ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Team Andrews servicemembers looking to further their education have a new option on the table: the Post-9/11 GI Bill, also known as Chapter 33.
Talk of the bill has already generated buzz around base, according to Dr. Terri Bedford, 316th Force Support Squadron education services office guidance counselor. Due the interest regarding the bill, Dr. Bedford said a considerable amount of misinformation is being shared.
"I would highly encourage our servicemembers to visit www.gibill.va.gov to educate themselves about the Post-9/11 GI Bill to decide if it is the best option for them. If the member is already enrolled in the Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 30, the enrollment to Chapter 33 is irrevocable," Dr. Bedford said. "In the past couple weeks, I've had many people stop by my office asking about Chapter 33, saying they've heard this or read that about the bill. Although you can now enroll in Chapter 33, Team Andrews needs to know that the Air Force Personnel Center is still working out details, especially as it relates to the transfer of benefits."
Because many other military branches have already debuted their versions of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and how they relate to the transfer of benefits, many think that the Air Force will have the same provisions, but Dr. Bedford cautions that may not be the case.
Some other misconceptions include where one should go for an application and other Chapter 33 details.
"First, there is no paperwork involved - just go online to the Veterans Affairs Web site to enroll; it is a totally paperless system," Dr. Bedford said. "Another misperception that we're seeing is people are saying that Air Force ROTC, Officer Training School students, and Academy grads are not eligible for Chapter 33. That's wrong. As long as the person has served an aggregated service of three years post-Sept. 11, 2001, they are eligible to enroll. The third misperception is that there is a buy in for the benefits, however, there is no buy in. The service requirement is what makes one eligible for Chapter 33. The fourth misperception is if the member declined Chapter 30, then Chapter 33 is not available, and that's not true; one does not reflect on the other."
A further misunderstanding is that the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides retroactive payments for education.
"The Post-9/11 GI Bill only covers tuition and fees after August 1, 2009," Dr. Bedford explained.
A noteworthy difference between the Montgomery GI Bill and Post 9/11 GI Bill is to whom the payments are given - with the MGIB, the money goes to the individual, whereas with the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the money goes directly to the college or university. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is only available to servicemembers with service on or after Sept. 11, 2001, with service time starting after technical school training, to OTS graduates after the 90 days of service and to ROTC and Academy graduates who have completed their first Active Duty service commitment, or four to five years, respectively.
Major differences exist in the Chapter 33, depending if the applicant is Active Duty or a veteran, including housing and other stipends.
More information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill is available on the VA GI Bill Web site at www.gibill.va.gov, or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1. Along with answers to frequently asked questions, visitors to the site will find a link that will allow them to receive automatic updates on the Post 9/11 GI Bill via e-mail as they become available.
The education office is offering Post 9/11 GI Bill briefings June 9, June 23, July 7 and July 21 at 1 p.m. For questions in regards to the upcoming briefings or additional inquiries, please contact Dr. Bedford at 301-981-6347.