Military Careers, Retirement - Navy Times

Retirement: Education

The Montgomery GI Bill has two components for active-duty and Selected Reserve service members.

Those participating in the GI Bill-Active Duty agree to have nonrefundable contributions withheld from their paychecks — $100 per month for 12 months. In addition, to receive the benefits, veterans must have served the contracted number of years on active duty (at least two) and received an honorable discharge. Those eligible for the GI Bill-Active Duty have 10 years after separating or retiring from service to use their benefits.

The GI Bill-Selected Reserve requires no contribution, but reservists must be participating satisfactorily in the unit’s monthly drills and be enrolled in at least half-time status in an eligible college, trade or technical school. Unlike the active-duty program, GI Bill-Selected Reserve benefits must be used while the reservist is still in a drilling status; they cannot be used after separation.

Contact: (888) GI-BILL-1 (442-4551); http://www.gibill.va.gov.