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ARNG Education Programs 2008 ARNG Education Programs • • • • • • • • • • • • Tuition Assistance Programs State Education Programs GI Bill Programs (Active, Reserve, REAP & Kicker) ROTC Commissioning and Scholarship Programs Testing Licensing/Certification Programs Troops to Teachers Program Spouses to Teachers Program Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Army e-Learning Program ARNG Education Support Center (ESC) e-Discover Educational Guidance Software Program Army American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS) • Student Guide to Success (Free Test-Out Preparation) • Education Counseling • Apprenticeship & OJT Programs ARNG Federal Tuition Assistance Current Benefit for AGRs and ADOS and MDAY • 100% of tuition for high school equivalency • 100% of tuition, up to $250 per semester hour • $4,500 max per Soldier, per FY, including authorized fees - An authorized fee is a fee charged to ‘all students’ for enrollment purposes or is directly related to the course • One credential at Associate, Bachelor, Master degree (or first professional) level, licensure, or a vocational/technical certification - Courses can be taken in classroom or via distance learning Note: ARNG FTA is NOT a guaranteed benefit, first come, first served basis - it is subject to ‘funding availability and Soldier eligibility criteria ARNG Federal Tuition Assistance Eligibility for ADOS or MDAY • • • • Be a member of the ARNG Must be an active member not exceeding 9 AWOLs May apply for FTA up to 30 days after course start date Enlisted must have enough remaining obligation for the length of the course • Officers incur a service obligation after course completion • Must attend an accredited institution Apply online at: www.virtualarmory.com or www.nationalguardbenefits.com Active Army ACES FTA Eligibility for AGRs (Title 10 and 32) Per AR 621-5 Policy - Title 10/32 Soldiers in AGR status - Enlisted ARNG Soldiers who are federally mobilized* • Active Army education centers will verify that applicant has active duty orders covering period of anticipated courses • Officers must serve 2 years on active duty or 4 years MDAY service after the course completion date Apply online at www.goarmyed.com Locate the servicing ACES education site at https://www.armyeducation.army.mil/ or visit one of the local active army education centers Note: *ARNG Soldiers who are deemed not eligible for ACES TA may be eligible for ARNG FTA State Funded Education Programs Benefit • Programs vary from State to State • Most States have a form of State funded programs; i.e. State TA, Pell Grant, waiver, loan repayment, scholarships, tuition exemptions, etc. • CA, TN and GU currently have no State funded programs • Contact the State ARNG Education Office for details or visit www.virtualarmory.com click on the EDUCATION tab. Note: State programs may have stipulations and/or additional requirements and are based upon State funding. ARNG GI Bill Programs • Reserve GI Bill (Ch 1606) – All Reserve Components • ARNG KICKER – An incentive paid ‘in addition to’ the MGIB (Reserve or AD) • Active Duty GI Bill (MGIB-AD) (Ch 30) – For Soldiers who serve on active duty for 2 or more years • Reserve Education Assistance Program (Ch 1607) – For Soldiers who were mobilized 90+ days on a contingency operation – For Soldiers mobilized for less than 90 days but separated from AD with an approved LOD Note: All MGIB programs are administered/paid by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) Education Programs under GI Bill IHL (Institutes of Higher Learning) NCD (Non-College Degree Programs) On-the-Job & Apprenticeship Training Flight Training Independent Training, Distance Learning, & Internet Training Correspondence Training National Testing Program Licensing & Certification Entrepreneurship Training Work-Study Program Co-op Training Accelerated Payment of MGIB-AD Tuition Assistance Top-Up Tutorial Assistance Program NOTE: *Check DVA for qualifying programs Reserve GI BILL (Ch 1606) Basic Eligibility – High School Diploma or equivalent – Initial 6-year contract w/ARNG or other Reserve Comp – Complete Initial Active Duty Training (IADT) Reserve GI BILL (Ch 1606) Periods of Eligibility • Eligibility starts on the date of basic eligibility which is annotated on the Notification of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) DD Form 2384-1 • Soldiers with a date of basic eligibility prior to 1 Oct 92 had 10 years to use their MGIB-SR benefit • Soldiers with a date of basic eligibility of 1 Oct 92 or later have 14 years to use their MGIB-SR benefit* • Eligibility for the MGIB-SR expires on the delimiting date , reached maximum number of benefits, or when the soldier leaves the selected reserve, whichever is earlier Note: *This change is based on the FY03 National Defense Authorization Act, signed into law (PL 107-314) on 2 Dec 02 Reserve GI BILL (Ch 1606) Mobilization Eligibility MGIB-SR period of eligibility is ‘extended’ for the period of federal mobilization plus 4 months – I.e. A Soldier who is mobilized for 1 year (12 months) will have 16 months added to their current delimiting date* – To get the additional time added, the Soldier must send a copy of their DD214 to their regional DVA office Note: *This extension adds ‘time’ to how long the Soldier can use the MGIB-SR entitlement, it does NOT add additional ‘months of entitlement’ Active Duty GI Bill (Ch 30) Eligibility Basic Eligibility • Entered active duty/AGR on or after 1 July 1985/AGR on or after 29 November 1989 • Serve 2 years or longer active duty • Contribute $1,200 ($100 month for 12 months) • Serve obligated