Do we have any Reservists military education experts on RP?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 10:45:08 -0400

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?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 11:40 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 11:40:57 -0400

Yes. I work for Northeastern University as a benefit and outreach specialist. I'm also in the Massachusetts National Guard.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 12:47 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 12:47:22 -0400

Absolutely. I'll give a brief here at the end of my work day. It would be my pleasure.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 2:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 14:57:11 -0400

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 :)

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.