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Military Career Expo at Camp Pendleton

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:45:06 +0000

Military Career Expo on February 7th, 2012.

Top companies such as Northrop Grumman, USAA, Lockheed Martin, ManTech and more want your military experience. Register to Attend Now.

Location:
South Mesa Club
202850 San Jacinto Rd
Camp Pendleton, CA 92055

Time:
February 7th, 2012, 10AM-2PM

Meet with employers and educational institutions to learn ways to advance your career using your military benefits.

Senators Ask DoD to Withdraw MOU on Military Tuition Assistance Program

admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:07:44 +0000

A bipartisan group of 52 senators have written to Secretary Leon Panetta, asking him to delay implementation of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) new requirements for institutional participation in the Military Tuition Assistance Program.

Under the new rules, institutions will be required to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prior to Jan. 1, 2012, in order to maintain their eligibility to continue participating in the program.

The senators wrote that while they support the intent to fight fraud and abuse against members of the armed services, critical improvements need to be made to the MOU before requiring institutions to sign on.

The sentiment in the Senate against the MOU in its present form is shared by a wide range of military and veterans groups, which also have requested that implementation be delayed until the MOU can be revised.

The American Council on Education and a group of higher education associations also wrote to Panetta last month requesting that DoD withdraw the MOU.

“As well-intentioned as the MOU may be, in recent months, a significant number of public and private non-profit institutions have raised concerns regarding some MOU provisions that are inconsistent and, in many cases, incompatible with their well established academic policies and administrative practices,” the groups wrote. “These include MOU provisions related to the awarding of academic credit, in-school residency requirements, education plans, tuition policies and payment processing among others. These provisions are at odds with traditional assumptions about federal versus institutional control over academic affairs and thus have far reaching implications.”

Although DoD responded indicating a willingness to work with the higher education community to make improvements to the MOU, nothing was said about delaying implementation. In light of the Senate and military groups’ requests and the approaching deadline, the associations sent a second letter today to reiterate their concerns.

So, what would you think about this movement?

How to Earn Military Education Promotion Points

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:20:12 +0000

promotion points

There is a way for soldiers can enjoy the convenience of pursuing their educational goals while earning up to 100 promotion points to enhance their rank.

To Become a SGT, this is what you should do,

Work on raising yourAPFT score.
Visit the Education Center and see if he can get the civilian trade school translated into college credits. At some accumulation college credits count towards promotion points I thought.
Start working towards a college AAS degree at least.
Take the usual correspondence courses.
Ask the 1SGT what is his most pressing problem area with the unit……and have your husband fix it. Or ask the CSM that question and fix it for the BN. Both are good for at least a Letter of Commendation or better.

But, how would you possibly finish earning your college degree while serving in military? Online courses! yes, online courses would be the best solution. In most instances, the military covers all costs associated with obtaining a civilian college degree. And since many colleges offer online courses, it’s easy for members of the Army to continue taking classes while they are on active duty. While earning a college degree can be a time consuming commitment, enrolling in online courses expedites the process since soldiers can study at any time and any place that offers Internet access.

And, not only your tuition is covered, the major benefit of earning a college degree is that you can earn up to 100 promotion points:

You can receive up to 100 promotion points (1.5 promotion points for every completed hour of credit).
Having a degree, or showing that you are working towards a degree, will make you stand out at the senior NCO promotion boards.
A college degree will make you more marketable when you get out of the Army.
The military offers assistance with tuition to help cover the costs affiliated with attending college.

Earning your degree will enable you to meet the Promotion Point cut off, which will serve to advance your rank and lead to a higher pay scale. Study online whenever you want, with an education that is centered around your academic needs. With tuition assistance, you can pay nothing out-of-pocket and prepare for your future.

G.I. Bill Comparison Chart

admin — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:40:35 +0000

G.I. Bill Comparison Chart – Find out what G.I. Bill benefit will be the most fit to you and your family.