period in a ‘honorable’ status Note: *Once made, your decision to accept or decline is permanent! Active Duty GI Bill (Ch 30) Benefit • Extensions – Soldiers who are discharged and later return to federal active duty for 90 days or more (before or after the expiration of their 10 year delimiting date), may have a new 10 year delimiting date established after their ETS* – M-Day/part-time ARNG Soldiers who are already enrolled in the MGIB-AD and are federally mobilized for 90 days or more will have a new 10 year delimitating date established upon return from the mobilization* Note: *To have your delimiting date extended, Soldiers must send a copy of their DD Form 214 to their VA Regional Processing Office (RPO) Active Duty GI Bill (Ch 30) Additional Benefit • $600 Additional Contribution (PLUS UP): ̶ Optional addition to existing Active Duty GI Bill (MGIB-AD) ̶ Soldier must be on active duty to complete DD Form 2366-1 ̶ In-process through ARNG GI Bill Support Team (1-866-628-5999) ̶ $20 increments or all of $600 (AGR Soldiers) ̶ Soldiers gaining eligibility through mobilization will pay the $600 in a lump sum ̶ May receive to $150 more per month in benefits Note: Maintain paper copies of payment voucher and enrollment forms for Dept of VA verification. Reserve Education Assistance Program Basic Eligibility (1607) – Soldier served on Active duty (AD) in support of a contingency operation for 90 days or more on or after 11 September 2001 – Performed full-time National Guard duty title 32 for 90+ consecutive days – Soldiers’ eligibility is gained on 90th consecutive day of duty – Soldiers serving on AD for a contingency operation on or after 11 September 2001 for less than 90 days are eligible if released for line of duty injury, illness, or disease – Remain a participant with a Reserve Component – No contribution required Reserve Education Assistance Program Benefit • Served 90+ days but less than 1 year – 40% of MGIB-AD Rate • Served less than 90 days with LOD separation – 40% of MGIB-AD (Eligible for 10 years from date eligibility gained) • Served 1 year and less than 2 years – 60% of MGIB-AD Rate • Served 2 years or more – 80% of MGIB-AD rate – Soldier must make an irrevocable decision as to which program the service will be credited toward (Ch 30 or 1607) ARNG GI Bill KICKER Overview The ARNG GI Bill KICKER is an extra monthly payment paid with the soldier’s Reserve GI Bill or Active Duty GI Bill or REAP basic benefit. It’s purpose is to encourage the enlistment and retention of Soldiers into designated units/MOSs* Note: *ARNG GI Bill KICKER policy/guidance is published by National Guard Bureau, NGB-ARM-EI ARNG GI Bill KICKER Basic Eligibility • Be eligible for the GI Bill basic entitlement for 1606 or CH30 or 1607 – – – – Duty position Six year obligation Completion of IADT HSDG/equivalent • Current ARNG Soldiers – Must have served at least 3 years continuous active service with ARNG without a break • PS Soldiers must not have received a Kicker from another RC ARNG GI BILL KICKER Benefits • $100 (Currently not offered by ARNG) • $200 (NPS, PS and Current ARNG Soldiers) • $350 (Officer Candidates, WOCs and SMPs) – Not subject to federal/state withholding – Paid monthly with the GI Bill basic benefit (Reserve or Active Duty) – KICKER entitlement lasts as long as the GI Bill basic benefit, up to 36 months maximum – Payments are prorated when not enrolled full-time ARNG GI Bill Programs How to use GI Bill and KICKER benefits • Verify school is approved to receive DVA benefits (www.gibill.va.gov) • Register for courses at school • Bring completed DVA Form 22-1990/NOBE/DD 214/KICKER contract to school official or send to Dept of DVA • School’s Veteran Affairs certifying official signs DVA Form 221999 certifying enrollment • Department of Veterans Affairs pays benefits • Verify benefit monthly ARNG ROTC Scholarship Programs Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) • Dedicated ARNG ROTC Scholarships • Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarships Commissioning Programs • Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) • Simultaneous ROTC Membership Program (SMP) – Dedicated ARNG Scholarships – Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarships • State Officer Candidate School (OCS) • Accelerated officer Candidate School (OCS) • Federal Officer Candidate School (AC) • Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) • Direct Commission Army e-Learning Army e-Learning (SmartForce) Program • An Army Computer Based Training (CBT) System that provides free access to over 2800 Information Technology, Business Skills, Self Development and Language courses • The Army Training Requirements and Resources System (ATRRS) verifies your eligibility for the program and also posts successfully completed courses to your official ATRRS training record • Some courses are approved by the American Council on Education (ACE) to award college credit and they do count for promotion points • Program Listing (course catalog) is available via email to Army@smartforce.com • For further info and to enroll call 1-888-395-0014 x2620, or visit: www.atrrs.army.mil/channels/eLearning/smartforce/ DANTES Services • TBD ARNG Testing • Over 150 free tests available to ARNG Soldiers including; CLEP, DSST, GED, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, Praxis, Etc… • College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Standardized Subject Tests (DSST) and Excelsior College Exams (ECE) equate to college credit and save Soldiers time and money! • Test at any DANTES test center; i.e. ARNG, Army, Navy, Air Force. • Test at National Test Centers (colleges) - Soldier/Spouse