The US military offers education assistance to all branches, including full-time, reserves, National Guard, and ROTC students. The Military Readjustment Act of 1944 increased education levels, and the Montgomery GI Bill provides enhanced benefits. Funding and benefits differ for each component, with scholarships available for ROTC members. The Army Reserve Education Career Stabilization Program allows reservists to complete their college degree before mobilization.
In the United States, class attendance is available to members of all branches of the military, including those working full-time, in the Reserves, National Guard units, or students enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) program. To receive assistance in Army classes, a person must sign an enlistment contract with one of these Army units.
Army class attendance was first established after World War II with the passage of the Military Readjustment Act of 1944. This measure had a far-reaching socioeconomic impact in the US, significantly increasing the average level of education of citizens . At the height of the postwar period in 1947, 49% of all US college students were veterans, most of whom would simply return to the farms or the workforce without that financial option to earn a college degree. The bill was reformulated in 1984 by Congressman Montgomery and became known as the Montgomery GI Bill. In 2008, the bill was revised once again to provide enhanced educational benefits to anyone who has served on active duty since September 11, 2001.
While all components of the Army are eligible for Army education assistance, benefits and funding methods differ. The regular Army, or those serving as full-time enlisted personnel, along with reservists and activated guards, are eligible for funding for voluntary, off-duty high school. Benefits include up to 100% of tuition, subject to a maximum rate per credit hour, as well as a monthly fee. Classes must be held at an accredited school and can be used for Bachelors or Masters. Classroom assistance is also available to help a soldier earn a high school diploma or an equivalency degree if he has not yet graduated from high school.
College students interested in joining the military can join the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corp) for any branch of service. Army ROTC members sign an enlistment contract in exchange for assistance in Army classes. They enroll in ROTC courses, which are treated as college electives, and train with the Army during the summers. These scholarships are based on merit, not financial need, and upon graduation, the student joins the Army as an officer. Under certain circumstances, a student may have the option to receive room and board assistance in lieu of paying tuition.
Army class attendance is also available for persons serving in inactive Army Reserve or Army National Guard units. The benefits are not as great as for those who are on active duty or who have completed active duty status, but they can be very beneficial. In addition to the membership benefits, which pay a percentage of the actual membership costs, the service member receives a monthly allowance. In some cases, the student may be entitled to a “kicker” or additional monthly amount, depending on their job classification. Graduates who sign a minimum six-year enlistment after receiving their degree can get assistance with Army classes in the form of student loan payments.
One of the concerns of some students is that their college education could be cut short if their reserve or guard unit is activated. In response, the Army created the Army Reserve Education Career Stabilization Program (ECS). This program allows a reservist to benefit from the Army’s educational assistance while deferring any mobilization and deployment orders until the completion of their college degree.
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