Readers of Tom Philpott's Military Update column sound off.

Appreciation, Disappointment Over Post-9/11 GI Bill

I just really want to thank everyone who helped implement this Post-9/11 GI Bill. It really is something us veterans and our families deserve.

Thanks to anyone responsible for the hard work.

BRYNN HEALY
Storekeeper Second Class, USCG
Via e-mail

Details concerning the new GI Bill's transferability provision are disturbing. I do not understand why it excludes transfer of benefits for those of us already retired who otherwise qualify.  It is more than just a slap in the face! What veterans were "excluded" from WWII or Vietnam-era GI bills?

Among the excluded are those medically retired or separated. This does not seem fair. Furthermore, it does not make financial sense: If I were to use the benefit it would cost the government tuition, books and living allowance but if I transfer the benefits it only costs tuition!

I do not want to go back to school to earn a masters degree at my age. And what parent with college-age kids would put themselves before their own children? How could I face my son if I went to school and he could not?

Why is more than 29 years of service, including combat service in two wars, not deserving of the ability to transfer education benefits?

LEE REYNOLDS JR.
Lieutenant Colonel, USMCR-Ret.
Via e-mail

Get answers to the top 20 questions about the New Post-9/11 GI Bill.

As a retired disabled veteran who will not use the new education benefits myself, I would like to be able to transfer them to those who stood by my side, were uprooted and moved from place to place, and had to start all over so frequently no place could be called home.

I hope this decision is reconsidered, and that transferability is not just used as a retention tool but as a way to say "Thank You" to the many families who have served honorably and with pride.

ANTHONY C. WESCOTT
Charleston, S.C.

With my son residing in Texas and seeing his college education paid for under the Hazelwood Act, how will this new GI Bill help him? He will not need the money to go directly to his college.

LEEAN CALHOUN
Via e-mail

Assuming your son is at least a "half-time" student in Texas, he could be better off financially staying under the Montgomery GI Bill and pockets cash payments not needed for tuition.

Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, your son would not be eligible for its payments to schools for tuition and fees because the state program pays them.  However, he might still receive the housing allowance, depending on circumstances, and the $1000-a-year book and supplies stipend. – Tom Philpott

Can mid-career active duty officers – 11 years' service in my case -- enroll in the GI Bill initiative?

My intent would be to transfer my benefits to my children someday to help in their education.

JEFF BACON
Major, USA
Via e-mail

Learn more about Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility.

If you have MGIB benefits and haven't used them, you can elect to transfer to Post-9/11 benefits as they take effect next August. If you have not enrolled in MGIB, you will be covered by the Post-9/11 plan automatically. To qualify for transferability, however, you would have to commit to serve four more years on or after Aug. 1, 2009. – T.P.

I spent 11 years on active duty. Before coming off active duty to join the National Guard, I bought into the Montgomery GI Bill. I have never used those benefits and have had my "use it or lose it" date extended three times due to Title 10 deployments while in the Guard. One deployment was 14 months on active duty in Iraq.

I plan to still be on drill status as of August 2009. So will I be able to convert my MGIB benefits to the new one? If so, will I qualify for the full Post-9/11 benefit?

HENRY B.
Lieutenant Colonel, ANG
Via e-mail  

Yes, you will be able to convert unused MGIB benefits into the Post-9/11 GI Bill.  The value of new plan to you will depend on length of active service since Sept. 11, 2001.  If you served 36 months, you can qualify for 100 percent of the Post-9/11 benefit.  If you served at least 30 months but less than 36, you would qualify for 90 percent; at least 24 months results in 80 percent and so on down to a minimum 90 days to earn 40 percent.

Also, you will get back as part of your final Post-9/11 stipend payment at least a portion of the $1200 you forfeited to enroll in MGIB.  The exact amount will be based on unused months of MGIB at the time of your Post-9/11 benefit election.  Individuals who do not exhaust their Post-9/11 entitlement, however, will not receive a MGIB contribution refund.  – T.P.

I find it interesting that those of us nearing retirement from the National Guard, some of whom spent one or more tours in Iraq or Afghanistan, will not be able to take advantage of the education benefits under the new GI bill.

I will retire from the Guard next year but before the Aug. 1, 2009 implementation date.  I was considering going back to school for a degree in education so that I could teach part time in the local school system.

 I understand Congress wanting to limit benefits but they've just slapped the faces of a lot of longtime Guardsmen and women who otherwise would have met the requirements by deploying several times.

MIKE SHEA
Chief Warrant Officer 4
Colorado Army National Guard

Wrong!  The Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't begin until Aug. 1, 2009 but you almost certainly will be eligible.  Even tens of thousands of veterans who already have left service with active service after 9/11 will be able to go to college under this Post-9/11 benefit.

The Aug. 1, 2009 start date only means veterans have to wait until then to gain access to the benefits they have earned.  – T. P.

Letters may be edited for clarity or length.  Write to Military Forum, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA  20120-1111, send e-mail to militaryforum@aol.com or visit www.militaryupdate.com.