Reserve Component Education/Training

Service members leaving the military sometimes find a gap between the civilian careers they want and the specific education or training needed to achieve it. The following section will help you identify the resources to assist you in getting the training and education needed to help close that gap.

Your Education Benefits: Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill for Selected Reserve, REAP, and More

Several programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide financial assistance to veterans for education programs. To receive benefits, the education program must be VA approved. You may receive benefits for a wide variety of approved training, including undergraduate or graduate degree programs at a college or university. Also included are accredited independent study programs, leading to a standard college degree as well as a cooperative training program. Technical and vocational programs, correspondence courses, flight training courses, on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs, licensing and certification test reimbursement and national tests for admission or credit may also be taken.

The three programs designed for members of the Guard and Reserves are the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) and the Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP).

Effective October 1, 2011 use the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows for -
- Non-college degree (NCD) programs: Non-college degree (NCD) programs offered at non-degree granting schools: Pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees or $17,500, whichever is less. Also pays up to $83 per month for books and supplies.
- On-the-job and apprenticeship training: Pays a monthly benefit amount prorated based on time in program and up to $83 per month for books and supplies.
- Flight programs: Per academic year, pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees assessed by the school or $10,000, whichever is less.
- Correspondence training: Per academic year, pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees assessed by the school or $8,500, whichever is less.
- Housing allowance is now payable to students (other than those on active duty) enrolled solely in distance learning. The housing allowance payable is equal to ½ the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents.
- The full-time rate for an individual eligible at the 100% eligibility tier would be $673.50 for 2011.
- Allows students on active duty to receive a books and supplies stipend. For changes that affect schools click here.
- More information is forthcoming, please check back or view our Frequently Asked Questions for more information. You can subscribe for updates to the Frequently Asked Questions and will receive an email when changes are posted. Click here to view our FAQ on these changes.

Eligibility for MGIB-SR requires a commitment to serve a minimum of six years in the Selected Reserve.
There are provisions that may allow you to use your MGIB-SR benefits after you separate from the National Guard or Reserves. For example: If you were activated at any time, you may remain eligible to use your MGIB-SR benefits for the number of months you were activated, plus four months. So, if you were activated for 3 months, you may be able to use your GI Bill-SR benefits for up to 7 months after you leave the guard or reserves.
REAP (Reserve Educational Assistance Program) is a benefit which provides education assistance to members of the reserve components who were called or ordered to active service in response to a war or national emergency, as declared by the President or Congress. Eligibility is determined by the DoD or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and requires that the member serve on active duty 90 consecutive days or more and continue to serve in the Ready Reserve after demobilization/deactivation.
$600 Buy-up Program: Some reservists may contribute up to an additional $600 to the GI Bill to receive increased monthly benefits. For an additional $600 contribution, you may receive up to $5400 in additional GI Bill benefits. You must be a member of a Ready Reserve component (Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve, or Inactive National Guard) to pay into the "buy-up" program.
The GI Bill Apprenticeship and OJT Program is a benefit that could pay eligible veterans and Guard and Reserve members up to $990.75 while you learn new job skills.

If you originally served in an active duty component before affiliating with the National Guard or Reserves, you may have remaining benefits under either the Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) or the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). Both programs are intended to help you develop skills that will enhance your opportunities for employment. As a rule, the benefits under either of these programs must be used within 10 years of separation from active duty. However, your 10-year limit may be extended if you were activated for more than 90 days during your service in a Reserve Component.

Fill Out VA Form 22-1990, “Application for VA Education Benefits” - Many service members may qualify for the New Post 9/11 GI Bill. Completing this form and mailing it to the VA is the one way to verify your benefit eligibility. Download VA Form 22-1990, “Application for VA Education Benefits” from http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-22_1990.pdf . Service members and Veterans may also to complete their VA benefits application on line. The VA On line Application (VONAPP) program at http://www.gibill.va.gov/apply-for-benefits/application/ will allow Service members and veterans to complete and submit their application. By completing the form now you will save time later when you are ready to start using your GI Bill.

You may qualify for more than one of the following VA education assistance programs. You may only use one version of the GI Bill at a time and in some cases you may be asked to make an irrevocable choice. For example after Aug. 1, 2009 you will be have to choose between the MGIB and Post 9/11 GI Bill. You should consult with your unit Education Officer, Navy College Representative, contact the Regional VA Office nearest you, or call 1-888-GIBILL-1 and speak with a counselor before making this choice because each GI Bill program fits some education and training goals better than others.

Your eligibility for any of VA administered education programs is determined by many factors including length of service (duty) requirements, original enlistment date, character of service, and whether or not you were activated. An overview of each program and their eligibility criteria is listed below:

Date Last Reviewed: September 29, 2011

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Reserve Component Education/Training

NEED-TO-KNOW INFORMATION