with ID card can take eCLEPS free, military service pays for the testing. • ARNG spouses and civilians are eligible at ARNG/DANTES Test Centers (CLEP and DSST are free for spouse). • Army Personnel Testing for Soldiers available at all locations. ARNG Certification • Over 200 exams from 40 different agencies • Over 30 national certification exams including; Food Services, Fitness, Electronics, Medical, Auto, etc. • Excellent opportunity to use military experience to gain valuable civilian certification/licensure • Exam must be related to your MOS • Only exam costs are reimbursed, contact the professional organization for application and study materials • Web site for more information – www.armyeducation.army.mil (Credentialing Opportunities On Line – C.O.O.L.) – www.umet-vets.dol.gov (Certification Info for Vets) Troops to Teachers Troop to Teachers (TTT) • Assist military personnel transition to a new career as a public school teacher • Stipends up to $5,000 and bonus incentives up to $10,000 for agreeing to teach in a ‘high need’ district • Provides mentoring opportunities, placement information and alternative teacher credentialing opportunities • ARNG Soldiers must have 10 years of service or have retired with 20 or more years of service to qualify for stipends • Soldiers enlisting in the ARNG directly from active duty with six or more years of service are also eligible • Contact your State ESO or visit the TTT link for more info www.proudtoserveagain.com Spouses to Teachers Spouses to Teachers (STT) • Assist military members’ spouses interested in pursing a teaching career • The program includes routes to certification, employment potential, and assistance with employment searches • Up to $600 available to reimburse eligible spouses for expenses incurred to take examinations • Eligibility include spouses of active duty personnel, selected reserve and National Guard, and members of the IRR recalled to active duty • Visit the STT link for more information www.spousestoteachers.org Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges SOCGuard (ARNG’s team at SOC) • SOCGuard representatives serve as ARNG liaison and advisor to higher education institutions/agencies • SOCGuard’s outreach activities include college workshops, professional education conferences, ARNG meetings, visits to college campuses, activation/mobilization support, and ARNG recruiter training • SOCGuard also provides posters, brochures, presentations and other helpful information and publications for education and R&R personnel via the SOC Guard web site • Advisory role on education-related mobilization & school accreditation issues! Officers Without Degrees • The OWD initiative affects all Officers who do not possess a Bachelor’s degree • The target market includes Officer Candidates /Graduate, 2LTs and 1LTs, 1LTs and Captains (passed over) • Army National Guard Education Support Center (ESC) will identify, evaluate, contact, and track all junior officers without a degree from their current academic status through completion of their Bachelor’s degree • ESC counselors are prepared to assist officers in an already devised degree program or assist officers in identifying a degree program Education and Incentives Ops The ARNG Education Support Center (ESC) is an NGB contracted agency established to be the subject matter experts and one-stop-shop for all ARNG education inquiries/program operating under the Education and Incentives Operations Branch. ARNG Education Support Center e-Discover • Internet accessible educational guidance software that provides guidance and information • Soldiers, their families and ARNG civilian make informed career and educational decisions • Offers complete, current databases of occupations, college majors, schools and training institutions, financial aid/scholarships, and military options • Develops good job-seeking skills through effective resumes, cover letters, job applications, and interviewing skills ARNG Education Support Center Provides the following specialized services •College Degree Planning •Military Credit Assessment •Educational counseling •Student Guide to Success test prep program •e-DISCOVER counseling resource •GI Bill Program Management •Officers without Degrees ARNG Education Support Center College Degree Planning Reviews the AARTS transcript and build a personalized college degree plan by consolidating your earned credit from sources such as military training, college level testing, independent course study, traditional college courses and corporate training ARNG Education Support Center Degree Programs •Associate – Business, Aviation, Technical Studies, Management, Administration and Occupational studies, etc. •Baccalaureate – Business, Marketing, Management, Nursing, Operations Management, and Human Resources, etc. •Masters and PhD programs also available ARNG Education Support Center Educational Counseling Education counselors are available to help answer your questions and put you on the right track. ARNG Education Support Center Student Guide to Success Enhance the ability of students to pass college credit examinations using multi-media, Hollywood styles Videos and DVDs associated with textbooks of the same subject. Key Education Links • www.virtualarmory.com – ARNG Education Programs plus much more www.nationalguardbenefits.com – ARNG Education Programs for ARNG Soldiers https://www.armyeducation.army.mil – Active Army Education Programs for Active Duty Soldiers www.GIBill.va.gov – Dept of Veterans Affairs website (GI Bill) www.dantes.doded.mil – DANTES Programs www.soc.aascu.org/socguard – Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOCGuard) • • • • •