For Academy grads, what are the details of the GI Bill? Does it only begin to accrue after the initial commitment? When can it be used? Etc

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 09:30:26 -0500

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 8 at 2016 9:33 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 09:33:47 -0500

My understanding is that it begins to accrue only after the initial commitment is completed; it's different for non-USMA folks. I'm a USMA grad too, and I looked into this back in 2011 when I was getting out to go to grad school. This is why many USMA grads in this situation will stay in for 5 years plus 90 days, as that 90 day period triggers some percentage of the GI Bill. You should also look into the Yellow Ribbon Program and Vocational Rehab (a VA program). Hope this helps!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 8 at 2016 10:03 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 10:03:29 -0500

That is a good question CPT Private RallyPoint Member. The GI Bill I first enlisted under was the Vietnam Era GI bill. During my time as a cadet at USMA that GI Bill was still in effect. However that bill had an expiration date associated with it for the service members covered by it. In those days, the GI bill could be used while serving in the military and after separation there was a 10 year period during which dependents and spouses could use GI Bill benefits.
Hopefully the modern GI Bill's has similar provisions.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2016 11:33 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 11:33:39 -0500

For the Post 9-11 GI Bill it accrues after your initial 5 year commitment. You'll have 100% of the benefit at year 8 of active duty. The Yellow Ribbon program is a great one to research and I would also recommend looking into the Pat Tilman Scholarship program for your academic pursuits. Getting access to the GI Bill was pretty painless- I just filled out an application at on the MyBenefits page and I got a letter 6 weeks later about my eligibility and available percentage. Good luck and hope this helps!!

Response by MAJ Tex Hall made Mar 18 at 2016 6:53 PM

MAJ Tex Hall — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 18:53:15 -0400

I was told that we didn't get the GI bill when I entered the Academy in '78 because our schooling was paid for. I don't recall seeing a deduction in my pay (back in those days the GI had to contribute like $110/month) either as a Cadet -- like the football tickets, books, haircuts, etc. -- nor after commissioning. Hmmmmm