How many veterans are taking advantage of their GI Bill and are getting an education?

SSG Douglas Espinosa — Fri, 30 May 2014 14:59:37 -0400

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made May 30 at 2014 3:05 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Fri, 30 May 2014 15:05:47 -0400

Since I am still active I am using TA to complete my BS. Once I retire next year I plan to use the GI Bill and get a Masters in Management.

Response by SGT Mariano Torres made May 30 at 2014 4:07 PM

SGT Mariano Torres — Fri, 30 May 2014 16:07:21 -0400

Good day SSG Espinosa, I've recently completed a bachelor of arts in philosophy at american military university using the post 9/11. The issue at hand is the choice of academic plan many of us choose.

Recently, I had a discussion with a career advisor at AMU and she explained that based on many service member's military specialties their education program does not reflect their expertise, which typically and undoubtedly, makes a career change difficult, especially and particularly, if this education program is not in demand.

While it may seem like common sense, the truth is that despite our academic choices, the job market is competitive in more ways than one can imagine. The difference is that with a degree plan, that is in somewhat a demand, people have a higher probability of becoming employed. Nevertheless, the issue at hand is student service members and veterans are trying to start a new career with little success. I hope that many people read this response and understand that the public demand is what determines occupational need.

I wish everyone luck and caution. We can't all be accountants, IT specialists, or engineers, but the idea is to tailor your experience so that we begin somewhere with our degrees if we are trying to start anew.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2014 5:27 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 May 2014 17:27:00 -0400

Recently helped an SSG who used his GI bill to get his bachelors put in his application for medical school at USUHS. I can't even count at this point how many highspeed soldiers I've seen use that GI bill to springboard to some amazing careers.
Since I came in with a PhD, I'm hoping that GI bill helps our son do the same. The military really has some amazing benefits.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made May 30 at 2014 10:13 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Fri, 30 May 2014 22:13:49 -0400

After serving 8 years I tried, but Congress had other plans for the money. They let the authorization sunset. I finished school, but on my dime.

I wish they would make it right and forgive, or pay for, these student loans that harangue me.

Response by SrA Mike Ault made May 31 at 2014 7:56 AM

SrA Mike Ault — Sat, 31 May 2014 07:56:40 -0400

Used my G.I. Bill to achieve a Masters od Divinity degree.

Response by SSG Douglas Espinosa made Jun 2 at 2014 4:21 PM

SSG Douglas Espinosa — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 16:21:27 -0400

Thank You for everyone's input. I agree that this is a great program. I am using it to obtain a degree in Electrical Engineering. When I lost my job in October it provided me with the means to survive. It paid my rent, utilities, food and internet for further school work and job search. I thank God I had this to fall back on until I recently found a new job.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 12:07 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 00:07:08 -0400

I've used the GI bill for my Bachelors and Masters degree.

Response by 1SG Mike Sauls made Jun 10 at 2014 1:34 AM

1SG Mike Sauls — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 01:34:37 -0400

SSG Espinosa,
In 2013 completed a third Masters degree (2 were dual and one MBA) by using the 9/11 GI Bill. The trick is to obtain degrees that share some of the same specialities (Project Management, Business Management, Public Administration) and then see if the school offers a dual program. This way you get more (bang) for your GI Bill (buck). The Student Veterans Association (SVA) is an organization started by Veterans in education that track/support Veterans using the GI Bill to go to school. It's a great resource to acquire a degree with Veterans sharing their experiences (like yourself). If you manage your GI Bill correctly to get the max benefit, you will have education benefits leftover for professional development like the Six Sigma Course and other course that add skills to your professional portfolio.

Response by PO1 Rodney Wooten made Jun 17 at 2014 1:01 PM

PO1 Rodney Wooten — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 13:01:43 -0400

I took advantage of the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. It allowed me to finish my Bachelor's degree in May/2012. Unfortunately, Sport management is a young persons major, where you have to do years of internships and networking just to get in the door. I haven't been able to work in my field of study as of yet. Haven't given up yet though.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 3:04 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 15:04:33 -0400

I haven't used mine yet since I am still active. I will use part of it within the next year to help pay for some of my classes for the degree I am pursuing. My oldest son will more than likely use about half of it to help pay for his schooling since he will be attending Baylor in the fall. It's a fairly expensive school and it's to benefit him immediately so I truly don't mind.

Response by PO1 John Y. made Jun 17 at 2014 3:57 PM

PO1 John Y. — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 15:57:55 -0400

A lot, especially if you are referring to the Post 9/11 GI Bill. I am in a position where I help vets almost daily with applying through the VONAPP.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2014 8:09 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 20:09:22 -0400

I did. And then loan forgiveness, worked out well.

