The U.S. Military provides some pretty good benefits to those who serve their country and the GI Bill enrollment entitlement is one of the best offered. Those entering service are, of course, looking forward to receiving free clothing, free food, free housing, medical and dental services, but the education opportunities can be quite valuable too. But, the thing is, in order to be of value to you the benefits must be claimed.
Something of which you might not be aware is the fact that GI Bill benefits aren’t only for use after your military service has been completed. Many active duty soldiers, sailors and air force personnel take advantage of their eligibility for benefits while still working in their particular branch of military service. Most GI Bill education, however, is, in fact, pursued after the member separates from the service.
GI Bill tuition reimbursement is fairly standard regardless of whichever program you choose to utilize. The Veteran’s Administration offers several GI Bill enrollment options, including:
- POST 911 BILL, affecting those who were honorably discharged from military service on or after September 11, 2001
- MONTGOMERY BILL – active duty
- MONTGOMERY BILL – reserves
- REAP – which stands for Reserve Education Assistance Program
These programs are designed to help veterans and active duty personnel attain education training at government expense. It’s a great deal for the students. Uncle Sam pays for tuition and fees (within certain limits) and will also often buck up for housing costs and the expenses incurred in purchasing books and supplies. It’s a pretty good deal, but only if you avail yourself of the opportunity.
Some of the programs are more geared to certificate programs and different types of trade school training while the Post 911 Bill is only allowed to be used for education obtained at a university or college. Accredited online schools qualify, as long as the curriculum is at an undergraduate college or higher level.
Here’s a personal story about GI Bill enrollment that could be helpful to some. After being discharged (honorably) from the U.S. Army in 1976, this writer attended one year at a community college in Florida and then 2 more years of university classes in Olympia, Washington. Since the GI Bill benefits had not yet been exhausted, he was able to continue collecting payments after joining a city fire department under the OJT program. Payments continued until the maximum time limit for collecting was reached. The best advice –- use it or lose it. The benefits eventually expire but the education garnered never does!