G.I. Bill Comparison

Post 9/11 GI Bill

Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty

Montgomery GI Bill – Reserves

REAP

Codification

Chapter 33, 38 USC

Chapter 1606, 10 USC

Chapter 1607, Title 10 US

Effective date

New benefit becomes
effective Aug 1, 2009 -
payments not
retroactive
Eligibility may be
established using active
duty service performed
on or after 9/11/0

Remains in effect

What determines benefit amount

The benefit level is
determined based upon
an individual’s
aggregate qualifying
active duty service.

Three part benefit

Tuition and fees at
the school of the
veteran’s choice -
limited to the instate tuition for the
highest priced
undergraduate public
Institution of Higher
Learning (IHL)
Monthly housing
allowance equal to the
BAH payable for an E
- 5 with dependents
located in the zip code
of the educational
institution where the
individual is enrolled.
For those attending
foreign schools
(schools without a main
campus in the U.S.)
the BAH rate is
fixed at $1,347.00
for 2011.
Up to a $1,000
annual stipend for
books and supplies

Note: Active duty
members receive 100%
tuition and fees of
whatever school they
attend, but do not
receive the housing
allowance or books and
supplies stipend.

Amount is fixed
regardless of education
program – adjusted
annually based on the
average undergraduate tuition as determined by
the National Center for
Education Statistics

Amount is fixed
regardless of
education program -
adjusted annually
based on the average undergraduate tuition
as determined by the
National Center for
Education Statistics

Amount is fixed
regardless of
education program -
adjusted annually
based on the average
undergraduate
tuition as
determined by the
National Center for
Education Statistics

Eligible
Programs

Type of Training	Post -9/11 GI Bil	Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty	Montgomery GI Bill - Reserves	REAP
IHL in residence	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
IHL online only & Distance/Internet Trainin	Yes2	Yes	Yes	Yes
NCD	See note 5	Yes	Yes	Yes
OJT & Apprenticeship Training	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Flight Training	No 3	Yes	Yes	Yes
Correspondence	No 3	Yes	Yes	Yes
Licensing & Certification	Yes 4	Yes	Yes	Yes
National Testing Programs	No 3	Yes	Yes	Yes
Entrepreneurship Training	No 3	Yes	Yes	Yes

* Individuals electing the Post – 9/11 GI Bill by relinquishing eligibility under the MGIB, MGIB – SR,
or REAP can be paid benefits for these types of training. Entitlement is charged under Post – 9/11,
paid at the relinquished benefit rate.

Degree programs and certificate programs offered by an IHL are approved training under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill. An IHL is defined as an Institution of Higher Learning – or a degree granting nstitution. Certificate and diploma programs offered by institutions that do not grant degrees are not covered.
If you are enrolled entirely in an online or distance learning program your payment is limited to the tuition & fees not to exceed the tuition & fees at the most expensive in – state Institution of Higher Learning (IHL). You will not receive the housing allowance.
If your training is offered at an IHL you may be eligible for Post – 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Limited to one test.
Non College Degree (NCD) program. An NCD program offered at an IHL is approved. If offered at othe r than an IHL it is not approved.

Education Benefit

Tuition and fees paid
directly to school –
actual cost may vary
by state and veteran’s
period of service

Since October 1, 2010,
the full – time monthly
rate is $1426.00 for
individuals who served
3+ years of service.
Since October 1, 2010,
the full – time monthly
rate is $1158.00 for
individuals who served
less than 3 years of
service

Since October 1,
2010, the full – time
montly rate is
$337.0

Since October 1,
2010, the full – time
monthly rate is
$1,140.80 for
individuals with at
least 2 years of
consecutive active
- duty service;
$855.60 for
individuals with at
least 1 year but less
than 2 years of
consecutive active -
duty service;
$570.40 for
individuals with at
least 90 days but
less than 1 year of
consecutive active -
duty service

Housing Allowance

Monthly housing allowance equal to the
BAH payable for an E 5
with dependents
(located in the zip code
of the educational
institution where the
individual is enrolled).

