Why don't service members take advantage of the GI Bill?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 23:10:03 -0400

Give your thoughts. I did and I'm thankful for it. It's a great program/service and every service member should educate themselves on this invaluable educational tool.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 23 at 2014 2:26 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 02:26:46 -0400

I used every penny of mine. I'd give just about anything for more so I could continue. Everyone has their own reasons, but I'm almost certain that family commitments, especially the lower wage paying jobs, have to be the primary cause.

Response by SrA David Steyer made Nov 11 at 2015 7:20 PM

SrA David Steyer — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 19:20:30 -0500

I know of many people who are told to take the MGIB over the Post 9/11 GI Bill in Air Force BMT - no idea about other branches. They told me they were told by the person briefing that it is a better deal. Well, for some people the MGIB is a better deal but for most people coming in, and have limited to no college, the Post 9/11 is a lot better.

When I came in, I had the option of the MGIB or no GI Bill. I paid the $1200, but whatever I transferred a year later.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 4:43 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 16:43:17 -0500

SGT Mills, I agree with you whole heartedly that everyone in the military should be using the GI Bill. I am currently in school using the GI Bill and I Know others who are using it with on the job training. I have also seen many soldiers who do not use it. some of them just do not care to go to school no matter what. I have also talked to some soldiers that get counseled about not being in school but there duty day does not allow for enough free time. then it is my belief that there are others who do not think about what it would be like outside of the military or realize how much it could help them in the military to have an education either so they just let it go.

The worst thing that I think I have seen in regards to soldiers not using this tool, as well as others available to them, is lack of knowledge. a lot of soldiers get nervous, or discouraged from using these tools because they can be confusing for some and become overwhelming. I know I have had a lot of things that I had to work out with the GI Bill but what I receive from it is more than worth talking to someone on the phone.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 12:45 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 00:45:06 -0400

The issue with the Reserve GI Bill is that it pays out very little compared to the other GI Bills (only $369/month) and it's only good while you are in the Reserves. I see a lot more people using tuition assistance and hoping to build up enough AD time to switch it to Post 9/11. I do hear there's a plan in place to increase the Reserve GI Bill amount but no word on when

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Oct 23 at 2019 1:15 PM

Maj Kim Patterson — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 13:15:12 -0400

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member I did and became a nurse, BSN and became a role model for young women to follow my lead.

Response by Jennifer Lee (Doerflinger) Hill made Nov 9 at 2019 9:57 PM

Jennifer Lee (Doerflinger) Hill — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 21:57:04 -0500

Due to my time in service, I rcvd 1 semester under the GI Bill. I always say I went to college on the grocery money, so when I just didn't have the funds for my last or next to last semester, I used those benefits & a two week emergency loan so I could travel back & forth.
I loved our local CC w it's avg age of 32, mostly non-traditional students. Pardon my blowing my own horn, but I was their first Magna cum laude. You could have blown me away when I walked across the stage to pick up my diploma & it was announced. It's a wonder I didn't trip over my feet; my eyes were blinded by tears!
Wishing the circumstances had been different & I could have gotten a BA, & gone to grad school, but life is what happens in the real world. I now take classes online for a certificate, if I want one. Generally, I don't. I'm much more interested in the knowledge for its own sake. That's because I don't have to work & Hubster is retiring next yr. Different circumstances to those just starting out.
Wishing everyone the very best; online classes have changed the world of education, but I wouldn't have missed those years for anything.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 10 at 2019 10:01 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 10:01:45 -0500

I already have a degree. It will go to my kids.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Nov 10 at 2019 10:09 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 10:09:03 -0500

I used mine when I retired and I am grateful for it. I didn't have the option to pass it on to my kids.