How long do I have to serve in the reserves to use MGIB benefits?

Larry Fajardo — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 21:17:17 -0400

I plan to go to college while in the Army reserves
My recruiter hasn't explained every detail about being a reservist since he was working on getting me to AD. He did inform that he can get me into a college/university right after my 18 weeks of basic/Ait is this true? Also I'm only serving 3 years in the reserves because I plan to go active duty afterwards maybe even sooner if a release form gets approved. Can I use mgib benefits on a 3 year contract? I read you need 6... Again I'm not well infotmed. I go to meps for my physical & oath of enlistment tomorrow.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Jun 11 at 2018 10:01 PM

LTC John Mohor — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 22:01:19 -0400

Read all the fine print in your enlisted contract! No matter the break down the total time on any enlisted contract is 8 years! You may very well do 3 reserve then work on getting approved for active duty. If you really want active duty and can get contract changed don't forget that TA tuition assistance is also a good deal for Soldiers pursuing further civilian education. Good luck and thanks for being ready, willing and able to serve!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 7:34 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 07:34:03 -0400

I cannot say about what your contract says or does not, but if you are in good standing in the Reserves they have a tuition assistance program, when I was in back in the dark ages of 1990, the reserves paid me x number of dollars per month and paid up to a set amount on my college loans.