GI Bill: Reserve

Qualifying Without Any Reservations

The VA created Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve program is for Reserve personnel like you. If you are or were enrolled in the Reserves, the VA has made it easy for you to qualify for the benefits:

• You have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve signed after June 30, 1985. If you are an officer, you must have agreed to serve six years in addition to your original obligation. For some types of training, it is necessary to have a six-year commitment that begins after September 30, 1990;
• You have completed your initial active duty for training (IADT);
• You had a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT. You may not use 12 college hours to meet this requirement
• You remained in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit.

Special Circumstances? You're Still Eligible

If your Reserve or National Guard unit was deactivated during the period October 1, 1991, through September 30, 1995, or you were involuntarily separated (e.g., reduction in force) from Reserve or National Guard service during this same period, you are still eligible for MGIB - SR benefits for the full 14 year eligibility period. You're also eligible if you were discharged from Selected Reserve service due to a disability that was not caused by misconduct. Your eligibility period may even be extended if you are ordered to active duty.

Apply Yourself Now

How can you apply for the benefits you deserve? Your unit will give you DD Form 2384-1, Notice of Basic Eligibility when you become eligible for the program. Your unit will code your eligibility into the Department of Defense personnel system so that VA may verify your eligibility. If you're eligible, your Reserve or Guard component will code your eligibility into the DOD (Department of Defense).

It's up to you to make sure that your selected program is approved for VA training. If you're not sure, the VA can inform you and the school or company about requirements. Obtain and complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits. Send it to the VA regional office with jurisdiction over the State where you will train. If you have already started training, take your application and your Notice of Basic Eligibility to your school or employer. Ask them to complete VA Form 22-1999, Enrollment Certification, and send all the forms to the VA.

The Clock Is Ticking

Your benefit entitlement from The Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve ends 14 years from the date of your eligibility, or on the day you leave the Selected Reserve. If your eligibility to this program began on or after October 1, 1992, your period of eligibility ends 14 years later, or on the day you leave the Selected Reserve. If your eligibility to this program began prior to October 1, 1992, your period of eligibility ends 10 years after, or on the day you leave the Selected Reserve.

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