The National Guard Education Equality Act is legislation that helped “amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the inclusion of certain Active Duty service in the Reserve Components as qualifying service for purposes of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program.” Basically this bill helped National Guardsmen and Airmen received the post 9/11 GI Bill benefits that previously were only available to the Active component Army.
The benefits under the new Post 9/11 GI Bill are a reflection of the gratitude to those who have served our country since the 9/11 attacks. Unfortunately, due to a technical glitch, over 30,000 members of the National Guard were not receiving the benefits that they had earned while serving under Active Duty orders. The National Guard Soldiers who participated in disaster response, protection of US airspace, border security, and many other critical missions were highly regarded and deserved the Post 9/11 GI benefits and the opportunities that come with such benefits. As a Soldier who has used this program myself, I know and understand the many doors a college education can open.
This bill recognizes the service of the Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard by including all of their Active duty service in the calculation of their GI Bill benefits. The bill includes crediting Title 32 service in the benefits calculation under the Post 9/11 GI Bill and by providing a full four year college education to members of the National Guard who have been discharged under Title 32 with a service-connected disability. The bill was endorsed by the American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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It’s important to note that if you qualify for both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, then do some review and see which one will offer you the most benefits for your particular situation. For example, if you are completing your education with long-distance learning only, the Post-9/11 Bill reduces your housing allowance benefits. Also note, if you choose the Post-9/11 GI Bill, then you no longer qualify for the Montgomery Gi Bill. There are lots of little details like this that no one is going to tell you. Plan ahead and make an informed decision.
Yes, if you are eligible for both GI Bills, take some time and educate yourself first.