Do you think that all military veterans should have a lifetime to use education benefits and not be limited to a certain time to use them?

2016-05-22T19:29:49-04:00

By "Lifetime" I mean the Availabilty to be able to use your 2, 3, 4+ years of Educational Benefit during that time. NOT saying to have unlimited years or a lifetime of being a Student.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2016 7:34 PM

2016-05-22T19:34:14-04:00

I am off the mind once it the draw of funds has started, 10 years is enough time to finish using it. Otherwise, no one would be in any hurry to graduate. It should be available for a lifetime though. With the civilian degree creep, you just about have to have a Masters for any decent job. Congress would do well to bolster the GI Bill and make it useful to the PhD level, make it a lifetime benefit, and then reap the reward of highly educated troops.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made May 22 at 2016 7:35 PM

2016-05-22T19:35:55-04:00

No. We have enough "entitlements" as it is, and to keep giving us stuff only alienates us from the rest of the country. Depending on what state you're from, you don't even need to use your Bill. You go to their public universities for free (TX is my example). Give us ONLY what we put in on, and keep it at that. The more you give for "free", makes the SM's and Vets the next "freeloading" class.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2016 7:36 PM

2016-05-22T19:36:03-04:00

Lifetime GI Bill =
Someone or Code has to know when that beneficiary dies and that money should be voided =
More options for hacking and screw-ups =
Maybe the countdown should lengthen, but "lifetime" means people have to continue to pay attention. I doubt that would get much attention until a huge amount of money is hacked and stolen.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2016 7:49 PM

2016-05-22T19:49:53-04:00

SPC Terry Martin I love the question. I EASd in 2009 and only begun to use my benefits since last year. One of the reasons, there are many, I began was so I could use them before they expire. It was the piece of straw that tipped the stack for me to start. Yes that was a good thing. There were other factors that got me to go, the main one being that I needed a degree to advance in my career field. When it comes down to it I think that the time limit is a good thing. I do think we can extend the time the time to use the GI bill.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 22 at 2016 8:22 PM

2016-05-22T20:22:44-04:00

That would be nice, I'm just not sure how Feasible it would be.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made May 22 at 2016 8:33 PM

2016-05-22T20:33:27-04:00

No.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2016 8:41 PM

2016-05-22T20:41:17-04:00

No. 15 years is enough of a time table. If someone doesn't use it by then, how much do they really need it? It also lights a fire to use it. There is always a reason to not pursue education, an expiration date puts some pressure on getting it done.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2016 8:41 PM

2016-05-22T20:41:21-04:00

I think it would be a problem with funds that could be encumbered but never used. That might make to benefit less likely to be available.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2016 8:45 PM

2016-05-22T20:45:55-04:00

There should be no time frame on education benefits. Everyone leaves the military in different phases of their life. The GI Bill has a monetary cap so you should be able to use it as long as you have the funds available.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 22 at 2016 9:02 PM

2016-05-22T21:02:13-04:00

The Government doesn't like liabilities hanging around, so they put caps on most everything. On education, the question would be more like what is the likelihood of a Vet using it if it wasn't used in 10 years? I'd expect that percentage to be somewhat low. I used most of mine to get a graduate degree completed at about 3 years out. So my take is it's there for you to take advantage of or not. Taking more than 10 years to move forward points to a different problem set.

Response by SFC Victor Serrano made May 22 at 2016 9:23 PM

2016-05-22T21:23:30-04:00

No, once the benefits/funds are used that's it. Use the benefits wisely get a degree, certifications, and training and move on.

Response by 1SG John Aaron made May 22 at 2016 9:40 PM

2016-05-22T21:40:13-04:00

It would be too expensive to manage. Besides, many troops get out and don't use what they have now. I've had to harass the crap out of a could of my former troops to get them to use their GI Bill.

Response by SFC Wayne Theilen made May 22 at 2016 10:13 PM

2016-05-22T22:13:15-04:00

Yes yes and yes

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2016 10:28 PM

2016-05-22T22:28:56-04:00

I think having the time cap is fine simply for the fact that there would be a tremendous amount of funds on hold with no end in site if not used. However, I also do believe their should be a form/ request to extend your time with an explanation and time frame to be used.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 23 at 2016 6:21 AM

2016-05-23T06:21:11-04:00

There has to be limits to benefits, as it would be impossible to plan a budget. The country is Trillions of dollars in debt. While we all deserve what we have earned we should be compelled to use these benefits at a time in our lives when they are most beneficial. At the very least we should have to submit a waiver to post our benefit fora later date so that the government can properly adjust its budget, etc.

Response by SGT David T. made May 23 at 2016 7:51 AM

2016-05-23T07:51:35-04:00

I think the cap should be only monetary and not based on time. Consider this, maybe someone doesn't need the benefits right at the time they get out. They found a good job on their experience and off they go. 20 years down the line that industry dries up and they are out of work. So they need to go back to school to find a new job.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made May 23 at 2016 8:53 AM

2016-05-23T08:53:06-04:00

Several good responses. I think that there should be no time limit but there should be some dollar limit. Things change over time and the career you thought was for you when you separated may not be right now. You should have the ability to use your education benefits to go back to school as long as you have a dollar balance left no matter what the time has been since you separated. Computers can track balances easily, we're long past the guy with the green eyeshade and a ledger book, so what's the hassle and complications people mention?

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 23 at 2016 9:48 AM

2016-05-23T09:48:56-04:00

No. Not everyone plans on or wants to go to school. 15 years from separation is more than enough time to use your education benefits. It's not that I have anything against service members, but if restrictions aren't put in place, it leaves the door open to abuse, fraud, etc. Putting an expiration date on it means you can't keep putting off getting that degree or certification. I believe service members would be more inclined to use the benefits if they knew they would lose them.

Response by PO2 Robert Aitchison made May 23 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-05-23T11:33:59-04:00

Yes, of course I have a reason to say so since my G.I. Bill expired. I already had a family to support when I got out so I went straight to work. Before I had enough financial security to go to school the G.I. Bill benefits were gone.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 12:34 PM

2016-05-23T12:34:18-04:00

No, we don't need more free stuff that tax payers will have to come out of pocket for. If they wanna spend some money it needs to goto a pay increase to close the gap between military and private sector.

