GI Bill

There has never been a better time to look toward the next step in your education than now. Even if you already have a bachelor's degree, your G.I. Bill benefits will cover other programs to increase your vocational skills or open the way for even more advanced degrees. Even if you cannot take the time to start your education now, certain parts of the G.I. Bill allow you to secure your benefits now and use them later. Service-related injuries are also taken into account, as are dependents of veterans, in ensuring that if you or someone you love needs the aid, it will be there. Your country's military wants you to serve the best you can. These benefits help.

Just as how the G.I. Bill casts an umbrella over many, many benefit options, your education is possible no matter which of the many, many backgrounds you come from. Probably in the inner-city, street smarts would have done you better than a high GPA; maybe in your military family, skills at school would have surpassed the need to know the trenches. Whichever side you fall under - or whatever shade of economic, social, and educational background in between - you can take advantage of the G.I. Bill. These benefits are in place for you to have. They are yours for you to better serve your country.

To use your G.I. Bill benefits, the process starts with the application. Once approved - based on your need and activity status - you generally receive an extra stipend each month you are in your study program. Active duty soldiers have to contribute $100 of basic pay each month for the first year, but receive 36 months of $1075 to pay toward their education. All sorts of programs are encompassed in the G.I. Bill. In addition to bachelor's and graduate university education, associate's degrees, vocational programs and certificates, and flight training all can be paid for through your benefits. Selected reserves have the same options for educational training, but do not forfeit any basic pay and so are accordingly compensated less. These two basic methods of tuition payment, called the M.G.I.B. (Montgomery G.I. Bill) encompass most of what soldiers like you will need to get an education.

Other soldiers with tougher circumstances don't need to worry that their G.I. Bill benefits will fall short. The military offers a "Tuition Top Up" program, loan repayment assistance, a work-study program, and help in everything from tutoring to disability and vocational training. No other organization will take care of you as well as the military will when it comes to your education. Don't put it off until the benefits are unavailable. Take action now to make the change you need to be the difference your country needs.

There really are few limits to what the G.I. Bill can do for you if you take charge of your education. You can increase your monthly tuition stipend by paying more up front. For example, contributing an additional $600 can result in up to $5400 over the course of your G.I. Bill's longevity. Remember, too, that your country won't confine your benefits to your active duty term of service. You generally have to apply at that time to receive the greatest compensation, but your chance to use your funds will last long enough for you to make full use of them. As well, soldiers who do not qualify for the active duty M.G.I.B. may still secure benefits through the selected reserves option, including soldiers in the National Guard. Truly, the United States military has the plans in place to help you be Army Strong, Semper Fidelis, Above All, and, ultimately, to help you Accelerate Your Life and learning.