September 12, 2005

GI BILL

I guess it will help retention, and the article doesn't spell out which MOSs will be affected, but as a rule I do not support the idea of extending the GI Bill to spouses. I personally think that this is a benefit that the soldier receives in order to better himself, not his spouse. Spouses already are eligible for no-questions-asked military scholarships that cut their tuition in half, which I think is a very valuable benefit. Thus, I personally think the GI Bill belongs to the GI.

Posted by: Sarah at 11:28 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 Since most degrees enhance earning ability, I believe they should be paid for by an income tax surcharge, with discounts for certain public services like military. Of course, when I wanted to use my GI bill to get a commercial pilot's license "they" decided you needed a confirmed job offer before you could get aid. Lots of flying schools closed shortly after. I never thought to ask why you could train to be a poet without a job offer.

Posted by: Walter E. Wallis at September 12, 2005 03:04 PM (wDJE+)

2 I agree with you...GI Bill's there to provide a benefit to the servicemember, not the spouse. There are plenty of opportunities within "the system" (such as the civil service one I still work in) for spouses to get hiring preferences over damned near everyone else. Makes sense as we ask spouse's to follow soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines all over...often moving every 3-4 years. While things might be changing in regard to the frequency of moves, I think that's quite a handy bennie to have available. We really need to start thinking about the money "we" the government spend like it was our own. Throwing money at perceived problems doesn't necessarily solve anything. Far too many times I think it's done out of compassion...or guilt. See you on the high ground. MajorDad1984

Posted by: MajorDad1984 at September 13, 2005 06:57 PM (5kkjP)

3 I see where you are all coming from, but disagree. Indeed, MajorDad, the degree could be a benefit to the spouse... but perhaps the spouse has in mind that it is a benefit to the military member and the military member's children/family, etc. This money is already allocated for the service member, so if it benefits him/her in the long run, because the spouse is able to pull in higher income, I believe this should be made available.

Posted by: Corina at September 30, 2005 05:49 PM (6krEN)

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