What’s the Army College Fund?

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The Army College Fund provides additional funding for college to members of the US Army who meet certain criteria, on top of the basic GI Bill assistance. Funding amounts are determined by length of enlistment and eligibility criteria may vary from year to year. Recipients must serve on active duty and retain all necessary documentation.

The Army College Fund (ACF) provides money for college to members of the United States Army who meet special criteria. It is an enlistment benefit on top of the basic GI Bill assistance provided to members of the military who want to go to college. To receive assistance through the ACF, Army enlistees must determine eligibility and receive documentation upon joining the service. Once they enlist, they must receive additional documentation to complete in order to claim their benefits.

This program was started on a pilot basis in the late 1970s and made permanent in the 1980s. It provides additional funding as an incentive for individuals in key roles, such as critically in short supply specialties. Enrollees who agree to serve in qualified specialties and meet standards may receive benefits from the Army College Fund in addition to their GI Bill funds. Additional enlistment benefits may be available based on timing and specialty.

Funding amounts are determined by length of enlistment. People can discuss their options with a recruiter to learn more about the different options. With longer enlistments, more money is made available through the Army College Fund, due to the increased commitment. Recruiters can also provide information on other incentives that may be available. It can be helpful to get an overview of all your options from a recruiter, to understand the options available and the implications of different enlistment terms.

Recipients of Army College Fund assistance must serve on active duty to receive funds and must take care to retain all documentation. This must include enlistment paperwork, along with written confirmation that the enlistee is entitled to ACF assistance. Verbal promises from recruiters are not enough. If members of the Army do not receive paperwork to complete after joining, they can talk to their supervising officers to request it and begin generating a paper record to document their eligibility for benefits.

The standards for determining who is eligible for the Army College Fund enlistment bonus may vary from year to year. Specialties listed change based on current conditions and shortages. It is important to ensure that a recruiter is using the latest information, to confirm that the quoted details about benefits and bonuses are correct. Enlisted members of the military can talk with professional and human resource counselors to learn more about their benefits if they have questions or concerns.

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