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.

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

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.