I think you get 10 years to transfer it. So while nothing is on the horizon...

I don't believe that it is possible to transfer eligibility until and unless you actually have a dependent spouse or child. The VA website for transferability of benefits required the name and SSN of at least one dependent family member registered in DEERS. You need to get a (making a presumption) wife and then register for transferability of benefits. At that time you will incur the additional service obligation on which the transferability is conditioned. I don't believe that it is possible to register for transferability and the additional service obligation before you have a dependent. It would be nice if you could serve the four years before you actually met and married your wife but I don't believe it is an option.

Once you have a spouse or child registered for GI Bill benefits they must be used within 10 years of your leaving active duty IIRC. That may be a stretch for a newborn unless you are able to remain on active duty until the child it 8-12 years of age. If you are making it a career then there may be no rush at all.

Thanks, Ulysses.

I work in the education office at Columbus AFB and they are right. You can't transfer to unborn child. Just keep in mind that you will owe 4 years when you do transfer to a wife or child. Always give your spouse one month and child months. You can move the months around as you please. It doesn't lock you in. Keep in mind that this is your benefit and should you die it will be granted according to how you put it into the system. Look up TEB (transfer education benefits). They have a good q/a section. You can email me as well and I will answer what I can.