By Larry Dandridge
According to the VA’s Education and Training web page found at https://bit.ly/3LIYf89, eligible veterans can use their VA education and training benefits for just about anything, including but not limited to a college degree or to become a chef, cosmetologist, first responder, hotel manager, mechanic, and other vocation specialist.
If you are a veteran and heading to college, the VA’s Yellow Ribbon program can open opportunities at higher-cost private universities.
This writer knows the value of VA education benefits. I used my VA education benefits to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., and a Master’s degree in Transportation Management from Florida Institute of Technology.
I also used the VA to pay for my FAA multi-engine and single-engine land Airplane and Helicopter Commercial Pilot’s License, Instrument Rating in Helos and Airplanes, and my Certified Flight Instructor Rating in Helicopters, Airplanes, and Instruments while I was serving in the Army during a 24-year career.
As a service-connected 100% permanent and totally disabled veteran, I also recently used the VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program to obtain graduate-level creative writing instruction. Learn more about VR&E at https://bit.ly/3Cl4Sbr and in The Island News article on VR&E, published on Oct. 6, 2021, found at https://bit.ly/43r9wAJ.
The VA Education and Training webpage
The VA’s Education and Training web page at https://bit.ly/3LIYf89 covers education and training, veterans job training, Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and Family Members. Veterans can apply for VA educational benefits online, in-person, at the school with the schools certifying official, or by mail.
VA can help veteran cover the cost of furthering their education and skills through benefits for tuition, housing, training, and other expenses related to their education. VA’s education and training benefits are provided through these GI Bill® programs:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill: Learn more at https://bit.ly/46w5VCH. The Yellow Ribbon Program will help pay tuition costs for private, out-of-state, or graduate school. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3ZDg7qA.
- Montgomery GI Bill: Helps veterans from previous service eras. Learn more at https://bit.ly/45ekARU.
- Reserve Educational Assistance Program: This program has been sunset and prior eligible veterans are now eligible under post 9/11. Learn more at https://bit.ly/45c0aZH.
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance: Learn more at https://bit.ly/48DFwof.
More on the Post-9/11 GI Bill
If a veteran served after Sept. 10, 2001, and otherwise qualifies, the Post-9/11 GI Bill may cover tuition, fees, and training, plus provide the veteran with a housing allowance and money for books and supplies.
The VA’s Education and Training website explains that VA education benefits may be used toward traditional degrees, non-college degrees, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, licensing and certification, and fees to cover tests.
The VA also provides assistance to help veterans transition from military service to civilian employment. Service-disabled veterans may be eligible for one-on-one support, counseling, and training to boost skills and build careers. Explore VA employment services at https://bit.ly/3rzGXmW for details.
Train for a career in a high-demand job or in the high-tech industry
Veteran Rapid Retraining Program (VRRAP)
The VA’s VRRAP Program offers education and training for high-demand jobs to veterans who are unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and have no education and Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits. VRRAP ended on Dec. 11, 2022. However, if a veteran is already enrolled in VRRAP, they will continue to get their payments. Learn more at https://bit.ly/45eSciz.
Veteran Employment Through Technology Courses (VET TEC)
VET TEC pairs eligible veterans with market-leading Training Providers offering sought-after high-tech training and skills development. If a veteran has at least one day of unexpired GI Bill entitlement, you may be eligible for VET TEC. Learn more at https://bit.ly/46w6PPB.
VA Requirements
- Copies of the veteran’s discharge or separation papers (DD-214 or equivalent).
- Documentation of an enlistment incentive or College Fund, sometimes called a “kicker” (note: this is not required to apply for the GI Bill).
- To qualify for a monthly housing allowance, you must attend school more than half-time (e.g., seven out of 12 credit hours per term) and not currently be on active duty in the service.
VA Application Process
The application process for veterans seeking to use their education and training benefits varies for different types of applicants. Before veterans apply, they should use the chart at https://bit.ly/3tmYjnv to determine the right benefit for them. Be sure to use the GI Bill Comparison Tool at https://bit.ly/3tmYjnv to research schools and employers based on affordability and value under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Veterans can be eligible for more than one benefit, but in most cases, they must choose which benefit to receive. This decision is final and cannot be changed. Once a veteran identifies the right VA benefit for their needs, it takes about 30 minutes to apply online.
- Plan ahead and apply early because VA education benefits can take a few weeks to process.
- Depending on where you live, your application is routed to one of two specialized Regional Processing Offices (RPOs) in Buffalo, N.Y, or Muskogee, Okla.
Eligibility
Some benefits may also be used by active service members, reservists, and National Guard members as well as eligible spouses, children, and survivors of veterans and service members. Consult the GI Bill and Other Education Benefit Eligibility web page at https://bit.ly/3ZGbk7Z, the VA Benefits Booklet at https://bit.ly/45hWMMO or visit the nearest VA Regional Office for character of discharge requirements and more detailed information. Find your nearest VA Regional Office using the VA Find VA Locations at https://bit.ly/3Py0Bry.
Lowcountry Military Education Centers
The Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Adult Education Center phone number is 843-228-7484. The Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Education Office number is 843-228-7754. The Joint Base Charleston (Air Force & Naval Weapons Station) phone is 843-963-4575. The Fort Stewart, Ga. Education phone number is 912-767-8331.
The bottom line
Read the information VA Education and Training Benefits web page at https://bit.ly/46D5g2p and ask your local Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or, if you are still in the military, ask your installation, base, or unit Education Officer to help you understand what your VA education and training benefits are. Take advantage of all the education and training you can because more training and education means more opportunities for employment, advancement, prosperity, and happiness.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Hospital, the Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Army Association Chapter. Larry is the author of the award-winning book Blades of Thunder and a contributing free-lance writer with the Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164.
