

How to Submit a Referral

All KEEP referrals must be submitted using the form on the Lead Submission page of this website. Submissions that are incomplete or incorrect may delay processing and incentive eligibility.

FAQs

How long are KEEP referrals valid?

Referrals are valid for 1 year from the date on the lead submission form on this website.

Who can make referrals through KEEP?

Only current KYARNG Soldiers who are not affiliated with the KY RRB and do not reside with a member of the KY RRB as well as Prior Service Army or Air National Guard members who have honorably retired or discharged.

How do I submit a referral?

Submit all referrals using the embedded lead submission form on this website.

Can ROTC-affiliated personnel participate?

No. Instructors, contractors, PMS, APMS, or ROOs affiliated with ROTC are not eligible to participate or receive KEEP incentives.

Are KEEP payments taxed?

No. KEEP payments are not taxed upfront. However, Soldiers will receive a 1099 and are responsible for reporting income on their taxes.

How are KEEP awards delivered?

Awards are presented in person to Soldiers. Retirees will have their items mailed to their home of record.

What if I refer multiple people?

Each enlistment increases your rewards — see the incentive structure on the homepage for full details.

Can I earn promotion points or get promoted from referrals?

Yes. You can earn the Army Recruiting Ribbon (with 10 promotion points per valid referral) and may be eligible for a one-rank promotion (up to rank of E-4) under Stripes for Buddies.

What disqualifies a referral?

If the lead has recent activity in RZ (within 30 days or 6 months depending on status), or if forms are incomplete or improperly signed.

How can I track the status of my referral?

Work directly with your RRNCO for status updates. Keep copies of all submitted forms.

DISCOVER A DIFFERENT WAY TO SERVE

IN THE New MexicoNATIONAL GUARD

PROGRAMS AND BENEFITS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

DISCOVER A DIFFERENT WAY TO SERVE

In the Kentucky army National Guard

PROGRAMS AND BENEFITS SUBJECT TO CHANGE