Response by SPC Jillian O'Malley made May 23 at 2016 2:08 PM

2016-05-23T14:08:18-04:00

Like others have mentioned, I feel a dollar amount cap would be better than a time cap

Response by Sgt Christopher Wenzel made May 23 at 2016 5:28 PM

2016-05-23T17:28:33-04:00

No. All these benefits we receive cost money. You don't need more than one free degree, save some room for our future service members.

Response by 1SG Robert V. made May 23 at 2016 6:09 PM

2016-05-23T18:09:32-04:00

I think everything should be based on the time you spent in, how got out ETS, chapter or retirement and medical board. Chapters should not have unlimited time.

Response by SSG Steven O'Connor made May 23 at 2016 6:36 PM

2016-05-23T18:36:33-04:00

I'm one of "those guys" who joined the Army specifically for the GI Bill. I enlisted in 1998 as an MP and if not for the stop-loss in 2002/2003, I would have done my 5 years and called it a career. As it was, I re-enlisted for 3 years under stop-loss in a combat theater for a sweet tax-free bonus to go to Korea for 18 months, so I ended up doing 8 years instead of 5. I'm glad I did, because I made E-6 and got to lead some of the finest troops as a squad leader. I got out in 2005 with the specific intention of going to college. I did, and I exhausted every penny of my Chapter 30 (Montgomery) benefits getting my bachelors degree over the next 5 years. Fast forward to 2016. I'm 6 years out of undergrad and one of my fellow veteran co-workers tells me I'm still eligible for post-9/11 even though I used up every penny of Chapter 30. Sure enough, the VA says I have 10 months of 100% benefits under Chapter 33. That will completely pay for my masters degree. I'm glad I caught it in time, because it would have expired in 2020 (15 years after my separation date).

Long story short, education benefits is the one place where the VA can't screw you. It is what it is, and you get what you are entitled to simply based off of your DD214. No boards, no percentages, no waivers, no none of that madness. I'm so glad I don't have any service-connected disabilities like so many of you brothers and sisters to where I have to use VA medical facilities. I use the VA for college only, and I was already stoked that I got a bachelors for no out-of-pocket expenses. To find I'm going to get a masters too? It's amazing. If I hadn't found this out for another 5 years when I would have been ineligible, that would be a pretty low blow.

I agree with a few of the other posters, who say maybe you should pay a small fee to keep it active if the time is getting close. But don't ever let the benefit die. If you paid those $100 every month during your first 12 months, it shouldn't ever die. That $100 a month 18 years ago was like my mortgage payment today. It was hard to give up that beer money, but I knew it was a good investment. And my goodness, has it been!

Response by MSG Wally Carmichael made May 23 at 2016 7:03 PM

2016-05-23T19:03:33-04:00

No, 15 years is too long. It should be no more than 5. Most wait for the perfect time to start school, start a business, start a family, take a dream vacation etc. The time will never be perfect and the sooner you use the GI Bill benefit the better off you will be. Set a date, write it down and get to work. Even one class at a time. If you have not used it in 15 yrs you're not going to use it. That money needs to go somewhere else.

Response by CPL Patrick Brewbaker made May 23 at 2016 8:00 PM

2016-05-23T20:00:56-04:00

I wouldn't say that education is an entitlement. Entitlements create a parasite.

The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change. Carl Rogers

Response by SGT William Robinson III made May 24 at 2016 7:00 AM

2016-05-24T07:00:40-04:00

Yes I do. I used some of mine right after I got out thinking I was going to have the job I wanted for the rest of my life. But due to seizures I was let go and wish I had the rest of that education money to go back to school.

Response by Cpl Sean Fitzgerald made May 24 at 2016 8:01 AM

2016-05-24T08:01:27-04:00

Should be lifetime, imo. Your sacrifice was your life so why limit benefits?
Personally my head was too scrambled after to focus on anything and it took 10 years for my brain to be ready for Academics and for my ridiculous classmates and their whiny entitlement

Response by SSG(P) Jarrod Taylor made May 24 at 2016 8:14 AM

2016-05-24T08:14:02-04:00

I had the choice of using the old Montgomery GI Bill, or the post 9/11. I chose the old one, and paid in the buy up. I also had the army college fund added, and I'm from a state that pays tuition for it's veterans.

So, I made out very well. I was able to return to college and collect a decent pay check during my entire time at school.
I do sometimes wish I had used it differently. I'd really like to get a master's, but it's not in the budget right now. So, I'm not doing it.

That being said, I don't think its owed to me either. I was given whT I was promised, and what I invested money into.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made May 24 at 2016 8:29 AM

2016-05-24T08:29:11-04:00

Any COMBAT Veteran who has lost a limb, arm or leg, Gulf War Illness/Multi Symptoms or PTSD 50% should get 1st preference. Justification: He or she will usually need some type of reasonable accommodation to be successful in achieving his/her educational mission.

Response by Sgt James Trader made May 24 at 2016 8:48 AM

2016-05-24T08:48:12-04:00

I agree, it should be lifetime benefit, often when we exit the military we have families to take care of and may not have the time within that initial period to work on education as we are often trying to keep our head above water.

Response by Sgt Daniel Dombrowski made May 24 at 2016 9:02 AM

2016-05-24T09:02:11-04:00

If you have money in your "account," that money should not expire (i.e. - the 10-year after EAS rule). I don't think it should be a "blank check" for your entire life. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy college courses and am grateful that I have the MGIB/Post 9-11 GI Bill, but it's unrealistic to think people won't abuse that (for instance, enrolling in courses that they aren't interested in just to get a little extra money each month).

Response by PO2 Shawn New made May 24 at 2016 9:40 AM

2016-05-24T09:40:07-04:00

I'm not sure about lifetime entitlements, but it would have been nice to have been informed that the GI Bill had changed while in service (from Montgomery to post 9/11) . I was told that because I was a prior enlistee I was no longer eligible for the GI Bill. When it changed over I became eligible. As I was forward deployed when the change happened, I never even knew there was a change, let alone eligible. Luckily I got two years of coverage, but I'm still going to be short by about 3 months....grrr....