Response by MSG Martin C. made Jun 20 at 2014 8:49 PM

MSG Martin C. — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 20:49:48 -0400

TA has being suficient for me I gave my GI Bill to my spouse of 15 years. After putting up with 4 deployments countless sacrifices that was the least I could have done for her. So far she finish an AA a BS and it's currently working towards a Mastets in Counseling with Liberty university however it looks like we are running out of money and will have to finish the race all on our own.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2014 9:19 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 21:19:14 -0400

Great questions SSG Espinosa,

I hope every soldier under your charge (your meaning all NCOs). As leaders we should lead by example I myself start classes on the 7th of July so if I am taking them my Sappers should be. There are to many excuses given by soldiers. Take the free education!
V/R

MSG Haro

Response by PO2 Amy Gerhardt made Jul 5 at 2014 8:15 AM

PO2 Amy Gerhardt — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 08:15:09 -0400

I just completed my BS in Psychology- got out in 2009. Absolutely worth it!!

Response by Cpl Michael Jadrnak made Jul 8 at 2014 11:02 AM

Cpl Michael Jadrnak — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 11:02:47 -0400

Got screwed over when using the Post 9-11 when they first opened enrollment back in 09, but still got my degree in Diesel Technology. Wish I had been told I could of used the old Gi Bill first since I had bought that kicker and then if needed more could of applied for a year extra on the new.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 1:44 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 13:44:09 -0400

I'm not. Waste of the taxpayer's money.

Response by MCPO Brian Legg made May 19 at 2015 2:05 PM

MCPO Brian Legg — Tue, 19 May 2015 14:05:47 -0400

I earned one masters and am working on a post-masters degree presently. If you have it use it.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 19 at 2015 2:50 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 19 May 2015 14:50:44 -0400

I am, currently in Wilmington University studying Management Information Systems. I have worked and am currently working in my field as well.

Afterwards I plan on using the remaining to get an MBA from Stern of NYU, maybe apply for a Tier 1 school such as Columbia, or Princeton.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 19 at 2015 2:59 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Tue, 19 May 2015 14:59:55 -0400

Used it for my MS. I wish I had enough left for my PhD...

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 19 at 2015 3:10 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 19 May 2015 15:10:15 -0400

I used mine to finance OJT (on the job training) that helped me kick start a new career (I earned my degrees in college and law school before joining the Army.

Response by PO3 Jeffrey Levy made May 19 at 2015 3:33 PM

PO3 Jeffrey Levy — Tue, 19 May 2015 15:33:07 -0400

Finishing my MS right now with mine... Then (fingers crossed) either commissioning or continuing for PhD

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 19 at 2015 3:53 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 19 May 2015 15:53:54 -0400

I had the old, pre Montgomery GI Bill. It was the only way I could afford to get a MS degree from USC. I recall it paid most the tuition. I was taking a complete 3 unit class every 8 weeks. Tuition then was around $2000/class and the GI Bill was tossing me $950/month. So I had to chip in the books and tuition residual.

The Montgomery Bill did knock down educational benefits and started the copay stuff.

For the kids getting in today whose parents have invested in a State Guaranteed Education Program, that and the GI Bill will let you write a full ride ticket most anywhere.

Response by SSG John Erny made May 19 at 2015 6:30 PM

SSG John Erny — Tue, 19 May 2015 18:30:34 -0400

20 CH left for a degree in networking and security UMUC

Response by SSgt Michael Orcutt made May 20 at 2015 9:02 AM

SSgt Michael Orcutt — Wed, 20 May 2015 09:02:48 -0400

Earned my BS with it and will be earning my MBA with it as well. Can't pass up the free school and BAH!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 20 at 2015 3:35 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 20 May 2015 15:35:09 -0400

I am letting my girls use my GI Bill.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 4:37 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 16:37:39 -0400

Big thing to remember with GI bill is you can use it for vocational school also.....I had two troops got to culinary school on it.

A lot of folks think it's only for college.....please help educate folks.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 3:09 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 15:09:00 -0400

Using mine right now at Lenoir-Rhyne University in NC. They're a yellow ribbon school, so it works out pretty well for now, while I'm in undergrad and I'm still eligible for GI Bill. I think where it may get a little hairy is when I start my Master's (for clinical mental health counselling). Hoping I can use my state's Tuition reimbursement program to get through my Master's portion, then I believe the Army has a program where they'll actually pay while I get my doctorate (Psy.D.), then I'll just owe them some time, which is fine, I mean, gotta work somewhere and where better than in the Army, helping other soldiers going through a rough time?

Response by CPT Catherine R. made May 22 at 2015 1:38 AM

CPT Catherine R. — Fri, 22 May 2015 01:38:59 -0400

I used TA while Active duty and completed my AA. I then used the MGIB and completed my BA after ETS. I followed that up with finishing about 50% of my MBA before realizing it wasn't what I wanted to finish and wasn't going to be a benefit to me at that point in my life.. I believe I have about 2 months worth of benefits left and I will make sure I use it at some point although I'm not sure for what, most likely professional certifications.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 4:53 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 16:53:42 -0500

I know I do, and I think every member of the military should do the same. I am currently working towards my masters in business management and the GI Bill is a huge help.

Response by PO2 Albert Robbins made Sep 17 at 2017 11:23 PM

PO2 Albert Robbins — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 23:23:45 -0400

.....Been there, done that, at 73 I don't wanna any more.