Split-Op and tuition assist.

[Parentwithquestions]

My son joined the guard in December during his senior year of high school. We live in Illinois and his recruiter spoke of 100% paid tuition. We are just finding out that he must complete 1 yr of active duty, BT and AIT in order to recieve his NOBE. According to what we are now being told, there is no tuition assistance for the split option for his 1st yr of college.
While looking on this website, it seems that he should be eligible for the federal tuition assistance($4500.00 max p/yr). Does anyone know the in's and out's of the split option and any tuition assistance he is eligible for?
Any help would be great.

[SGM Crawford]

Great Questions:

Don't get excited. The Federal Tuition Assistance (TA) is the 100% tuition assistance program that you are speaking about. To term in properly... it's Federal TA that has a maximum cap per fiscal year of $4,500 per soldier. (Fiscal years Starts on 1 OCT and ends 30 SEP). It will pay up to 100% of the student's tuition. Obviously, if your son goes to a Private College, $4,500 each year will certainly help, but won't totally cover expensive private college tuition. ON the other hand, $4,500 per year at a State School will put a huge dent in the Tuition; and will be significantly less money the soldier must pay our of pocket.

Federal TA can be used immediately after enlisting. That is... you don't have to have already completed BT and AIT in order to use that benefits. Applicaton must be submitted BEFORE the 1st Day of Class.... and hopefully your solider won't waint till the last minute. (You guys need to go to www.virtualarmory.com and go to the EDUCATION tab. That is where your son will apply for Federal TA. (He needs to have an Army Knowledge Online email account and know his user name and password).

PS: Keep in mind the Fiscal year will end on 30 SEP 2006. Therefore, as soon as your son has registered for class and knows his schedule or at least what he request to be his classes)-----then he needs to complete the On-Line Application. Fund from Federal TA money goes directly to the college and most all colleges will accept a letter from the Education Services Officer as a "Voucher" until the money is actually paid by the Federal Govt.

YOUR REFERENCE to the NOBE (Notice of Basic Eligibility) is something that deals specifically with the Selected Reserve Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 1606). Often call "the GI Bill" this is additional money that your son (soldier) will recieve if he attend college after he completes BT & AIT. GI Bill money goes directly to the soldier (and it's tax free). He can spend it on class fees, books, or making a car payment.

Hope this helps.

If you son is at BT this summer, I recommend you call his Recruiter or local Guard unit, and get the number of the Education Service Officer at your State Headquarters. Maybe together.. or with some help... you can get your son registered for TA while he is gone to BT. Remember, 1st day of call will likley be late Aug or Early Sep. About time to get money obligated NOW.. by doing the on-line application. If you miss the boat on TA this fall, Remember the new FY starts 01 OCT 2006, and therefore will not be able to use the the FY Funds until January (spring) semester.

Good Luck,

SGM Kit Crawford
Tennessee Army National Guard