Response by TSgt Jennifer Disch made May 24 at 2016 10:13 AM

2016-05-24T10:13:40-04:00

Yes. We surrendered our lives so it's a small sacrifice to provide lifetime Ed benefits.

Response by PO3 William Farinas made May 24 at 2016 10:49 AM

2016-05-24T10:49:14-04:00

Absolutely !!! Not only the education, But the life insurance also! When I was made to retire I did not get to keep my life insurance because I had only a short time to keep it or loose it. I did not have the funds to keep it up so I lost it. I would also like to see dependents education be raised to enough to pay for our children schooling no matter if it is trade school or a Doctorate, Masters.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made May 24 at 2016 11:01 AM

2016-05-24T11:01:25-04:00

No. I've used up the G.I. Bill and Post 911 and I went to school right after I got out. Money is allocated each year for Veteran education. We have to submit our schedule every semester and the VA does everything. If that money is tied up for the life of the veteran and he/she never uses it then what? There are many Veterans who are still on Active Duty, looking to use this benefit asap. A time frame is established for good reasons.

Response by SSgt Boyd Welch made May 24 at 2016 11:25 AM

2016-05-24T11:25:14-04:00

Absolutely! Why is this the only benefit limited by time. When I left the military, I had a special needs child. Required working as much OT as possible to meet medical needs. The 10 year limit on my Vietnam benefits precluded me from going back to school. I would like to see a cap on education benefits rather than a time limit.

Response by CPL Dan Tholke made May 24 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-05-24T11:33:38-04:00

We risk our lives to protect this country. Why not give us lifetime education benefits. We should get alot more also

Response by CPL Terrance Coleman made May 24 at 2016 11:44 AM

2016-05-24T11:44:50-04:00

Definitely, it is hard enough in this economy to compete. with the option to educate ourselves, the gap would shrink.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 12:09 PM

2016-05-24T12:09:50-04:00

Although I'd love to say yes to lifetime education benefits, the reality is that its a system designed to have a measureable cutoff to justify its continuation - just like retirement and actuaries - to get a good ROI. Getting educated 15+ years after the fact, only gives you limited time to get out of whatever hole you've dug and succeed. A time limit incentivizes you to do something with your life...to make the VA look good...so veterans can keep getting the benefits they earned. On the flipside, I think its stupid for Tuition Assistance programs to be limited to Bachelor's and now recently, Master's degrees. Would've been nice to have enough benefits to stretch into a PhD, given that at one point, I was eligible for Active TA, Reserve TA, VEAP, GiBill, Post 9/11, REAP, VocRehab...and any combo won't even touch a PhD before it hits the cap, if it even covered it to begin with.

Response by PO1 James Friedman made May 24 at 2016 12:58 PM

2016-05-24T12:58:30-04:00

Yes, I do.

OS-1 USN (Ret)

Response by A1C John R Wooton made May 24 at 2016 1:13 PM

2016-05-24T13:13:41-04:00

because I was in during the time you had to put your own money forward to get any education (Montgomery bill) I was not in a place to be able to do this as I was married with a kid and it all went to that effort. So I received no college education during and after service... I still don't have a college degree at 54 and it's hurting my chances to become a manager or even higher pay either... So yes, I would love for the veterans who are in the same boat as I to have this as well...

Response by SP5 Rod Cross made May 24 at 2016 1:31 PM

2016-05-24T13:31:54-04:00

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Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made May 24 at 2016 2:31 PM

2016-05-24T14:31:00-04:00

I don't have a problem with the time limit. What I have a problem with is how controlling the system is. I can only use x amount each semester and if the price of school exceeds that I have to pay out of pocket. My degree only costs 37000. That is way below the allotted 60,000 but I'm still on the hook for 7000 because of the way my classes lined up. I understand that is way below the normal college student but It doesn't change the fact that by contract I was promised 60,000. I had to take medical leave after complications from having my son, missing my finals. I now have to pay back the money for those classes. Why? It's MY money that I earned by contract!

Response by SPC Ronald Knight made May 24 at 2016 4:43 PM

2016-05-24T16:43:36-04:00

I agree. Education benefits are earned thru service and should not be limited to a certain time to use them.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Frusha made May 24 at 2016 4:51 PM

2016-05-24T16:51:24-04:00

No, but... I'm 60%SC/100% for IU and I'll never be able to work again. If I went back to school, it would be for a piece of paper to hang on the wall. Waste of my time and effort, but you know, the fed. Gov't would pay me to go back to school... I'd rather they gave me a livable income, somewhere close to the median, instead of keeping me barely above poverty-level. I know people on SS, welfare and SNAP living better than I am, but I'm ineligible, because I have too much income...

(Weird. This was supposed to be a comment elsewhere, but I don't remember exactly where)

Anyway, YES, ed benefits should be for life, until used, or used by a family member. That does not mean a lifetime in school, on the dole. People like me paid into the education system, and I can't get my money back. I've been stuck on Voc. Rehab. programs every time I went back to school, because of SC disability. Because I'm on IU, my wife and kids have ed. benefits, so I can't even sign the ones I paid for over to them..., but damn, I was never allowed to use them, or cash-out.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 9:01 PM

2016-05-24T21:01:22-04:00

Yes

Response by CW4 Ray Montano made May 25 at 2016 6:38 AM

2016-05-25T06:38:29-04:00

These are all interesting responses to this question. I retired in October 2003 and my Post 911 GI Bill has a shelf life that ends on October 2018; that's 15 years. Fifteen years is a pretty long time. Now, I retired with a master's, so the idea of going back to college was not on the top of my list. Ten years later, I changed by mind and have used my GI Bill to earn two addition masters (MIS and MBA). I understand the logic behind having a time limit; however, i can also understand the logic behind believing that it's your benefit and you should be able to use it at will. Now, in FL, you can't go to school for free; however, you can go to state universities at a great discount. As a state employee; however, you can go to state universities for free.

Response by LTC Wayne Dandridge made May 25 at 2016 7:20 AM

2016-05-25T07:20:03-04:00

No. Benefits are great but we cannot afford the taxes it requires to give people (even us soldiers, Marines, sailors, coast guardsman, and airmen) everything we would like to have.