For those attending
foreign schools
(schools without a
main campus in the
U.S.) the BAH rate is
fixed at $1,347.00
for 2011.
Individuals who are
pursuing training while
on active duty, solely
via distance learning,
or are training at half
time or less are NOT
eligible to receive the
monthly housing
allowance.

None, however benefit
can be used for room
and board at the
veteran’s discretion

None, however
benefit can be used for
room and board at the
veteran’s discretion

None, however benefit can be used
for room and board
at the veteran’s
discretion.

Book Stipend

Up to a $1,000 per
year for books and
supplies. Individuals
eligible at the 100% benefit level may
receive $41.67 for each
credit hour cer tified up
to 24 credit hours each
academic year. The
books and supplies
stipend will be paid in a
lump sum amount for
each term, quarter, or
semester certified.

None, however the
benefit can be used for
books and supplies at
the veteran’s discretion.

None, however the
benefit can be used
for books and
supplies at the veteran’s discretion

Eligibility

Members who served
on active duty for at
least 90 aggregate
days after 9/10/01.
Active duty exclusions
include:

Service Academy
graduate
commitment

ROTC scholarship
graduate
commitment
•
Active duty served
as a requirement for
student loan
repayment

Members who first
entered active duty on
or after 7/1/85 and
who had at least a two
year enlistment.
Generally, individuals
commissioned as a
result of completion of
an ROTC program who
received more than
$3,400 while under an
ROTC scholarship each
school year and Service
Academy graduates are
not eligible for chapter
30.

Members who have a 6
- year obligation to
serve in the Selected
Reserve signed after
6/30/85. If you are an
officer, you must have
agreed to serve 6 years
in addition to your
original obligation. For
some types of training,
it is necessary to have
a 6 ear commitment
that begins after
9/30/90
Complete your initial
active duty for
training (IADT)

Generally, a member
of a Reserve
component who
serves on active duty
on or after 9/11/01
under title 10, U.S.
Code, for at least 90
consecutive days
under a contingency
operation, is eligible
for REAP.
National Guard
members are eligible
if their active service
extends for 90
consecutive days or
more and their service is:

Authorized under
section 502(f),
title 32, U.S.
Code,

Authorized by the
President or
Secretary of
Defense for a
national
emergency, and

Supported by
federal funds.

Administration of
payment

Tuition payment will
be made directly to
the school after proof
of enrollment
Housing stipend paid
monthly to veteran
Books and supplies
stipend paid to veteran
proportionately in first
month of each
academic term

Monthly check sent to
veteran after proof of
enrollment

“Kicker” or College Fund

Allows “kickers” up to
$950 per month for recruitment for critical
skills – up to $350 per
month for retention
Allows individuals with
“kicker” earned under
Chapter 30 and 1606
to continue to receive
appropriate increase
under Chapter 33

Allows “kickers” up to
$950 per month for recruitment for critical
skills – up to $350 per
month for retention

Allows “kickers” up to
$350 per month

Allows “kickers” up Monthly check sent to
veteran after proof of
enrollment

Transferability

Members with at least
6 years of service who
reenlist for at least 4
more years, can
transfer up to 36
months of benefits to
their dependents.

Sponsor may
transfer entitlement
only while serving as
a member of the
Armed Forces.
Sponsor may modify
or revoke entitlement
at any time.

Spouse may use
transferred benefits
immediately; child
may use transferred
benefits after sponsor
has completed 10
years of service

Extremely limited,
contact your military
unit for more
information

Extremely limited,
contact your military
unit for more
informatio

Service member
pay reduction

New enrollees pay
nothing

For those who transfer
from Chapter 30 to
Chapter 33, a
proportional amount of
the basic $1200.00
contribution will be
included with the last
monthly housing
allowance payment
when Chapter 33
entitlement exhausts

$100 per month for
first 12 months

None

Student Loan
Repayment

Not addressed

Service
requirement

From 90 days to 3+
years of cumulative
active duty service after 9/10/01

* Members who served
at least 30 continuous
days on active duty and
were released due to a
service – connected
disability are also
eligible.

