The GI Bill: Getting Learning After Serving

— Susan Aaron, The Learning Coach

During World War II, the Roosevelt Administration passed the Serviceman's Readjustment Act of 1944. Commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights, and after a 1984 revision as the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), this act laid down a set of benefits for returning veterans aimed at easing them back into the civilian economy and society. While it incorporated home loans, job assistance, and the creation of VA hospitals among other important benefits, the act has become almost synonymous with the wave of post-war educational opportunities it afforded to returning servicemen. Consider this: In 1947, 49 percent of the college population was recent veterans. The GI Bill has changed over the years, but its legacy is among the reasons military service is still considered an educational stepping-stone in America. Sgt. 1st Class Smith, a US Army recruiter in the Lexington, Kentucky, recruiting station, shared information on the benefits available through today's GI Bill.

Eligibility

There are a number of requirements to qualify for the current GI Bill. In general, you must:

• Have entered as an enlisted serviceperson -- officers have a number of other educational benefits available to them.
• Have entered service after 1985.
• Have served two years full-time, having entered service on a two-year plan, or have served three years full-time, or two years full-time and then four years in a reserve capacity.
• Have left under honorable circumstances.
• Have completed high school or passed a GED test, or completed 12 hours toward a college degree.
• Have contributed $100 each month during the first year of service to the MGIB fund.

The detailed eligibility qualifications are very complex, including a lot of exceptions. If you have served, check out the details. If you are considering joining one of the services, talk with your recruiter and educational officer to find the best educational options.

How It Works

The money contributed by the enlistees is pooled into a large fund. "Government banks on this money," says Sgt. Smith. "That's the pot that we pay from. We always encourage people to take advantage of it."

Many people contribute and then don't draw on those funds. In the US Army, only 45 percent of those who contributed take advantage of their GI Bill benefits.

According to Sgt. Smith, many enlistees use other educational options during active duty and then feel their education is complete. In the US Army, active duty tuition assistance covers up to 100 percent for enlistees who stay in past their initial contract. Once enlistees contribute the initial $1,200, taking advantage of other educational opportunities doesn't disqualify them from MGIB benefits. Recently, Congress expanded MGIB benefits so servicemen and women can pass the benefits down to their children.

The Benefits

A service person has 10 years after discharge to use the educational benefits and is allowed 36 months to draw funds. The rates depend on the education chosen and the length of service. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an enlistee who served three years or more can now earn an educational benefit of up to $1,075 per month. Those who served less than three years can earn up to $873 per month. Rates are lower for part-time students. If a student chooses to attend an educational program part-time, the number of months during which money can be drawn from the fund is increased proportionately. This benefit is also available to people on active duty.

GI Bill benefits can be used to pay for a wide variety of educational activities. Enrollment in cooperative, apprenticeship, correspondence and flight-training schools, as well as degree and vocational programs, are all recognized under the GI Bill. Online learning is now covered too.

In addition to MGIB benefits, each service branch supports a college fund. These funds have different criteria for eligibility and amounts given, depending on the branch. For example, the Army College Fund will extend the GI Bill benefits up to a total of $50,000. Acceptance for this program must be sought and approved while still on active duty.

The GI Bill is but one of the educational benefits provided for those who serve their country. On-the-job training, scholarships, apprenticeships and use of on-base educational facilities are all part of the military educational package. These free or highly subsidized opportunities are part of payment for the work and risks of military service.

GI Bill Resources

For those who have served and contributed to the MGIB fund, call (888) GI-BILL1 (888-442-4551) to find out about your specific options. You can also visit the VA's Electronic Benefits site.

If you are considering service, your recruiter will know your educational options and explain them to you thoroughly. For more information, see the following sites:

• Air Force
• Army
• Coast Guard
• Marines
• Navy

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