Response by TSgt Forrest Kimmel made May 25 at 2016 7:50 AM

2016-05-25T07:50:14-04:00

Absolutely!

Response by SrA Bruce Kersman made May 25 at 2016 7:53 AM

2016-05-25T07:53:44-04:00

ABSOLUTELY!!! When your young you are not sure of your passion or ambition..

Response by PO3 Steven Adams made May 25 at 2016 7:55 AM

2016-05-25T07:55:20-04:00

I do why should it matter if I don't want to use them right away . There called Benefits and a Veteran earn them don't penalize him to not use them right away . I think its ok to put a $limit on it or how many times you can use them

Response by SPC Wanda Vergara-Yates made May 25 at 2016 7:56 AM

2016-05-25T07:56:17-04:00

It would have been nice to have been able to use the military education benefits that I paid into at a time when $100 per month was a big sacrifice against my paycheck. I was about 10 years too late using it because it wasn't until I neared age 50 that I had the right thing going to return to school.

Response by SGT Larry Holland made May 25 at 2016 8:05 AM

2016-05-25T08:05:33-04:00

Yes, I do. If criminals can get then why not the men & women who defended this country get the same benefits?

Response by TSgt Keith Standifer made May 25 at 2016 8:15 AM

2016-05-25T08:15:56-04:00

If high school students might soon be offered a free college education then I think the active duty military and veterans should be given a college education to what ever level degree they wish to obtain.

Response by SPC Cedric Sumner made May 25 at 2016 8:19 AM

2016-05-25T08:19:45-04:00

Yes, the benefits should be lifetime, as it may take a while to decompress from ones service. Besides, the military waits till out processing tonexplain that one only has ten years to utilize the benefit. Not exactly forthright.

Response by Cpl David E. Jenkins Jr. made May 25 at 2016 8:21 AM

2016-05-25T08:21:32-04:00

Yes and if they don't use them be able to pass them to their dependents

Response by PO1 Reginald Valentine made May 25 at 2016 8:30 AM

2016-05-25T08:30:05-04:00

Yes, all military veterans should have lifetime education benefits and not be limited to a certain time to use them. Education is a lifelong process for the general population, it should be true for veterans as well.

Response by SGT William Howell made May 25 at 2016 8:39 AM

2016-05-25T08:39:00-04:00

No! I fought socialism. Why would I now demand it?

Response by Amn Kim Bloodgood made May 25 at 2016 8:51 AM

2016-05-25T08:51:38-04:00

I do not think ALL military veterans should have a lifetime education benefit limit. Those that are utilizing VA Vocational Rehabilitation - in my opinion - should be the ONLY ones that do not have a time limit. These are the ones that have the most problems in completing a degree as they have a rating of at least 20% or more.

In regards to Montgomery GI BILL (CH30) - I paid in for mine and when I left due to some issues I lost the ability to use it. Yes it did blow - and maybe they should have given me my $1200 back - BUT they didn't and nothing that I was going to do was change the law. Of course, I didn't know that at the time. And yes, I did go back to school I took out student loans and achieved an associates, bachelors and masters degrees!

So as far as the expiration date - I still feel they should exist because there is many ways for people to use their GI Bill whether it is going to college, beauty school, apprenticeship program or an OJT there is ample opportunity to use your GI Bill.

Also, in reading the replies many people mentioned dollar amounts. The law associated with many of the GI Bill don't look at the entitlement as a dollar amount, they look at them as Months of entitlement. SO - as long as the law is written one way then the other isn't relevant. No offence.

In regards to VRAP - I know many people that benefited from this program - and NO - I don't believe that it should have went away. But I do know that there were people abusing this program as well as many of the others just to get the money. Sounds cynical doesn't it. Well I don't mean to sound that way. I will say that the way to get VRAP back, contact congress (but keep in mind it was ran poorly AND should be re-written to make it more effective for the students). If you want to get the expiration date changed - contact your congressman... get organizations on your side that can fight these laws. Just know that there are time limits for a reason and like many said if you have the money sat aside for years then it could hurt us more than help us. Just saying.

Response by CPT Dennis Stevenson made May 25 at 2016 8:55 AM

2016-05-25T08:55:57-04:00

Seems to me that we should have educational benefits but you can only use them once. Many are not ready to make good use of educational benefits immediately. [I have experience as a college professor on this point. Getting readjusted to a civilian society full of sophomoric students takes time]

Response by LTC Zachary Hubbard made May 25 at 2016 9:13 AM

2016-05-25T09:13:02-04:00

No. As veterans we serve(d) to defend of our country, but we should also be good stewards of its resources. Give veterans a reasonable number of years to start using their benefits, but let them expire after a certain time if not used.

Response by Cpl Patrick Adams made May 25 at 2016 9:15 AM

2016-05-25T09:15:50-04:00

The education benefits work as a recruiting tool and provide a transition for veterans to civilian life. A time frame for costs management makes sense. We have to have some accountability for our choices as well. For example you either get it done or not, the benifit expires because you made alternitive choices. For disabled vets and/or retirees perhaps extended benifits but not a blanket lifetime education benefit change...

Response by PO3 Timothy "Tim" Dzurnak made May 25 at 2016 9:21 AM

2016-05-25T09:21:49-04:00

yes,,there shouldn't be a time period,,what if your razing a family and don't have time,i lost mine because of just that..

Response by PO1 Tc1 Uscg made May 25 at 2016 9:23 AM

2016-05-25T09:23:32-04:00

I was under the VEAP program. Its still hard for me to accept the fact that because I didn't sign up for VEAP in boot camp, I was not allowed to sign up for any educational benefits. A year before I retired, there was a offer that if you had joined VEAP but canceled it, you were allowed to sign back up again and end up with what amounted to the Montgomery GI bill package. But I said no in the beginning so I got nothing. I think it's something that those who qualify should not only get but keep. If you retire, it should not expire till the member expires or allow said member to transfer those benefits over to a dependent minus the BAH and book stipend and maybe even cut it to cover a 2 year degree. But for a member who does 2 to 4 years? You should get a said amount of years, say 20, or cut it off at age 50. If you pay into it, you should get your money back if you don't use them. So, unless it's changed, you get your 1200 bucks back and be done with the system, or you use your 64k bucks in a certain time. If anything, you should have access to half of that amount after a certain time because if you need retraining or additional schooling, 2 years or less should be enough. IMO.

