Army paying for school BEFORE basic training?

Question

before I enlisted to join the Army National Guard my recruiter told me that I could use "tuition assistance" (or something like that) to cover the costs of my education the semester before I leave for basic traning. I spoke to someone else not long ago who is also a recruiter and they told me that the Army would not cover any of my education until I return from basic traning. who is right? my recruiter or the other guy? also if the Army will pay for my education this semester, can anyone explain to me how it would work?

thanks in advance!!!

Answer 1

the tuition assistance only works for state schools and its up to 4500 dollars a year,you need to bring all your enlistment papers to your counselor's office and show him your army benefits,once you come back from basic and AIT ou'll get the G.I bill and possibly the kicker too for about 500 dollars a month.and yes,you can use tuition assistance before you go to basic.

Answer 2

Hope this puts you on the right track.

The Army Tuition Assistance (TA) Program provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of a soldier's professional and personal self-development goals. The program is open to all soldiers (officers, warrant officers, enlisted) on active duty, and Army National Guard and Army Reserve on active duty.

The U.S. Army Reserve offers tuition assistance (TA) as an incentive to its Selected Reserve Soldiers.  The primary goal of the TA Program is to enhance recruiting and retention of quality Soldiers by supporting their personal and professional educational goals.  By furthering their education, Soldiers will be better equipped to meet the Army's recruiting and retention missions and it will also improve their competitive posture in the Army and in the civilian employment arena.  

Fund  Availability.  Soldiers are eligible for TA based on availability of funds, on a first-come, first-serve basis.  In no case will Soldiers be promised reimbursement for use of their personal funds when TA funds are not available.  TA is not an entitlement and Soldiers cannot expect to receive TA because they signed a contract or service agreement.

The TA program is offered to TPU, IMA, Chaplain Candidates, and SMP Cadets, and Split Option Soldiers (upon completion of high school) as defined below:

     (1)  TPU Soldier:  A member of the Selected Reserve assigned to an operational or augmentation unit of the Army Reserve who participates in unit battle assembly training (48 periods per year) and a two week annual training period.  Members/units are available for involuntary call up to support the active forces for any operational mission.

     (2)  IMA Soldier (Individual Mobilization Augmentee):  A Reserve Soldier assigned to an Active Duty Unit, who is authorized a certain number of drills per year and can be mobilized based upon the needs of the Army.  

     (3)  SMP Cadet:  An ROTC Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) Cadet agreeing to serve in the Army Reserve can receive TA provided that an ROTC Scholarship has not been awarded.  (When needed, scholarship information can be verified by the Cadet Command).

(4)  Split Option:  An Enlisted Soldier, who has completed basic training and is waiting to go to Advanced Individual Training (AIT), can receive TA provided the Soldier is being paid and credited for drills.  Split Option Soldiers attending private high schools cannot receive TA.



(5)  Chaplain Candidate:  Reserve Chaplain Candidates are authorized TA while in full-time theological studies leading to reappointment as a Chaplain.

Army Reserve Soldiers are eligible for TA immediately upon enlistment provided they are drilling with an Army Reserve Unit.  

Split Option Program participants are only eligible for TA upon high school completion.  

Answer 3

Chances are they won't give you any money for education. You have a 50/50 chance.