3+ years of continuous
active duty for full
benefit Reduced benefit
for original active duty
obligation of at least
two, but less than three
years of active 2 years
continuous active duty +
4 years in Selected
Reserve

Remain in good
standing while serving
in an active Selected
Reserve unit

Your eligibility
generally ends when
you leave the
Selected Reserves.

Benefit term

Up to 36 months

Public-Private
Partnership

Yellow Ribbon G.I.
Education
Enhancement
Program – IHL schools
may enter into an
agreement to fund up
to 50 percent of the
established charges not
covered under Chapter
33.

VA will match each
additional dollar
funded by the school
however, the
combined amounts
may not exceed the full
cost of the schools established charges.
This program is only
available to individuals
who served an
aggregate of 36
months of active duty
service or who were
released for a service
connected disability.

Not addressed

Time Limit to use
benefit

15 years from last
discharge or
separation

10 years from last
discharge or separation

If your eligibility to
this program began
on or after 10/1/92,
your period of
eligibility ends 14
years from your
beginning date of
eligibility, or on the
day you leave the
Selected Reserve.

If your eligibility to
this program began
prior to 10/1/92, your
period of eligibility
ends 10 years from
your beginning date of
eligibility, or on the
day you leave the Selected Reserve.

Members who were
called up from the
Selected Reserve,
completed their REAP
qualifying period of
active duty service,
and then returned to
the Selected Reserve
for the remainder of
their service contract
are now eligible for
REAP benefits for 10
years upon separation.

In addition, members
who were called up
from the Individual
Ready Reserve (IRR)
or the Inactive National Guard (ING),
completed their REAP
qualifying period of
active duty service,
and then entered the
Selected Reserve to
complete their service
contract are now elig
ible for REAP benefits
for 10 years upon
separation.

Members who were
called up from the
Individual Ready
Reserve (IRR) or the
Inactive National
Guard (ING),
completed their REAP
qualifying period of
active duty service,
and then returned to
the IRR/ING are
eligible for the 10 year
post service eligibility
period.

Members who were
called up from the
Selected Reserve, completed their REAP
qualifying period of
active duty service,
returned to the
Selected Reserve, and
later transferred to
the IRR/ING are not
eligible for the 10
year post service
eligibility period.

Upcoming Changes To The Post-9/11 GI-Bill

admin — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:30:48 +0000

The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 was recently signed into law. This page lists changes to the GI Bill made by this law.

Effective August 1, 2009, But Not Payable Until October 1, 2011

Expands the Post-9/11 GI Bill to include Active Service performed by National Guard members under title 32 U.S.C. for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the National Guard; or under section 502(f) for the purpose of responding to a national emergency.

Effective March 5, 2011

Limits active duty members to the net cost for tuition and fees prorated based on the eligibility tiers (40%-100%) previously established for Veterans.
- Same limitations apply to transferee spouses of active duty servicemembers

Effective August 1, 2011

For Veterans and their transferees – simplifies the tuition and fee rates for those attending a public school and creates a national maximum for those enrolled in a private or foreign school
- Pays all public school in-state tuition and fees;
- Private and foreign school costs are capped at $17,500 annually;
- The Yellow Ribbon Program still exists for out-of-state fees and costs above the cap.
For Active Duty Members and their transferees – creates a national rate for those active duty members enrolled in a private or foreign school pursuing a degree
- Pays all public school in-state tuition and fees;
- Private and foreign school costs are capped at $17,500 annually
Allows VA to pay MGIB (chapter 30) and MGIB-SR (chapter 1606) ‘kickers’, or college fund payments, on a monthly basis instead of a lump sum at the beginning of the term
Prorates housing allowance by the student’s rate of pursuit (rounded to the nearest tenth)
- A student training at a rate of pursuit of 75% would receive 80% of the BAH rate
Break or interval pay is no longer payable under any VA education benefit program unless under an Executive Order of the President or due to an emergency, such as a natural disaster or strike.
- This means that when your semester ends (e.g. December 15th), your housing allowance is paid for the first 15 days of December only and begins again when your next semester begins (e.g. January 10th) and is paid for the remaining days of January.
- Students using other VA education programs are included in this change. Monthly benefits will be pro-rated in the same manner.
- Entitlement that previously would have been used for break pay will be available for use during a future enrollment.
Allows reimbursement for more than one “license or certification” test (previously only one test was allowed).
- However, entitlement is now charged
Allows reimbursement of fees paid to take national exams used for admission to an institution of higher learning (e.g., SAT, ACT, GMAT, LSAT)
Allows those who are eligible for both Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (chapter 31) benefits and Post-9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33) benefits to choose the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s monthly housing allowance instead of the chapter 31 subsistence allowance.
NOAA and PHS personnel are now eligible to transfer their entitlement to eligible dependents