Response by SFC Gary Wysocki made May 25 at 2016 9:33 AM

2016-05-25T09:33:36-04:00

NO! When they reinstitute the GI Bill that was stolen from me and 1000's of other vets in 1989, then I would recommend lifetime education rights. But they should be for the vet, not families. The military member earned the education, not his family. That may sound cruel, but it is reality. Where do you think the bloat in our government comes from? Everybody deserves a quality education, but it must not be paid for by the government.

Response by Capt Troop Emonds made May 25 at 2016 9:52 AM

2016-05-25T09:52:59-04:00

Yes, because when I was drafted I was a smokejumper, low paying job. After three years in Vietnam, I was released from service as the war wound down. I went back to smoke jumping got older and retired with a very low retirement. Was supposed to get $800 a month Social security, but because I was a CRS retiree they subtracted $500 a month from my social security. So at that point I wanted to go back to school to become a teacher or something to keep from becoming homeless, as my wife divorced me and took all the house and land and left me with a lot of debt. Seventy three now and need a job.

Response by SPC Paul Keller made May 25 at 2016 10:05 AM

2016-05-25T10:05:25-04:00

Yes

Response by COL Jeff Morris made May 25 at 2016 10:31 AM

2016-05-25T10:31:16-04:00

Why was the GI Bill established? I believe it was not to reward for service, but rather to ease the transition to civilian life: to recognize that the military experience is valuable but will not necessarily provide the skills to grow our economy. If you have been out for 10 to 15 years, are you still trying to transition? None-the-less, the portion that have served is still a small segment of our society and I think we could support something that recognizes the challenges of using the benefits. Perhaps you have ten years to use it, but every year beyond the initial enlistment adds another year to the time you have to use the benefits. Stay for 20? You have 30 years to use it. Stay for 3? You have 10 years.

Response by SSG Thomas Werstlein made May 25 at 2016 10:42 AM

2016-05-25T10:42:10-04:00

I agree to maintaining the dollar cap. We all agreed to this when we elected for theGI Bill and/or college fund. I think the time limit should be removed. Everyone leaves the military with different personal situations. Some are able to go straight to work using their military skills, some regardless of skill have to enter the work force to support their families, others are able to go straight to school. As we have all seen these last few years with the economy all over the place and job stability questionable, being able to go back to school to change your career field may be your only option and if it has been longer than the current system allows someone may end up unemployable altogether.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made May 25 at 2016 10:42 AM

2016-05-25T10:42:22-04:00

would have been helpful. I was only able to go to school two years on my GI bill before children came along and a overseas duty station for hubby. Wasn't able to try to go back before the youngest was in junior high school. All those funds for me gone.

Response by SFC Robert Bower made May 25 at 2016 10:48 AM

2016-05-25T10:48:47-04:00

Yes! I don't understand why they put a time limit in the first place!

Response by LCpl Mitchell Smith made May 25 at 2016 10:55 AM

2016-05-25T10:55:09-04:00

Yes, I think so. Many vets are not given very much info about their benefits when they exit the military. Subsequently they are unaware of the time limit for using their benefit.

Response by COL Stanley Zezotarski made May 25 at 2016 10:55 AM

2016-05-25T10:55:22-04:00

Yes, for two reasons. First, they risk their life for their country. Second, they own it to the brothers and sisters who sacrificed their lives, to live for them so that their sacrifices are not in vain--by continuously pursuing education, they are contributing to society for two groups--those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and those who served.

Response by CDR William Kempner made May 25 at 2016 10:56 AM

2016-05-25T10:56:32-04:00

ABSOLUTELY!!! That was a benefit STOLEN FROM US by Jimmuh Cahtah!! (After his generation, including my father had full access!!)Cahtah can be "credited"with putting the ten year limit on it. My own father finished his bachelors almost 30 years after getting out of USN after WWII, and his master's degree three years later. I was working on a master's at NY Medical College at night, and the WTC Disaster went down, and I was a responder. and my son was born not long after and that set the academics aside, and I timed out. Not to mention that you aren't the same person at 25-30, as you are at 50.-55. I've seen lots of guys who chose not to go to college as young men (or women) and decide to do it later-and did well. (BTW the happiest guy in America now is Jimmuh-as he is no longer considered the WORST president ever, but he's still a bum.)

Response by SSG Calvin Grant made May 25 at 2016 11:09 AM

2016-05-25T11:09:32-04:00

What is a Veteran? Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations defines a veteran as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

With that said, if you meet the criteria above then you should be able to start your post military education whenever you feel it's right for you.
If you choose not to use it for yourself and want to pass this benefit down to your children and/or grandchildren for that matter, it shouldn't have a time line attached to it.

Here's a little something that a lot of service members aren't aware of when they're separating from the military.
GI Bill; 10 years to use it or loose it, 36 months to complete your education once you start
Voc Rehab; 12 years to use it and 28 months to complete our degree and or certifications.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 25 at 2016 11:11 AM

2016-05-25T11:11:48-04:00

To any benefit there needs to be limitations. Yeah, lifetime benefits would be amazing but at what cost?

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made May 25 at 2016 11:18 AM

2016-05-25T11:18:01-04:00

Short answer.... Hell yes!

Response by MSG Scott Manocchio made May 25 at 2016 11:24 AM

2016-05-25T11:24:12-04:00

Though your thought sounds nice, this would be a fiscal nightmare for budgeting. The focus should be on the new congressional tumors that they want to take educational benefits away for budgeting reasons

Response by CWO3 Bryan Luciani made May 25 at 2016 11:25 AM

2016-05-25T11:25:02-04:00

I think 20 years to use them is plenty. After retirement, I used mine to finish two Bachelor degrees and my masters. It took me about five years. I also believe anyone who serves on active duty for five years should have free college as a benefit. Certain reservists (full tour in the sand box) should as well. My opinion.

Remember that tuition keeps skyrocketing, so putting a dollar cap on the benefit is something to consider.

Response by MSG Scott Manocchio made May 25 at 2016 11:28 AM

2016-05-25T11:28:13-04:00

It's not there but RPC Nuremberg in Fuerth Germany. Best time of my career.

Response by CPT David Landrum made May 25 at 2016 11:42 AM

2016-05-25T11:42:03-04:00

One aspect is how much more expensive it is the longer you wait. It terms of financial commitment to keep it funded, it would be almost impossible.

Response by Sgt Jim Weeder made May 25 at 2016 11:56 AM

2016-05-25T11:56:29-04:00

I used my GI Bill to get a degree in Fire Sciences. Unfortunately many years after getting on with the Forest Service I injured my knee and could no longer be a fire fighter. I was forced to take underpaying jobs since many of the higher paying jobs wanted degrees in those fields. If I had been able to go back to college or a trade school (that I could not afford on my own) I could have gotten those jobs.

Response by Sgt GoatDriver Ram made May 25 at 2016 12:19 PM

2016-05-25T12:19:40-04:00

One, and many need/require down-time to detox from a war zone in-country down-range outside of the wire from two years to 15-20. When I finally got family matters in-line to get back into the class room to complete the PHD, my military vet ed-benefits frame had melted, was gone 15 years ago and at the time I desired to change career paths. As one ages, income means calls for change, these date in times have deleted the long year, 20, 25, 30 stretches with companies, other than the few civil service opportunities. The VA ed program should be similar classed as a US saving bond nest egg, there when it is needed and positioned to work with it.

Response by PO3 Kathy Getchey made May 25 at 2016 12:25 PM

2016-05-25T12:25:51-04:00

It would have been helpful; it's one gap I have fallen through. Mine were grandfathered out after 10 years, and since my husband's ex-wife was a college hippie when he came home from Vietnam, he would not help me to use those education benefits. Now I'm retired, and ChampVA says "Hey! We will help YOU go back to school!!" Wow. I am completely underwhelmed. However, I find trying to buy a home is much more complicated than college would be, maybe I should take a full course load to figure how to utilize my COE? Hmmm, now there's a thought.

Response by LTC Ken Bowers made May 25 at 2016 12:46 PM

2016-05-25T12:46:22-04:00

The Post 9/11 educational benefits are generous and broad in scope as they should be. Servicemen sacrifice much when deployed or just serving twenty years AC or RC. The time limit should be lifted, because it limits an individual's options. I do believe there should be a cap on total amount awarded. The Post WW II framers of the VA benefits programs recognized the American serviceman's sacrifice, and provided opportunity. These benefits are a pact between the government and the individual. The services or the congress should never attempt to balance budgets by cutting or limiting Veteran's benefits.

Response by Capt Chuck Ward made May 25 at 2016 12:48 PM

2016-05-25T12:48:32-04:00

Yes

Response by LTJG Don Biscoe made May 25 at 2016 1:05 PM

2016-05-25T13:05:00-04:00

No - I think the 10yrs in the original GI Bill is good. It get the vet motivated and allows Congress to better budget for those expenses.

Response by SPC Kathleen Harris made May 25 at 2016 1:09 PM

2016-05-25T13:09:57-04:00

Yes, for people are serious about education and are trying to get through their post-graduate classes. It gets more expensive each year many are working full-time and going to school part-time, when it should be the opposite.

Response by LTJG Don Biscoe made May 25 at 2016 1:39 PM

2016-05-25T13:39:19-04:00

Let's say for the sake of argument that I think it's a great idea. So here I am a private pilot and I want my commercial ticket so I charge my pals when I take them to the cabin for a long weekend in my plane. Would that be OK? A commercial or ATP rating is, in theory, giving me the ability to get another job but what I really want is cheap or free flying time and or to make me a safer pilot....

Response by Cpl Stanley Richards made May 25 at 2016 1:42 PM

2016-05-25T13:42:12-04:00

yes lifetime!

Response by CDR William Kempner made May 25 at 2016 1:49 PM

2016-05-25T13:49:18-04:00

BTW, I was one of the VERY LAST of the WW II GI Bill guys-they call us "Article 30s" Had 48 months of benefits-usable at any time. but Cahtuh reduced that to 10 years after separation/retirement, as well as dis-establishing the program and developing the VEAP-a colossal failure.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 1:57 PM

2016-05-25T13:57:31-04:00

Yes I do believe that there should be a time limit on education benefits. We have all had different careers paths and those paths may not have allow the solider the time to complete their edcation while in.

Response by PO3 Dennis Bullard made May 25 at 2016 2:36 PM

2016-05-25T14:36:15-04:00

ABSOLUTELY!!!

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made May 25 at 2016 2:48 PM

2016-05-25T14:48:16-04:00

People change career choices at about any age; you can get other government grants until the cows come so why should it matter if the military allows the same thing? I don't see why it should.

Response by A1C William Portzel made May 25 at 2016 2:54 PM

2016-05-25T14:54:21-04:00

I have gone back to school several times to upgrade my skill set. Mostly when I have been laid off or the company closed.

Response by TSgt Shelly Foster made May 25 at 2016 3:16 PM

2016-05-25T15:16:17-04:00

Totally agree!! I'm retired and decided to do civil service a few years. It was not the right time as a single mom of young toddler wasn't able to gp to school when I got out. It isn't always about as one person ignorantly put it "getting off your "a##" . So now I'm rushing to try to finish school before money runs out.

Response by SPC Catherine Gascon made May 25 at 2016 4:04 PM

2016-05-25T16:04:37-04:00

Yes, coz I wanted to do some vocation school but my GI bill expired already, they say I could have used it only 10 yrs after I went out of the army. Very disappointed .

Response by PO3 Rob Austin made May 25 at 2016 4:31 PM

2016-05-25T16:31:47-04:00

Agree completely. Post Vietnam, the GI Bill paid for much of my undergraduate and Masters degrees. In addition, I was able to purchase our first house with the VA loan.

Response by MAJ David Parr made May 25 at 2016 4:39 PM

2016-05-25T16:39:51-04:00

Yes, I agree that there should be no time restraint for using your hard earned benefits, be it education or other. Just my personal opinion.

