Post 9/11 GI Bill Proves Popular

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW) LaTunya Howard, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Since its introduction in 2009, the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefit has proven popular with transferability being one of the most-valued features for Sailors interested in paying for their family member's college education.

"I did everything online for my wife," said Navy Diver 1st Class (DSW) Jad Graves, Navy Experimental Diving Unit, Panama City, Fla. "I didn't have any problems what so ever. The biggest delay was waiting on a voucher from the Veterans' Administration."

According to NAVADMIN 203/09, while a Sailor may be eligible for education benefits provided by the Post 9/11 GI Bill, generally the option to transfer benefits to an eligible family member requires an additional service commitment in the Armed Forces.

Qualified Sailors may elect to transfer all or a portion of their benefits to a spouse or child enrolled in Defense Eligibility Enrollment System and eligible for benefits. For transferability, Sailors must have served at least six years in the Armed Forces and agree to serve an additional four years, in most cases.

"It's extremely valuable to the service member, but I'm glad my wife can use mine," said Graves. "If I were able to attend school full-time, I'd receive the housing allowance also. That would be taking full advantage of this benefit."

"I give the Post 9/11 GI Bill a definite 'A+'," said Chief Warrant Officer David Williams, Southeast Regional Maintenance Center, Mayport, Fla. "The process was extremely easy. I transferred my benefits to my daughter who has graduated from Virginia State with her bachelor's degree, and she was able to continue her education. She was accepted into Saint Joseph University to finish her master's degree with the use of this benefit. I was really grateful to be able to do that for her."

Sailors can apply to use the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill at the Veteran's Administration website, https://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp or apply for transferability of benefits at www.dmdc.osd.mil/TEB/ however Sailors should ensure their service obligation is reflected in their Electronic Service Record at https://nsips.nmci.navy.mil/.

According to the Records Management and Benefits Division, the number one reason for rejected applications is the lack of sufficient obligated service or Page 13 not reflected in a Sailor's Electronic Service Record (ESR). Sailors should verify the information is there before applying for transferability. Self-validation of ESR is required by NAVADMIN 203/09.

Additionally Sailors should transfer their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits before going on terminal leave. Benefits must be transferred prior to leaving active duty.

The Navy has approved more than 24,000 requests for transferability since the program's inception, processing approximately 250 applications weekly.

For additional information visit the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) Website at http://www.npc.navy.mil/CareerInfo/Education/GIBill/ or call the NPC Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC.