Since Vets Day 1996
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Since Vets Day 1996 |
Back to Home PageThe Montgomery GI Bill & Other Bonusesby Josh HilbornMilitary Network Columnist Benefit Spotlight: The Montgomery GI BillThe GI Bill was signed into effect in 1944 by President Roosevelt, and was originally called "The GI Bill of Rights" as a means to compensate Veterans returning from WWII with an education for their service. Nearly 8 million Veterans used this program by 1956, when the program was reorganized became known as the Montgomery GI Bill. Today, the GI Bill can provide up to $37,000 in tuition assistance up to 36 months for active-duty service members, and $10,000 for Reserve and National Guard members.Other Military Education Assistance Programs for Soldiers and VeteransIn addition to the GI Bill there are other education programs, such as the Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) program, the Post-Vietnam Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP), and the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), which is available to Reservists and National Guard members who were activated and served for at least 90 consecutive days after the September 11th attacks.More Enlistment Bonuses for Active SoldiersThere are several other enlistment bonuses for active soldiers apart from the GI Bill. For instance, if you take a high-demand or high-risk duty assignment, you could be eligible for an additional $40,000. This bonus defers depending on which branch of service you join, and whether or not you are active duty, reserve, or National Guard. Be sure to always get this in writing in your initial enlistment paperwork! Note that if you are discharged due to misconduct, do not complete your full enlistment term, or don't fulfill your bonus agreement, you could wind up having to pay back the bonus or, at best, only receive a very small portion of your bonus.Sources About the Author Josh Hilborn is a freelance writer in Reno, NV. He served in the United States Army for several years as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, stationed in Babenhausen, Germany. Back to Article Archive |