Response by PO1 Todd B. made May 25 at 2016 5:05 PM

2016-05-25T17:05:54-04:00

Yes we should. I missed out on my education benefits because during the time I tried to use it I ended up in the hospital having surgery and rehab more than I was able to attend classes. And by the time I was finished with most of the medical stuff, my time for schooling had run out. I ended up with 2 years of worthless schooling that I cannot use for anything.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 5:12 PM

2016-05-25T17:12:53-04:00

No. By all means NO! That is one thing we are failing as professionals, proper planning for after the service. Like I tell my subordinates, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." While I was recruiting I had the opportunity to help veterans get their GI Bill benefits. A SM should make the conscious decision to use (or not) those benefits. 10 years is plenty of time.

Response by SFC Ron Gitzendanner made May 25 at 2016 5:25 PM

2016-05-25T17:25:46-04:00

I am not sure what the current benefit is. When I originally got off active duty, your education benefit time limit was 10 years from date of separation. I do feel this could be modified and extended to, for instance, if you are enrolled in a full time education program, the benefit should be until you finish that program, as long as you stay enrolled full time. If you are in an education program on a part-time basic, that could be extended to 3 or 4 times what the full time would have been. In other words to earn a bachelor's degree, in normally takes 4 years, the same program on a part time basic might take 8 to 12 years. The benefit should be for that period. However, I agree, once you stop, or drop out, the benefit should be ended....altho a couple of reasons might be accepted for extension (health, etc). I agree that it should not be for "unlimited years" or a lifetime of being a student, but the current times could be very much extended. You may have sustained a wound, that could cause a physical or mental impairment that could last YOU a lifetime...what the hey!!!!

Just my two cents worth!

Response by PO2 Michael Henry made May 25 at 2016 5:57 PM

2016-05-25T17:57:34-04:00

I paid in my $1200 to the M. G.I. Bill along with others, then the 9/11 GI Bill came out and switched before getting out. I wish I could reinvest it back in to the 9/11 GI Bill and have some more time. I will be one year short of finishing my BS in Network Security at Western Governors when it expires. There are VA programs available especially in education and job placement, however there are certain criteria that must be met. I am currently at 30% disability and have 2 appeals out to rectify that if anyone knows how to use them.

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made May 25 at 2016 6:08 PM

2016-05-25T18:08:08-04:00

I think the benefit should not expire until it is used up. If the military member doesn't use it they should be able to pass it along to their children. If that member dies in combat their spouce should have the same educational benefit offered to them as well.

Response by PO2 Tony Brodhead made May 25 at 2016 6:23 PM

2016-05-25T18:23:18-04:00

Absolutely agree. 10 years is a reasonable amount of time, but... why is there a shelf life? I was using mine and working 60+ hours a week - and going to school full time. I got sick. and lost momentum. My career took me all over the globe and no dependable schedule to adhere to. The only purpose I can envision for having a time limit to use the benefit is for the government to save some money.

Response by SGT Jenell Tasby made May 25 at 2016 6:27 PM

2016-05-25T18:27:04-04:00

Yes I do

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made May 25 at 2016 10:37 PM

2016-05-25T22:37:45-04:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner…definitely YES and no limit to benefits. The post Military Education benefits is great for the economy and should be extended beyond the BS/BA. The economy is constantly changing, new skill and advancement in a profession means more income for the former soldier and a more skilled worker/professional in the economy that will support more jobs below the level of employment… All post military education from Community College to the Ivy League Graduate School should be p[aid for along with a living allowance that permits a former soldier in his/her 30's, 40's 50's to go back to school. The only limitation I would put on isa two time gap between getting a degree or a Trade Certificate before you can start the next level of education…Some might say the above would be to expensive which is hog wash, it will pay for itself and provide work for others. Post Military service education is the best investment the United States has ever made.

Response by A1C Jeff D. made May 25 at 2016 11:39 PM

2016-05-25T23:39:54-04:00

I agree, I was not in a good place when I was discharged. About a decade later I may have been ready, but without the funding and poor employment opportunity, I never went.

Scrolling through these answers I see lots of responses saying that 15 years to use is enough. When did this happen? When I got out and talked to someone at the VA I was told I had 3 years after separation to begin.

Response by PO2 Robert Cuminale made May 26 at 2016 12:09 AM

2016-05-26T00:09:20-04:00

I think so, I got out an was 25 years old. I'd gotten out during Carter's inflation and went back to my old job at Ma Bell because we wanted a house and the interest rate then was 14%. And we wanted to have a baby after 5 years of marriage and waiting. So I never got to use my entitlement and it expired when I finally had some time to go at lest part time.

Response by SP5 Gerald Senear made May 26 at 2016 2:32 AM

2016-05-26T02:32:01-04:00

Yes

Response by Cpl Shawn B. made May 26 at 2016 4:26 AM

2016-05-26T04:26:47-04:00

Yes absolutely.

Response by PO1 Jack Howell made May 26 at 2016 12:09 PM

2016-05-26T12:09:03-04:00

As much as I want to say yes, I have to say no. Given the current budget climate and the apparent unwillingness of Congress and President Obama to end sequestration, lifetime education benefits could not be supported by current funding levels.

Response by 1SG Gladstone Everard made May 27 at 2016 9:19 AM

2016-05-27T09:19:42-04:00

There should not be a limited time in which to use the education benefit that was earned by the Veterans

Response by LTC Mark Beattie made May 27 at 2016 11:44 AM

2016-05-27T11:44:34-04:00

I wish they were a lifetime benefit that did not expire. I waited 28 years for an opportunity to use them, but was not in a position to go back to school immediately after retirement. Now that I'm nearly at a point I could use them, they're gone. Our representatives in Congress will never agree to expanding this benefit. The only benefits that are safe from Congressional cuts, or can reasonably be considered for expansion are their own!! Sad, but true.

Response by MSgt Fred Gottshalk made May 27 at 2016 12:05 PM

2016-05-27T12:05:09-04:00

Yes, because of the other 'declining' benefits. Most personnel, when discharged or retire spend at least ten years trying to readjust and become accepted in their new community.

