Education benefits are available for Selected Reserve and National Guard members to help with education and training costs. Guard and Reserve members are eligible for several education benefits including the GI Bill, tuition assistance, state benefits and other programs. The following guide will help you make the most of these benefits.
The GI Bill for Reserve & Guard Members
Reservists & Guard members are eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve, if they:
- Have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve or Guard signed after June 30, 1985. Officers must have agreed to serve six years in addition to their original obligation.
- Complete your initial active duty for training (IADT).
- Meet the requirement to receive a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT.
- Remain in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit.
If they leave the reserves or guard, they are no longer eligible.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill
Reserve & Guard members may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill if they are mobilized for:
- Title 10 active duty supporting named contingency operations
- Title 32 service for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the National Guard
- Title 32 service under section 502(f) for the purpose of responding to a national emergency
- All voluntary active duty, with the exception of active duty for medical care and medical evaluation
- When a governor requests federal assistance in responding to a major disaster or emergency
- When the DoD mobilizes reservists in support of a combatant command
Their active-duty time will qualify them for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Tuition Assistance
Federal Tuition Assistance is a military benefit that pays the cost of tuition and some fees. Tuition assistance program guidelines, application procedures and the policies for determining eligibility vary between the services. Congress has given each service the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses of its members. Select the following link to get detailed information on Tuition Assistance for your branch or unit.
In addition to tuition assistance you may be eligible for service specific education programs, scholarships, college funds, and other programs that can help you reach your education goals.
State Benefits
Many states offer great benefits for members of their National Guard, and even for members of the reserves. Check out our States Benefits page for details.
