Do West Point Cadets qualify for the GI bill?
- Thread starter SFRanger
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USMA grads, after they complete the requisite time in service requirements and either separate or retire, may apply for the post-9/11 GI Bill and other benefits.
https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp
More specifically:
https://gibill.custhelp.va.gov/app/...emy-or-had-an-rotc-scholarship-can-i-still-be
I am very sure cadets are not eligible. These are post-separation/retirement benefits, and the type of duty prior to separation is a key factor. Prior enlisted service may make a difference. The link directly above indicates how it works with SA and ROTC obligated service years.
If a cadet separates, there may be eligibility for the home state veterans department or agency (different from Federal VA) educational and other benefits. I have seen USNA mids separated, and while they were not eligible for Federal VA educational benefits, some of them did have some benefits through their home state’s program. One mid we sponsored was able to complete his BS at one of the designated state universities, tuition-free and with a book allowance. His state’s only requirement was he had to have been a resident of the state before going on AD and a DD-214 documenting 2 years of active service.
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Capt MJ,
Would you please PM me as I have a specific question I would like to ask you?
Thanks
Not only no but the 5 year ADSO after the Academy doesn't count either. So the clock starts after year 5. Wouldn't earn full benefits until year 8 after graduation:
https://www.armyg1.army.mil/post911gibill.asp
https://www.armyg1.army.mil/post911gibill.asp
SFRanger
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Thank you.
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Tried. I don’t think I can until you have 5 posts. I am definitely not an expert in any forum, and only post here in USMA when I can add info that applies across services.
Impulsive
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According to VA, to be eligible for Post 9-11 GI Bill you must meet the following: 1. Have at least 90 days of AD since 9/11/2001 and still be on active duty, or
2. Be an Honorably Discharged Veteran, or
3. Were discharged with a Service Connected Disability after 30 days of AD.
https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp
The only thing I don't know is if ROTC or SA time is actually considered AD time? My guess is that @Capt MJ knows about this as well as anyone and I would defer to her knowledge of Education Programs and Service Time. Check the above VA link. And since Cadets are not supposed to have dependents, that leaves out transferring these benefits to your dependents. And since Post 9-11 Benefits are Educational in nature and you are in school, how would you want to use them?
2. Be an Honorably Discharged Veteran, or
3. Were discharged with a Service Connected Disability after 30 days of AD.
https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp
The only thing I don't know is if ROTC or SA time is actually considered AD time? My guess is that @Capt MJ knows about this as well as anyone and I would defer to her knowledge of Education Programs and Service Time. Check the above VA link. And since Cadets are not supposed to have dependents, that leaves out transferring these benefits to your dependents. And since Post 9-11 Benefits are Educational in nature and you are in school, how would you want to use them?