Question for Marines who've enlisted directly into the Reserves

[AZTony]

Hello Marines,

First off, a big thank you for your service to our country, I am excited to one day be in your shoes accomplishing the same things as you all are.

Regarding the Reserves. I am enlisting into the Reserves because I want to become a Marine and serve our country while attending college full-time.

Anyway, regarding the Reserve educational benefits. I recently switched my contract at MEPS from Active to Reserve on 20110830. My MOS is Bulk Fuel Specialist 1391.

When I signed my contract they told me that the Marine Corps College Fund, or, "Kicker" as some call it, is currently unavailable due to budget constraints. The Gunnery Sgt. told me that several MCCF become available every now and then and he said there should be more in November or December.

The only problem here is, my ship date is October 24th, 2011. Since I may not be able to get the MCCF on my final contract, is it possible for me to apply for it once I arrive at my Reserve unit after my training is complete? If so, how would I go about applying for it?

Thank you Marines,

Poolee Le Claire

[AZTony]

There are a couple of recruiters on here who can help you when they read this, and TheReservist may have info for you, too, if he happens to read this also. (You can also PM him to save time)
Good luck.

Thank you for your reply, Sgt. I have sent the Sgt. a PM and am looking forward to a reply form him regarding my questions.

If any Marines have some insight on the questions I have asked, please feel free to reply or send me a PM.

Thank you Marines,

Poolee Le Claire

[SSgtRSD]

In regards to the Marine Corps College Fund (not sure if reservists are eligible), it is a recruiting incentive. Once you ship you are no longer able to receive that benefit. There are college benefits, through the VA, for reservists. It is similar to Active Duty tuition assistance. It is % based and goes off of Active Duty TIS (Boot Camp, MCT, MOS school, deployments, etc.). It is not widely known in the Reserves, ask your recruiter about the specifics. Also, many states like IL and TX have veteran's college benefits like lower tuition or paying only tuition and no other fees.

[AZTony]

In regards to the Marine Corps College Fund (not sure if reservists are eligible), it is a recruiting incentive. Once you ship you are no longer able to receive that benefit. There are college benefits, through the VA, for reservists. It is similar to Active Duty tuition assistance. It is % based and goes off of Active Duty TIS (Boot Camp, MCT, MOS school, deployments, etc.). It is not widely known in the Reserves, ask your recruiter about the specifics. Also, many states like IL and TX have veteran's college benefits like lower tuition or paying only tuition and no other fees.

SSgt. Thank you very much for your reply it is a huge help for my situation.

In regards to the first part of what you wrote about MCCF, I will make sure to get it on my contract before I ship.

Regarding the Reserve tuition assistance, my recruiter mentioned that if I am called for Active Duty for at least 90 days that I can receive more money on my MGIB, is this what you are referring to? I haven't heard about Boot Camp, MCT, MOS School counting toward that amount, only deployments.

Thank you for your help, SSgt.,

Poolee Le Claire