Posted on May 11, 2015
Do we have any Reservists military education experts on RP?
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Soldiers always have questions in regards to what the military will cover. Would somebody give a rundown on what the Reserves will cover? Are there lesser known programs a Soldier can apply for to earn credit or other ways to get the military to pay for school? What tests will they cover?
Higher Education
Reserves
Tuition assistance
GI Bill
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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There are a number of benefits that are available to soldiers and veterans. All branches are entitled to these. The http://www.goarmy.com/reserve/benefits/education.html is great but it can be easily misinterpreted. Student's often have follow up questions, special circumstances and to be upfront, sometimes a conversation is simply better.
Again, I am more than willing to offer my experience to answer soldiers questions regarding benefits.
Soldiers and veterans are not aware of nuances. For example, the Yellow Ribbon is a scholarship and not an entitlement. Only veterans that are at 100% of their Post 9/11 GI Bill are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program. A veteran in active army that does one tour overseas may be eligible for the YR, while a reservist that completes 3 combat tours may not be eligible. These are conversations that need to take place.
Schools are not necessarily "Veteran Friendly" because they are involved in the Yellow Ribbon program. Not every school's Yellow Ribbon program is the same. Students may still be left with an out of pocket expense, depending on the arrangements between the school and the VA.
A student that receives Tuition Assistance is payed in a very different manner than a student using one of the two GI Bills. (Yes, there are two GI Bills!) When something gets jammed up the student needs to know who the proper POC is to contact.
If a student is performing an internship, they will not be paid their BAH or receive benefits. They are on payroll and these are not considered courses. There are outside ways of making the difference such at Chapter 115 etc.
There is simply so much information and so many caveats that its difficult to present or for students to decipher.
Again, I'm more than happy to answer questions. Case by case basis may be best, but I'm here for any soldier, veteran, military member (to include spouses).
SGT Foster
please excuse typo etc. I'm currently multitasking at work :)
Again, I am more than willing to offer my experience to answer soldiers questions regarding benefits.
Soldiers and veterans are not aware of nuances. For example, the Yellow Ribbon is a scholarship and not an entitlement. Only veterans that are at 100% of their Post 9/11 GI Bill are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program. A veteran in active army that does one tour overseas may be eligible for the YR, while a reservist that completes 3 combat tours may not be eligible. These are conversations that need to take place.
Schools are not necessarily "Veteran Friendly" because they are involved in the Yellow Ribbon program. Not every school's Yellow Ribbon program is the same. Students may still be left with an out of pocket expense, depending on the arrangements between the school and the VA.
A student that receives Tuition Assistance is payed in a very different manner than a student using one of the two GI Bills. (Yes, there are two GI Bills!) When something gets jammed up the student needs to know who the proper POC is to contact.
If a student is performing an internship, they will not be paid their BAH or receive benefits. They are on payroll and these are not considered courses. There are outside ways of making the difference such at Chapter 115 etc.
There is simply so much information and so many caveats that its difficult to present or for students to decipher.
Again, I'm more than happy to answer questions. Case by case basis may be best, but I'm here for any soldier, veteran, military member (to include spouses).
SGT Foster
please excuse typo etc. I'm currently multitasking at work :)
Army Reserve College Education Benefits
Does the Army pay for college? The Army Reserve does. Inside you’ll learn about reserve tuition assistance, reserve GI bill programs, & more.
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MAJ (Join to see)
That is some great information SGT (Join to see) . Thank you for sharing. Where can a Soldier find out if they are eligible for YR scholarships and other info regarding the program?
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SGT (Join to see)
Great question sir! Veterans and active duty may call the VA Education Benefits line: [login to see] and should ask "At what percent" their current eligibility is rated. To be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon at 100% eligibility is required. This is based on the veteran's time and service. Tuition Assistance is offered through a soldier's unit, and not the VA or school.
Tuition Assistance: military members need to seek their ESO's and education centers. There is a "reserve version" and "active duty" version for T.A. Because these are run by military bases and a soldier's unit, the complexities range from simple & streamlined to utter chaos. ****SHAMELESS PLUG**** Northeastern University offers a Tuition Assistance Match by the college. Off the top of my head, I don't know any other schools that do this. As an expensive and private university, this covers a majority of the the military member's gap.
Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) is an underused and powerful benefit. Each state provides VR&E Representatives that assess and assist soldiers returning to work and requiring reeducation. If a student wants to become a lawyer, the VA will create a plan to make this happen. This is a very comprehensive benefit, that provides BAH and complete class coverage to include outside expenses. In my experience each VR&E counselor is very different when dealing with their soldiers. There are more details regarding this benefit.
Tuition Assistance: military members need to seek their ESO's and education centers. There is a "reserve version" and "active duty" version for T.A. Because these are run by military bases and a soldier's unit, the complexities range from simple & streamlined to utter chaos. ****SHAMELESS PLUG**** Northeastern University offers a Tuition Assistance Match by the college. Off the top of my head, I don't know any other schools that do this. As an expensive and private university, this covers a majority of the the military member's gap.
Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) is an underused and powerful benefit. Each state provides VR&E Representatives that assess and assist soldiers returning to work and requiring reeducation. If a student wants to become a lawyer, the VA will create a plan to make this happen. This is a very comprehensive benefit, that provides BAH and complete class coverage to include outside expenses. In my experience each VR&E counselor is very different when dealing with their soldiers. There are more details regarding this benefit.
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Absolutely. I'll give a brief here at the end of my work day. It would be my pleasure.
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MAJ (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) That would be great. Anything that a Soldier can use to help themselves would be great. Thank you.
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Yes. I work for Northeastern University as a benefit and outreach specialist. I'm also in the Massachusetts National Guard.
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