Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33 Benefits)

The Post 911 GI Bill is the most comprehensive eduction benefit package since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944.  Individuals who are eligible for the new benefit may begin using the benefit August 1, 2009 for training that begins on or after that date.  

BASIC ELIGIBILITY

Only active duty service performed after September 10, 2001, may be considered for determining eligibility for this new benefit.  To be eligible, a service member or veteran must have served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty.  However, individuals honorably discharged for a service-connected disability who served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001, may also establish eligibility

BASIC BENEFITS

The maximum basic benefit provides the following:

*Cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher learning in the state you are attending school;

*Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to an E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as the school; and

*Yearly book and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year.

The maximum basic benefit is earned after serving an aggregate of 36 months of active duty service or after 30 days of continuous service for those individuals who were discharged for a service-connected disability.  Individuals serving between 90 days and 36 months of aggregate active duty service will be eligible for a percentage of the maximum benefit.

The percentage level ranges from 40% of the basic benefit for those whose service is between 90 days and 6 months to 90% for those who served between 30 a 36 months.  For example, an individual with 5 months of qualifying service could receive 40% f the tuition benefit, 40% of the monthly housing allowance, ad a maximum of $400.00 books ad supplies stipend.

For more information visit www.gibill.va.gov

What to expect at your mobilization station

Once the service member completes their initial in processing with the unit that they will be deploying with, it will be time for their onward travel to their Mobilization Station. After completing my initial in processing and deployment ceremony at Fort Jackson located in Columbia, South Carolina, I departed South Carolina and was flown to Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin to start my training with my unit. I was assigned to the 3rd Personnel Command (Forward) for deployment to the Iraq war theater.

Being sent to a mobilization station is not generic to the Army alone. All service members in some form or another will be sent to a mobilization station for processing prior to being sent into the war zone. You may be wondering what a mobilization station is. Service members who are deployed are sent to what is referred to as a mobilization station. The Department of Defense (DOD) defines a Mobilization Station as "the designated military installation to which a Reserve Component unit or individual is moved for further processing, organizing, equipping, training, and employment and from which the unit or individual may move to an aerial port of embarkation or seaport of embarkation."

Despite all the very good training I received during the two months that I was at my mobilization station, I found that I had a great deal of "down time". I have spoken to hundreds of deployed service members and the consensus is that the time spent at the mobilization station can and should be shortened. Many service members have told me that they are bored and restless. While I strongly believe in being prepared to go to war, there comes a point of diminishing returns and you just end up wasting time and resources that could better be used for something else.

If you are a Commander and want to use the time spent at your mobilization station wisely, I would suggest to the extent possible, you identify to a degree of certainty what specific jobs your service members will do once they arrive in theater and train them as they would fight. The "kitchen sink" approach to training is not only a waste of time but a poor use of valuable resources during the time of war. It was during my mobilization station time that I learned what my first assignment for the first half of what would turn into a 2 year combat deployment would be. I was appointed as the Deputy Chief for Theater Rest and Recuperation or R&R. With this knowledge, I was able to communicate with the outgoing Deputy and learned a great deal of what I would be doing prior to even arriving in Kuwait.

One the biggest pieces of advice I would like to share with a deploying service member is to use the time you spend at the Mobilization Station to get your "head in the game"! You will be gone from home for a year or more and now is the time to get ready for what in all likelihood will be the first long absence away from your family that you will have experienced in your life and certainly in the life of young children if you have any.

It was also during the time I was at my mobilization station that I made certain covenants with myself. The first half of 2006 was a very stressful time in my life both personally and professionally. In addition to those conditions, my health was getting worse. At the time I reported to my unit for deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I weighed 316lbs and had a waist size of 54 inches. I made a commitment that during the time I was at my mobilization station I would get into shape as well as develop a healthy life style. I also endeavored to get spiritually stronger. One way I would accomplish this was by reading the book by Rick Warren entitled "Purpose Driven Life". By the way "Purpose Driven Life" has been one of the best books I have read to date. The book has helped me in all areas of my life.

In my book The Service Member’s Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed. I outline the steps I took to lose 100lbs of fat in a healthy way. I also discuss in great detail other positive life changing activities that everyone should follow while they are deployed.

Outward Bound Sailing Expeditions for Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom Veterans

After spending time in a combat zone you will certainly need some time to relax and unwind. One program designed to do just that is the Outward Bound Wilderness Excursions for OEF/OIF Veterans. Outward Bound is an international non-profit outdoor education program which is offering fully funded outdoor adventure excursions to all OEF/OIF veterans. It doesn't matter what your current military status is (active, inactive, discharged, retired) - you're eligible to attend as long as you deployed in support of OEF/OIF combat operations while in the military.

These seven-day excursions offer adventure activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, canyoneering, canoeing, and dog sledding in beautiful wilderness areas in Maine, Texas, Colorado, California, and Minnesota.

My favorite is the Sailing Expedition of the coast of Key Largo, Florida!

All expedition costs for lodging, equipment, food, and instruction are completely funded by a milt-million dollar Sierra Club grant, including the participants' round-trip transportation between home and the wilderness site.

That is right, these excursions are offered at no cost to the participant! In my book I talk about other great programs that are offered free to veterans.

For more information pertaining to the Outward Bound OEF/OIF War Veterans Expeditions check out their website at www.outwardboundwilderness.org/veterans/html