Have you used your GI Bill?

SGT Tyler H. — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 02:34:48 -0500

If you have used the GI Bill, please comment as to how it has served you in an advancing your career.

If you are planning to use your Gi Bill, please comment on how you plan to use it.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Feb 10 at 2015 4:35 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 04:35:08 -0500

At the end of this semester I will have used 18 months of the MGIB to complete 90 credits. I've finished one Bachelors of Art with a General Studies and a minor in Sustainability, and currently working on a Bachelors of Business Administration in Information Technology with a minor in Nonprofit Management (63 credits to go). I plan to extend my MGIB by 12 months by switching to the post 9/11 so that I can make some headway on the Master's degree.

Between "Life Experience", credit transfers from Defense Language Institute and other schools, I will hit 208 college semester credits in May. Crazy numbers...

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 5:10 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 05:10:16 -0500

I transferred my Gi Bill to my daughter which saved me a butt load of money! I used the Tuition Assistance program to earn my AA in General Studies and BA in Business.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 12:09 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 00:09:14 -0500

After I transitioned from active duty to guard, I used mine to get my degree and then a commission.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 12:12 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 00:12:13 -0500

Max it out while you have it. I used my tuition assistance when I could to take one course and then for my Master's Degree. Utilizing the Post 9-11 GI Bill right now for my PhD. Just wish it would be over already. Always trying to better myself as a professional outside of the military, use that to better myself and my skills in the military to give them and my Soldiers a better leader, and make myself more competitive amongst my peers.

Response by SPC Lukas Jones made Feb 18 at 2015 7:38 AM

SPC Lukas Jones — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 07:38:52 -0500

I'm still only eligible for the Select Reserve but I have been using that along with Go Army Ed TA. It's paying for my Masters in full.

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Feb 18 at 2015 7:43 AM

CPL Brendan Hayes — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 07:43:03 -0500

I used my GI bill for my BA in English and my teaching certificate. Illinois also has the Illinois Veteran Grant which waives tuition at any state funded school. This allowed me to double up and use most of my GI Bill for living expenses and other costs (books, lab fees, transportation, etc.).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 7:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 07:45:08 -0500

Used it for a A.A.S of Criminal Justice, loved getting the BAH on top of it.

Also used it for GPS Defense Sniper School: http://sniperschool.com/ since my unit would not send one of the only qualified 11C FDC to leave the mortar section...

sniper school

sniper training

Response by SFC James Rigdon made Feb 18 at 2015 9:19 AM

SFC James Rigdon — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 09:19:09 -0500

I am transfering mine to my Children. Post 9-11 GI Bill

I used Tuition assistance to complete my BA in Information Technology Management.

Still considering a Master's degree. really tired of writing Essay's though.

Response by SMSgt Bryan Raines made Feb 18 at 2015 9:29 AM

SMSgt Bryan Raines — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 09:29:51 -0500

I used my GI Bill to get my BA after I retired. I found out when I was looking for a job many of the positions I was qualified for because of my experience required a Bachelors degree. It didn't matter what the degree major was in many cases, just needed a degree. I was very appreciative that the Montgomery GI Bill was there for me to use because I had no other means to go to college and was unable to complete a degree in service due to family and military obligations. I recommend anyone who is eligible to use or transfer your benefits. This is one benefit that is invaluable.

Response by PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) made Feb 18 at 2015 9:32 AM

PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 09:32:28 -0500

I did! I graduate from Eastern Washington University in March with a degree in Geography and a minor in Geographical Information Systems. I've been working a student job for the local Utility company and at this point in time have a 95% chance of being hired on as a contractor.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 9:36 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 09:36:33 -0500

No. And I will not.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 18 at 2015 9:40 AM

SGT Jim Z. — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 09:40:55 -0500

Yes I used all but I think 200.00 dollars of it. I used it to complete my Bachelors of Science in Information Technology which is my chosen career. It has helped in setting me apart at review time but now some look at me and say why not go for your Masters. Use it before you lose it. Not sure all the details of the Post 9-11 because when it came out I was close to finishing and VA counselor that I asked about it told me expend what I had.

Response by Cpl Charles Vadnais made Feb 18 at 2015 2:00 PM

Cpl Charles Vadnais — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:00:44 -0500

I made a mistake using my GI Bill, not necessarily in the bill itself, but that I fell for a predatory school. I got a Bachelor's in Game Art (being an artist for video games). When I started there were plenty of jobs but over the course of my education several major publishers, as well as the studios they owned, went under and now all the entry level jobs are being taken by veterans of the industry. I got a decent education there but it definitely wasn't worth using my entire GI Bill plus extra student loans to cover the cost.

I write this because I really wish I had someone around to warn me about this kind of thing and these kinds of schools, if you're waiting to use yours, do some homework. Get on social media and ask for students that attended the same school for the same course and ask them about it. I, personally, found out to-little-too-late that there are plenty of places online where you can get a BETTER education in my field for next to nothing compared to the tuition I paid.

Response by SGT James Elphick made Feb 18 at 2015 6:37 PM

SGT James Elphick — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 18:37:06 -0500

Yes, started on the MGIB and finished with the Post-9/11. MGIB was tough but do not miss the opportunity to use the Post-9/11, you are essentially getting paid to go to school. There are many fantastic opportunities out there and the GI Bill is a major asset. You do not however, have to necessarily get a 4-year degree. In fact I was just at a seminar in which they explained that 2-year technical degrees have surpassed Bachelors in potential earnings, and by a pretty significant amount too. Find something you are passionate about and want to make a career and do it, you already paid for it with your service.