New G.I. Bill

[JoeInVille]

What do yall think about the new G.I. Bill? I thought the old one was getting a little out of date for someone who wanted to pursue conventional college and not necessarily stay inside of their state.

Some information about what the bill includes is here:
http://www.gibill2008.org/benefits.html

I really like the sound of the new G.I. Bill but I was wondering what you all thought about it. Schools are getting very expensive now a days and I am hoping that this will pass.

[Zulu 36]

What do yall think about the new G.I. Bill? I thought the old one was getting a little out of date for someone who wanted to pursue conventional college and not necessarily stay inside of their state.

Some information about what the bill includes is here:
http://www.gibill2008.org/benefits.html

I really like the sound of the new G.I. Bill but I was wondering what you all thought about it. Schools are getting very expensive now a days and I am hoping that this will pass.

They're still messing with it in the Senate. Don't hold your breath just yet.

[JoeSzynal]

There's actually some buzz swirling around the media about McCain voting against (or simply not showing up to the vote) this bill and his reason is one that I agree with.

Simply put, this new bill would make getting out after 4 years way too attractive and the Corps would not be able to hold on to it's NCOs at all.

Right now I believe the current GI bill is good enough and a great start. Don't forget, nothing is every given but earned.

This new bill is just a straight-up hand out. You don't even pay into it.

[jrhd97]

I don't care much for this new bill either. Besides creating a retention nightmare, it will ultimatley raise the costs for the rest of the country. Colleges and universities will raise there cost,knowing uncle sam will pay. The poor guy on the street will end up paying even more. Housing will go up in cost around these campuses.

[gobuffs10]

Yeah I don't mind buying in...it should be earned.

The GI Bill still makes the military an attractive option though...it's one of the main reasons I decided to suck it up and join.

[thewookie]

What do yall think about the new G.I. Bill? I thought the old one was getting a little out of date for someone who wanted to pursue conventional college and not necessarily stay inside of their state.

I really like the sound of the new G.I. Bill but I was wondering what you all thought about it. Schools are getting very expensive now a days and I am hoping that this will pass.

I think if you pass up the chance to get the GI Bill while you're in, you are foolish. The total buy in is still only $1,200. However, the payback maxed-out is $1,100 dollars A MONTH for 4 YEARS,,,,, like duh. That is a very good return on your investment and you don't have to be Warren Buffet to figure that out!

<O:pI am using it right now, the only thing that I would have done differently would have been to start using it sooner then I did so I could max out the time that I could use it. After I pay for my tuition, I clear about $700 a month depending on how much my books cost. I didn't start using it until I had been out for 8 years, and you only have 10 years total to use it once you're out. So, it's paying for my Associates degree but anything higher then that will be on my dime, or my employers.

Still, it's like a sore dick; it is hard to beat!

[thewookie]

I also know another guy using it, a former Navy guy, who works for the local Sheriffs Department at the County Farm (prison.) He already has the job of a sworn Correctional Officer but he applied for the GI Bill apprenticeship program. And so on top on his normal salary, ot, benefits etc.,,, he receives $1,100 a month even though he already has the job.

<O:pGreat deal!

[andrewjg0307]

quick question.
When do you buy into the G.I. Bill.

[DGardner]

The GI Bill still makes the military an attractive option though...it's one of the main reasons I decided to suck it up and join.

I'm hoping that your kidding. You shouldn't join just for the college money. At least that's my opinion.:)

[thewookie]

quick question.
When do you buy into the G.I. Bill.

Not sure if it's the same today...but at some point at bootcamp (if my memory serves me,) they asked us who wanted to sign up for it. Then if you sign-up, $100 is automatically deducted from your pay each month, for 12 months. Early on losing that $100 bucks can be challenging, specifically because you're not making that much to begin with, but it is sure worth it in the end.

Some guys said heck with the $100 bucks a month and opted out, and spent the money drinking, chasing tail and/or buying t-shirts. I'll be honest, back then I wasn't really sure if I'd go to college when I got out, but now I'm sure glad I did sign up!

[thewookie]

I'm hoping that your kidding. You shouldn't join just for the college money. At least that's my opinion.:)

Some people who really want college, but don't find the prices very attractive, might make that sacrifice. I don't think it's a bad idea, actually.

It might not be that patriotic; Steven Spielberg might not be calling on you for your life story. But it's better then the guy who joins just so he or she can get a clue, or a job.

Who cares, either way you're still volunteering to serve your country...

[Haffner]

The good Sgt is correct. In the montage of paperwork that the beginning of bootcamp is, that is gone over. Don't worry about it; the subject will be brought to YOUR attention, you won't have to ask for it.

To all poolees: no matter how little money a recruit, private, pfc and lcpl make, sign up for the damn GI bill. This is NOT 1950/60/70. You can't rise to the top without a degree anymore (for the most part, there are always exceptions to everything).

Think of this vicious cycle: you need plenty of money to afford college, you need a job to get money, nowadays without college it's pretty damn hard to make good money, therefore making college hard to afford (especially if you have rent, car insurance, etc etc) Not fun to be in that spot, I imagine!

Oh, while we're at it: 10% in your TSP. If you go career, you'll love yourself for it.

[gobuffs10]

No no no, it's not the ONLY reason at all. I'm just saying, it sure does make service look much more attractive.

I could easily get loans and finish. But I'd rather earn it by being a Marine. That way I get to serve, be a Marine, AND finish school. See what I'm sayin?

I have ****ed around in college for 2 years...it's time to do something with myself. The GI Bill just makes this something much more attractive than it would be, that's all I mean.

[jrhd97]

Joining to get the college money isn't a bad thing. A Marine in my platoon in boot camp joined for that reason. DO his four , get out and go to college. He is now a Gunny, never did get out. Things can change.