Effective October 1, 2011

Allows students to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for -
- Non-college degree (NCD) programs: Pays actual net cost for in-State tuition and fees at public NCD institutions. At private and foreign institutions, pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees or $17,500, whichever is less. Also pays up to $83 per month for books and supplies.
- On-the-job and apprenticeship training: Pays a monthly benefit amount prorated based on time in program and up to $83 per month for books and supplies.
- Flight programs: Per academic year, pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees assessed by the school or $10,000, whichever is less.
- Correspondence training: Per academic year, pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees assessed by the school or $8,500, whichever is less.
Housing allowance is now payable to students (other than those on active duty) enrolled solely in distance learning. The housing allowance payable is equal to ½ the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents.
- The full-time rate for an individual eligible at the 100% eligibility tier would be $673.50 for 2011.
Allows students on active duty to receive a books and supplies stipend.

For changes that affect schools click here.

More information is forthcoming, please check back or view our Frequently Asked Questions for more information. You can subscribe for updates to the Frequently Asked Questions and will receive an email when changes are posted. Click here to view our FAQ on these changes.

Source: http://www.gibill.va.gov/post-911/post-911-gi-bill-summary/Post911_changes.html

Department of Veterans Affairs’ Performance Strategic Plan in 2011

admin — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:04:59 +0000

The VA develops a 5-year strategic plan, as well as an annual performance plan and annual report on our
progress. As part of developing the 2011 Budget and performance plan, the VA has also identified a
limited number of high priority performance goals that will be a particular focus over the next 2 years.

In conjunction with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, reduce the homeless Veteran population to 59,000 by June 2012 on the way to eliminating Veteran homelessness.
Implement a 21st Century paperless claims processing system by 2012 to ultimately reduce the average disability claims processing time to 125 days.
Build and deploy an automated GI Bill benefits system to speed tuition and housing payments for all eligible veterans by December 2010.
- By the end of 2011, reduce the average number of days to complete original Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit claims to 18 days.
Create the next generation of electronic record system – Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER) by 2012. This interagency initiative will create a more effective means for electronically sharing health and benefits data of service members and Veterans.
- By the end of 2011, at least three sites will be capable of bi-directional information exchange between VA, the Department of Defense, and the private sector.
- The prototyping and pilot phases will be completed by 2012.
Improve the quality, access, and value of mental health care provided to Veterans by December 2011.
- By the end of 2011, 96 percent of mental health patients will receive a mental health evaluation within 15 days following their first mental health encounter.
- By the end of FY 2011, 97 percent of eligible patients will be screened at required intervals for PTSD
- By the end of FY 2010, 97 percent of all eligible patients will be screened at required intervals for alcohol misuse and 96 percent will be screened for depression
Deploy a Veterans Relationship Management (VRM) Program to improve access for all Veterans to the full range of VA services and benefits by June 2011
By the end of 2010, implement call recording, national queue, transfer of calls and directed voice and self help.
By the end of 2010, enhance transfers of calls among all VBA lines of business with capability to simultaneously transfer callers’ data.
By the end of 2010, pilot the Unified Desktop within Veteran Benefits Administration lines of businesses to improve call center efficiency.

