Quote:
Originally Posted by Larry Gude  ...not accurate? |
Yes, you sign up for eight, but as much as four of it can be inactive which should not count.
Reservists can spend less than two years on active duty.
I absolutely agree that a benefit like this at the two year mark is not appropriate. The military does not begin to recoup the training cost for most members until after two years.
For example, I was in school for the first 18 months of my enlistment. The first six months on the ship I was busy learning my job and all of the collateral duties. I wasn't fully qualified to be a crewmember until the second year.
Should I have gotten a GI bill at two years? No. Should I have received one at four years? Probably. Should I have received one after serving six years? Absolutely. But I didn't receive a GI bill.
I don't see giving away a free education just because you are in for two years. I can see giving it to someone who is injured in combat at one year, but that should be a VA program, not GI bill.
I'd like to see it tied to serving in a war zone. Maybe earning an expeditionary medal or similar award could be a qualifier.