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Old GI Bill still pitched to recruits

Recruits are being advised to continue signing up for the old GI Bill while details are being worked out about what types of education are covered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill program that became law June 30.

Following this advice comes at a cost for recruits, but officials at the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs said it is worth the $1,200 contribution for recruits to ensure they have more options available for post-service education.

Signing up for the old Montgomery GI Bill, available since 1985, requires a contribution made in $100 monthly installments for the first year of service. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, signed into law in June but not fully effective until Aug. 1, 2009, is free.

Defense Department guidance provided to the services suggests the Post-9/11 GI Bill is superior for most service members who will seek a traditional college education, however those who might want vocational training — including attending technical schools and participating in apprenticeship programs or on-the-job training — should enroll in the Montgomery GI Bill because those types of training may not be covered by the new program.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill will provide basic benefits that fully cover the cost of tuition and fees at the most expensive four-year public college or university in the state where the person is attending school, plus a monthly living expense based on local housing costs and a book allowance. The Montgomery GI Bill benefit is a flat rate — a maximum of $1,321 a month, with no housing or book allowances.

“For new recruits who believe their post-service education or training may not be at an institute of higher learning, they should strongly consider remaining enrolled in the MGIB,” defense officials said in their guidance, noting that service members can get the $1,200 back if they end up getting a traditional college education. If they use their full entitlement of 36 months of benefits, the $1,200 contribution will be added to their final payment, defense officials said.

The refund of the $1,200 if all 36 months of benefits are used also applies to anyone who signed up for the Montgomery GI Bill program before the Post-9/11 GI Bill became law.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is offering a similar and more detailed warning about not passing up the Montgomery GI Bill, saying the Post-9/11 GI Bill includes graduate and undergraduate courses, and covers only vocational and technical training offered by a VA-approved institution of higher learning.

“Post-9/11 GI Bill can only be used for training offered at an institute of higher learning,” said Steve Westerfeld, a VA spokesman.

If a service member or veteran was eligible for the active or reserve versions of the Montgomery GI Bill or for the Reserve Educational Assistance Program, which gives reservists credit for time spent on extended active duty, he can use on-the-job training, apprenticeships, correspondence courses, flight training, preparatory sources and national exams under the new program, Westerfeld said.