National Guard and Reserve (Chapter 1606)

Chapter 1606 of title 10, U.S.C., Educational Assistance for Members of the Selected Reserve, is also referred to as the Montgomery G.I. Bill - Selected Reserve. Since July 1, 1985, VA has held benefit payment responsibility, although the funding of educational assistance payments under this program is provided by the Department of Defense.

Eligibility Requirements

Basic eligibility extends to a person who:

1. On or after July 1, 1985, (a) enlists, reenlists, or extends an enlistment in the Selected Reserve so that the reservist has an obligation to serve for a period of not less than 6 years following the date of that action; or (b) is appointed as or is serving as a reserve officer and agrees to serve in the Selected Reserve for a period of not less than 6 years in addition to any other period of obligated Selected Reserve service; and
2. has completed the requirements of a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate) before completing the initial active duty for training (IADT) or before completing a reenlistment or extends an enlistment in order to establish eligibility for Chapter 1606 benefits;
3. has completed IADT; and
4. is satisfactorily participating in required training in the Selected Reserve.

Eligibility is precluded, if the person is receiving financial assistance under section 2107 of title 10, U.S.C. as a member of the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps scholarship program.

Entitlement

An eligible reservist is entitled to a maximum of 36 months of educational assistance based upon full-time training (or the equivalent in part-time training).

Time Limit

The last day of an eligible reservist's entitlement period under Chapter 1606 is the earlier of either (a) 10 years from the date eligibility began, or (b) the date of separation from the Selected Reserve.