(Marine Corps Times) Backtalk: The least we can offer

The least we can offer
By Josh Gibbs

Ask any politician if those who serve in America’s military are owed a debt of gratitude for their sacrifices and, undoubtedly, they will say yes. But are we doing our best to show this appreciation?

Part of the allure of the military has been the promise of education benefits. Watch enough military recruiting commercials, and you’re bound to hear the phrase “money for college” quite a few times. With that in mind, you may be surprised to hear that the recent improvements to the GI Bill, with its better benefits, were met with resistance.

This new GI Bill offers a veteran who has served on active duty for at least three years since Sept. 11, 2001, a full college education, including tuition, room, board and a monthly stipend to use for books and school supplies. It more than doubles the value of GI Bill benefits, from $40,000 to an average of about $80,000.

However, these benefits will not take effect until Aug. 1, 2009, despite earlier claims that they would be retroactive to the date the legislation was enacted. Congress may fix this.

Also, personnel who enrolled in the previous GI Bill program must continue to make their $100 monthly enrollment payments until they have paid the $1,200 required to participate, despite the fact that the new benefits program will be free. As confusing as this may seem, military officials are working on a briefing for new recruits that will explain the differences between the old and new versions of the GI Bill.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/community/opinion/marine_backtalk_college_091508/%2e