In-State Tuition at Public Colleges and Universities for Military Families

admin — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 05:37:28 +0000

As of July 1st, any service member or dependent on active duty anywhere in the US for more than 30 days is eligible for in-state tuition rates at all public colleges or universities located in the state where they reside or are permanently stationed. Thanks to a provision of the Higher Education Opportunity Act signed into law last summer, military families no longer have to deal with the vagaries of individual state laws regarding resident tuition benefits. Students enrolled under the new federal servicemember residency provisions are guaranteed in-state tuition status for as long as they stay in school—even if the family is reassigned to another state or overseas.

Before this law went into effect, most states offered military families in-state tuition, but their children ran the risk of ending up with higher bills if the parent was transferred or moved. With the new guarantees in place, these families will potentially save thousands of dollars:

It’s possible that some colleges and universities may not be aware of the change in federal law. Questions should be directed to individual registrar offices or to the campus-based Veterans Affairs Office, if there is one .Otherwise contact the Department of Education’s Ombudsman’s Office at (toll free) 877.557.2572.

ALL Military Personnel Now Have Special FEDERAL Protections While Attending Postsecondary Education Schools

admin — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:21:06 +0000

The below information is of great value to ALL military personnel taking college courses and college administrators. If military personnel and schools are not aware of the below they cannot use its protections or comply with it.

On August 14, 2008, President George W. Bush signed into law the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, Public Law 110-315. Section 487 of that Act accords the postsecondary education student whose education was interrupted by voluntary or involuntary military service the right to readmission to the educational program. These new requirements apply to any educational institution that participates in title IV federal student financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and the Federal Work-Study Program.

This new law applies to the student who is a member of the National Guard or Reserve and who is called to active duty involuntarily or volunteers for an extended period of active duty. The law also applies to the student who starts an educational program (often part-time) while on active duty and who then must interrupt the educational program because of a deployment or a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). The law also applies to a student who interrupts his or her education to enlist in a regular component of the armed forces. Such a person is entitled, as a matter of federal law, to resume the educational program later, either during or after the person’s active duty service.

This new law went into effect on August 14, 2008 (the date of enactment) and is codified under 20 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 1091c. I invite the reader’s attention to Readmission Requirements for Servicemembers, Public Law 110-315 Section 487.

Click here to read more detail about this article http://www.roa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=law_review_1052

Updated on 12-16-11

FEDERAL LAW AND REGULATIONS - AND SOME STATES - PROTECT ACTIVE DUTY, GUARD, AND RESERVE MILITARY PERSONNEL WHO ARE ATTENDING POST SECONDARY EDUCATION SCHOOLS IF THEY HAVE TO MISS SCHOOL DUE TO MILITARY ORDERS

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, codified under 20 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 1091c, and implemented by federal regulations, 5 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R) section 668.18, accord the postsecondary education student whose education was interrupted by voluntary or involuntary military service the right to readmission to the educational program without penalty. These requirements apply to any educational institution that participates in title IV federal student financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and the Federal Work-Study Program.

This applies to the student who is a member of the National Guard or Reserves and who is called to active duty involuntarily or volunteers for an extended period of active duty. It applies to the student who starts an educational program (often part-time) while on active duty and who then must interrupt the educational program because of a deployment or a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). It also applies to a student who interrupts his or her education to enlist in a regular component of the armed forces. Such a person is entitled, as a matter of federal law, to resume the educational program later, either during or after the person’s active duty service.

EXTRA NOTE – LOCAL STATE LAW MAY PROVIDE EVEN MORE RIGHTS AND PROECTION: Always check to see if the state your college is in has any laws on this subject and any school policies that may give one more rights and options. There may be instances where active military service due to its short duration (or how mobilized for National Guard personnel) does not receive the subject Federal education protection. In those cases in particular, one should check to see what laws the local state government has. Some states even give the service member the ability to sue the school for violating the state’s law. Here is a list of eighteen (18) states that are known to have such laws or written policies: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. If your state is not listed, double check anyway as the list may not be exhaustive. See also http://www.soc.aascu.org/socconsortium/PolicyLetters.html for a listing of some of these states’ laws and regulations.