Response by Sgt Terry W Drake made May 29 at 2016 7:16 AM

2016-05-29T07:16:57-04:00

I think most veterans chose to reenter college immediately after discharge from active duty. I know I did and it was one of the best benefits I ever had. Now I'm using the VA for my health needs.

Response by CWO4 David Smith made May 31 at 2016 11:29 AM

2016-05-31T11:29:44-04:00

ABSOLUTELY! Especially since the VA can't get their act together insofar as what you are entitled to IF you are entitled to it!
I lost my benefits because VA couldn't determine what my eligibility was after retiring at 25 years, being denied every time I applied, they just kept kicking the can down the road until my 10 years was up. With unlimited, they couldn't 'Outwait' you!!

Response by CWO4 David Smith made May 31 at 2016 11:30 AM

2016-05-31T11:30:00-04:00

Response by Maj Steven W. Beaudry Barnes made May 31 at 2016 6:06 PM

2016-05-31T18:06:43-04:00

My benefits, which i paid about$5000 cash for, must have just run out, because i wanted to take a one year massage therapy course, and VA never got back in time. I want to get a one year masters in Archaeology, but i guess im too late?

Response by SFC Eldon Meade made Jun 1 at 2016 12:59 PM

2016-06-01T12:59:42-04:00

The several type and style of education benefits have changed over the years. The ability to receive a basic Associate Degree should be covered 100% even when older veterans decide to return or it become a job discriminator of advancement. A Bachelors degree is supported under the a four year degree for starters. A four year degree should have a basic time limit to complete when started, and as stated no permanent student status. Restarts of Bachelors degree could be supported in the future to assist the parity of the Veteran with peers in the civilian work force. Career service personnel are often hampered by deployment and duty. Again some time limit needs to be exercised to form completion requirements. The question is the 10 year limit on usage as to apply for benefits. A person must be ready to begin or sign a document that states they intend to use or transfer benefits and an update needs to be required at some specified time frame. Masters or Doctoral degrees are a question to where the greater need needs to be applied. Several individuals could use a support system to off set cost with these degrees. They are often much later in the life process and incur larger debt for individuals. The education of the Veterans could be supported as a need basis and have a work life time limit such as Social Security retirement as a start point. Here is a basic story that relates to me, I first used a portion of my Vietnam era GI benefits within the required 10 year time frame. I was unable to complete the course due to other financial problems that could not support the distance of transportation cost to and from the program. This required a repayment of the course. The next step was much later in process as due to injury and other work related problem, I entered into a VocRehab program 2010 which supported only one semester, and since I was outside of the 10 year mark all remaining costs have been mine to endure. The recent change in 2012 allowed older Veterans an opportunity to continue their education support from the age of 35 to 60 years of age to complete a Bachelor or a Masters. Well I missed that program by a matter of days as the program stated on 1 Jun 2012 I turned 61 the 6th of May same year. It would have been helpful as I was enrolled in classes. If that program would have been rolled over because I was a student in good standing would have helped tremendously. I have graduated with honors with an Associate degree Majoring in History (GPA 3.86). I'm currently continuing my education as a History Major at Arizona State University, and have 5 classes to complete for Bachelors. The only other way for me to have received a funding would to have been 100% disabled then all tuition costs would have been waived, I'm 80 %. This is where support could have been applied to support the lessor than total disable be supported in their continuing education. With the applied civil requirement to have higher education there needs to be a system to allow the many service personnel to acquire the time support they missed while serving the nation. There must be a will and a way can be found.

Response by PO3 Steven Adams made Jul 7 at 2016 7:08 PM

2016-07-07T19:08:30-04:00

My feelings are sure like there called (Benefits) awarded to those who served so why should a veteran that wants to wait to use them down the road be any different than the Veteran that wants to use them soon after his or her enlistment if there earned and awarded Give it up it can get expensive but the Government can handle this . They have so many Grants for this and that if more of the public knew about all these Grants and some are so stupid even sounds made up but there there Don't get me wrong some are worth while but I'm just saying b4 you cut benies for the Vet go after those if they want to cut something Thank You Just my feelings :)

Response by SPC Elvis Carden made Aug 4 at 2016 2:08 PM

2016-08-04T14:08:07-04:00

YES

Response by CWO4 David Smith made Aug 8 at 2016 1:10 PM

2016-08-08T13:10:42-04:00

I have said it before, there should be NO TIME LIMIT!
Educational benefits WERE EARNED through service to the country! There were NO CAVEATS when we enlisted such as "I don't go into war zones", or "I can't be on the front line", or "I don't go anywhere that people want to harm me", or "I want good meals, NOT MRE's", or last but not least, "I don't sleep anywhere that I don't have 3 good meals and a REAL BED, NOT sleeping under the stars with a buddy in a foxhole with bullets and mortars whizzing over my head"!!
Some of the main reasons are: 1) The VA doesn't have a good track record; 2) Most VA people have no clue what you are entitled to, particularly if you're covered by more than one option due to when you came in; 3) Did I mention their track record; 4) denial first and kick the can down the road until the vet gets frustrated and gives up (my case); 5) the bureaucracy and red tape; and last but not least, 6) their track records, multiple lists and bookkeeping, results of investigations, News articles exposing corruption and denials.....and their track record......
We look out for our own is just LIP SERVICE for many people in VA and GOVERNMENT - they've NEVER been there done that, not even for a Day......

Response by CWO4 David Smith made Aug 8 at 2016 1:12 PM

2016-08-08T13:12:07-04:00

Response by Pat McCracken made Aug 11 at 2016 6:34 PM

2016-08-11T18:34:48-04:00

As an educator, I agree with SGT Anonymous. There should be no time limit on learning or using the educational benefits the military provides.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2016 10:08 PM

2016-08-12T22:08:34-04:00

When I started you paid $100.00 a month and didn't get more money for housing or books. The system now give more money. The system now is also not self sustaining. What will happen to service members when there are few military missions to push politicians to vote for funding?

Response by PO2 Cindy Homann made Aug 24 at 2016 5:58 PM

2016-08-24T17:58:20-04:00

I absolutely agree. I lost my benefit because I couldn't attend college at the time. I did however attend college years later and the benefit could have helped me!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2016 7:00 PM

2016-08-24T19:00:53-04:00

Yes