Are you thinking of going back/ going to school? Here are important things that you should know about the GI Bill

LTC John Shaw, good for you for having so many degrees, I hope that it has helped you in the private sector. It is interesting that you say that about a Law Degree, I have heard that from several people now across a broad segment of the population so it seems to be true for many people. Great to hear that your daughter is able to use the rest of your GI Bill!

Elizabeth Malkin Yes, a JD was the most expensive and in my case unused degree. It took me getting the law degree to find out that I really like software engineering better and I don't have to pay for professional licenses or insurance. I find Information Technology a fun and interesting field where I am always learning.
My wife is a practicing estate planning attorney, I live vicariously through her practice.

CW4 (Join to see), that is great to hear that the TA and GI Bill programmes have been a success for you. I am glad that you have been able to navigate them so well!

Thank you. I've been lucky enough to have had great education counsellors in the past who assisted me with establishing my account and getting squared away from day 1.

CPT Jason Mitchell, MBA, thanks for sharing your experiences here; hopefully others in the RP community can learn from your experiences and if it is applicable to them see that it could be a good idea to jump right into an MBA to help them transition as managers into the private sector world.

CPT Jason Mitchell, MBA Sir, I will be ETSing after 6 years of Active Duty and transitioning into the Reserves. I intend to separate 90 days Early to attend school. Which GI BILL would you recommend me using to attend Community College for a short time before transferring to a 4-year?

2LT (Join to see) - Without knowing your exact situation, it's hard to give you the perfect path of success. However, I was able to use a few years of my SR MGIB (from National Guard Service) to cover the final part of my bachelor's degree (the last 2 years). Then, I recently converted the remaining benefits to the Post 9/11 GI Bill for my masters work, and there is enough left to cover the entire graduate degree with time left over. So, yes, I would recommend going to school right away, but know that if you don't go the Post 9/11 GIB route, that any other GI Bill program will only cover tuition. I forgot to mention that you receive a book stipend and adjusted BAH while going to school full time on the Post 9/11 GIB. It all depends on your situation, but if you are single, can work a part time job, and go to school for free...then I say go for it! Having kids, a spouse, and the need to pay for a home, then that changes things. There is nothing more important out here in "civy land" than a degree and experience in order to land a good job. Fortunately, the recession is starting to fade and the job market is strengthening across the U.S. in many regions. Best of luck SGT Rudney.

Marc, I'm not certain that's true. You should fall under the MGIB for active duty service members separated after 4 years of honorable service. I'd contact the VA Benefits folks at [login to see] . It's sometimes a long wait, but worth it. You can also visit the website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/montgomery_bill.asp. I'm hoping I'm correct and that you will receive some type of stipend or tuition assistance, but I'm not certain. Best of luck with your schooling. You'll do great.