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ShoreFly · August 11th, 2003, 14:17

Adam,

I asked the VA a few specific questions, you might be interested in what they have to say:

BACKROUND:
I am currently active duty and qualify for full GI Bill benefits under Ch 30. I am enlisting in the AF Reserves for 6 years and will also qualify for Ch 1606. I have also contributed $600 to the "buy up" program. I will also receive a $350 "kicker" bonus for enlisting in the AFRES.

QUESTIONS:
1) Am I entitled to full benefits under each program or do I just receive 48 months of benefits?

2) If I only receive 48 months of benefits, will the “kicker” remain in effect for all 48 months or just 36?

3) How will the "kicker" affect my entitlements if I use the GI Bill exclusively for VA Approved flight training?

4) How will the $600 "buy up" contribution affect my entitlements if I use the GI Bill exclusively for VA Approved flight training?

VA's ANSWERS:
You can get 36 months under Chapter 30 and 12 months under Chapter 1606 for a total of 48 months. Your kickers will be paid for the first 36 months - they will not carry over to months 37-48.

As far as the flight training goes - for every $900 MGIB + $150 (BUY UP) + $350 (kicker) = $1400 you are paid, you will use one month of benefits. On 10-1-03, the MGIB rate increases to $985. The other rates will remain the same throughout your 36 months.

Please make sure the flight school you choose is VA approved before you commit to it. Also, you have to have your private pilot's license and VA only pays 60% of the total cost. You are responsible for the balance.

August 11th, 2003, 14:17	#6
ShoreFly Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: EWR Posts: 165	Answers from the Veterans Admin Adam, I asked the VA a few specific questions, you might be interested in what they have to say: <font color="white">BACKROUND:</font> I am currently active duty and qualify for full GI Bill benefits under Ch 30. I am enlisting in the AF Reserves for 6 years and will also qualify for Ch 1606. I have also contributed $600 to the "buy up" program. I will also receive a $350 "kicker" bonus for enlisting in the AFRES. <font color="white">QUESTIONS:</font> 1) Am I entitled to full benefits under each program or do I just receive 48 months of benefits? 2) If I only receive 48 months of benefits, will the “kicker” remain in effect for all 48 months or just 36? 3) How will the "kicker" affect my entitlements if I use the GI Bill exclusively for VA Approved flight training? 4) How will the $600 "buy up" contribution affect my entitlements if I use the GI Bill exclusively for VA Approved flight training? <font color="white">VA's ANSWERS:</font> You can get 36 months under Chapter 30 and 12 months under Chapter 1606 for a total of 48 months. Your kickers will be paid for the first 36 months - they will not carry over to months 37-48. As far as the flight training goes - for every $900 MGIB + $150 (BUY UP) + $350 (kicker) = $1400 you are paid, you will use one month of benefits. On 10-1-03, the MGIB rate increases to $985. The other rates will remain the same throughout your 36 months. Please make sure the flight school you choose is VA approved before you commit to it. Also, you have to have your private pilot's license and VA only pays 60% of the total cost. You are responsible for the balance.