Opportunity for Servicemembers and Veterans February 2011 Newsletter http://www.soc.aascu.org/pubfiles/socmisc/Opportunity211.pdf

Reserve Officers Association (ROA) Law Review Number 1052, Readmission of Servicemembers to Postsecondary Institutions – Details Regarding the Department of Education (DOE) Regulations Implementing the New Law on Mandatory Readmission of Mobilized Reserve and Guard and Active Duty Students

(http://www.servicemembers-lawcenter.org/LAW_REVIEW_1052.html )

The U.S. Department of Education PowerPoint presentation entitled “Readmission of Servicemembers to Post-Secondary Institutions” posted on the Department of Defense’s Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) web site.
http://www.dantes.doded.mil/Dantes_web/library/docs/news/ReadmissionofServicemembers.pdf

The U.S. Department of Education “Frequently Asked Questions: Institutional Readmission Requirements for Servicemembers” http://www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/guid/readmission.html

The above material was provided by: Commander Wayne L. Johnson, Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAGC), Navy (Retired), Alexandria, VA

Army College Fund – MGIB

admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:34:36 +0000

The MGIB is an entitlement under the law and is currently valued at $28,800 for three or more year’s enlistment and $23,400 for a two year enlistment for 36 months of benefits.
The MGIB also authorizes each service to offer extra money for those enlisting in critical jobs. This portion is controlled by each service. The U.S. Army refers to this extra money as the Army College Fund (ACF) or as a “kicker”. Servicemember must enlist for certain critical military occupational specialty. Current amounts offered include the MGIB; therefore, enrollment in the MGIB upon entry to active duty is mandatory to qualify for ACF.
The ACF is an enlistment incentive that must be included in the enlistment agreement. Verbal agreements will not be honored. If an individual meets all eligibility criteria, enlisted with the ACF as an incentive, they must ensure it is included in their enlistment agreement. If promised the ACF, the individual should receive a Department of Army Form 3286-66 upon entry to active duty with the incentive listed in section 1a.
If informed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), when an individual starts to use their entitlements, that their records have no ACF (kicker), then they must forward documentary evidence to the DVA when applying for benefits on VA Form 22-1990. Individuals may simultaneously fax their DA Form 3286-66 to Education Incentives and Counseling Branch.

Visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/ for more information about your VA

You Served. Get Benefits – Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for VA

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:41:04 +0000

Today, I received an email from who would like to spread the words out on how veterans can use the GI Bill to their advantage. here is the detail of VA Benefits,

As a military veteran, it’s imperative that you play a proactive role to ensure the Post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefits you have earned are in fact received. The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers terrific benefits, but they are not automatic. The actions you take today will simplify the application process and help the VA expedite your benefits payments. I’m contacting you today on behalf of The United States Department of Veterans Affairs to stress the importance of completing all of the necessary steps to ensure the benefits you deserve will be paid in a timely fashion!

Here’s what you need to do:

Check your eligibility online at www.gibill.va.gov

Submit your application VA Form 22-1990 or 22-1990E.

After you have enrolled in school, check with your School Certifying Official (SCO) to confirm that your VA enrollment certification has been sent to the VA on your behalf. This form certifies your actual enrollment period and triggers your payment. *Here’s a little hint: the school’s designated SCO will be found in the Financial Aid Department, Admissions and Records Department, or Registrar’s Office.)

And last but not least, enjoy the education benefits you earned!

If you’re planning to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill to attend school anytime this year, take action today. Please let me know if you would be interested in working together to ensure your readers are securing the benefits they are eligible for.

For more information please visit: http://www.gibill.va.gov or text GIBill to 99702.

And thank you for your service to our country.