If a cadet is not qualified for assession into the Air Force but has a good GPA and no conduct issues, what type of discharge will he get? Are there military waivers that would allow him to apply at college for free? If his exception is not approved, we need to have plan “B” in place. Applying for colleges now for the fall 2018 semester.
Also, it is my understanding that he can apply as a dependent since he has been active duty at the academy since June 2016.
Any insight on this would be appreciated.
The DVA has very specific rules on veteran classifications and eligibility for veteran benefits, which is what I am guessing you might mean by “military waiver.” Service academy cadets and midshipmen are specifically addressed.
https://www.benefits.va.gov/WARMS/docs/admin21/m21_1/mr/part3/subptii/ch06/M21-1III_ii_6.docx
https://gibill.custhelp.com/app/ans...-gi-bill-eligibility-for-active-duty-veterans
Much depends on how the time at USAFA is classified. Active duty, yes, but the time is probably characterized as “training” or “under instruction.”
I dug these references up quickly, so you will want to start research there. Most major cities and counties have veterans’ benefits officers with certified counselors who know the benefits. I know the issue has come up here on SAF before, and I think the answer was “not eligible,” but it’s worth researching and getting the current, accurate answer.
And, each state has its own veterans agency, veterans department or veterans affairs group, which determines eligibility for that state’s benefits, different from Federal DVA above. Some states are looser in their definition of eligible veteran, when it comes to SA cadets and mids. It’s worth researching. Some states just want to see a DD-214 and don’t look too closely.
Type of discharge, assuming it’s voluntary, or involuntary for innocuous reasons, will be an administrative separation rather than a punitive. It should be either General, Under Honorable Conditions, or Honorable. Again, there are regulations about this, related to type and length of service, and USAFA will follow established precedent.
