So I've got to figure out which one I want to enroll in. Since I'm medical corps, I could potentially use the Montgomery to supplement my income if I do a civilian residency/fellowship after my time on active duty. On the other hand, if I want to transfer benefits to a child I think the post 9/11 bill would be better since I think it'll take into account the increased cost of tuition in 20+ years better. Also, I think I can always go from Montgomery to post 9/11 later on before separation, but not the other way. So right now I'm thinking signing up for Montgomery and then switching later if I don't have kids before I separate.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

I think in most every situation the Post 9/11 is the best way to go. Just remember, if you switch to Post 9/11 and want to transfer that benefit to your wife/children, you will incur a service obligation, unless you are already past a certain number of years. It does seem that the program changes a good deal, and it is different for officers and enlisted....much different. I don't know what you are, but in either situation, I would go Post.

I'm an officer and I'll start active duty in 2017 for at least 5 to 7 years, depending on whether the Navy wants me to be a general medical officer or not. Thanks for the info.

Someone in the TAMU Veterans Resource and Support Center ought to be able to address your question.

979-845-3161

If you want the transferability option then have your formal election to transfer ready to execute on the day you reach six years of service. Even if the Navy does not need you for an additional four years your offer to serve as much time toward the ten year point will be enough to get the transferability approved. Waiting till later will only start the clock for payback later e.g. if you wait till you have eight years of service before electing for the transferability option you will have to agree to serve till you have 12 years of service to get the transferability.

quote:

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Any member of the Armed Forces (active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted) on or after August 1, 2009, who is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and
Has at least 6 years of service in the Armed Forces on the date of election and agrees to serve 4 additional years in the Armed Forces from the date of election.
Has at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or selected reserve) on the date of election, is precluded by either standard policy (service or DoD) or statute from committing to 4 additional years, and agrees to serve for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute

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Big truck,

I currently work in an education office and get this question a lot. Everyone's circumstance is different and there are benefits to both. The best benefit for Montgomery is that you have 36 months of eligibility and when you exhaust all of that you can have 12 months of the post 9/11 giving you 48 months. It most cases it is better to go with the post 9/11 because of the transfer ability with a four year retain ability. I transferred mine to my kids and can move it around as needed. My oldest starts college in August and wil get about $1200 per month (E-5 with dep rate according to zip code). He also gets school paid and $1k in books. I was able to get my Masters paid for through tuition assistance.

BTW, I am an E-8 and retire next month after 21.5 years. Feel free to pm me if you have specific questions. There is also a VA umber that I can get you that is awesome.

Don't forget your Hazelwood eligibility when considering transfer-ability. While it it limited to use at public universities in Texas, it's 150 hours you can transfer to your kid(s).

http://www.tvc.texas.gov/Hazlewood-Act.aspx#Legacy Act