The Commitment
As a newly enlisted member of the U.S. Armed Services, you know that the U.S. military is made of committed enlisted soldiers and officers serving together to protect America’s freedoms and to preserve the peace. This kind of commitment makes your dedication the embodiment of selfless service, and you are called on by the world persistently to do your job anywhere, anytime. But who do you call on when you need help in finding a satisfying civilian life after your active duty?

The Desire
One of the better ways to boost your value in the civilian sector is by improving your education. And one of the best ways to improve your education is through the Montgomery GI Bill. You may have heard of it, but do you really know what it can do for you?

The Problem
The rising cost of tuition can be hard to manage, but the Military’s Tuition Assistance Program pays for up to 100 percent of the cost of tuition or expenses, up to a maximum of $250 per semester credit hour and a personal maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year per student. This program is the same for full-time duty members in each military service. Selected military reserve and National Guard units also offer a Tuition Assistance Program, although the benefits may vary from the full-time duty program.

The Solution
The Montgomery GI Bill offers more than $36,000 in tuition as a benefit for a three-year commitment on full-time duty. Service members contribute $100 a month for a year. In return, they get more than $1,000 a month for three years - a very handsome return on investment.

The GI Bill can be used not only for college degree programs but also for technical certifications, flight training, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, online degrees and correspondence courses, among others.

You can apply for the GI Bill by filling out and following the instructions on VA Form 22-1990, which is the Application for Education Benefits. But did you also know about additional features and details of the GI Bill?

Since 2001, there have been numerous features added to the GI Bill that have greatly improved the benefits. Here is a list of the most important ways the Act has improved your MGIB/VA benefits. These additional benefits include:

• Transferability (to help your dependents)
• Buy-up (an extra $150 each month)
• Top-up (available to those enlisted two years or more)
• Accelerated payments (up to $6,000 for jobs in high-tech!)
• Certification Programs (if you would rather graduate quickly)

The Kicker
Here’s another little-known secret with a large payoff. Enlistees in the Armed Services who become eligible for their College Fund Programs receive up to $65,000 toward college tuition, when combined with the Montgomery GI Bill, and upon honorable discharge. Enlistees who are awarded the College Fund by the Marine Corps or Coast Guard receive additional dollars that can make up a significant part - or all - of the funds needed to complete a college education.

A great education should be something to look forward to after your active duty and can help you find the perfect path back to a productive civilian life, if you plan ahead and take a few simple steps. Take the time to find out more about the Montgomery GI Bill soon.