Chapter 1606 -- Selected Reserve 

What is the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve ?

The Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve is an education program that provides up to 36 months of benefits to members of the Selected Reserve.  This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserves, as well as the Army National Guard and the Air Guard.  It is the first program that doesn't require a person to serve on active duty in the regular Armed Forces to qualify.

An eligible reservist may get education benefits while in a program approved for VA training.  For information about the types of training available, call the toll-free number below.

Who is Eligible ?

You may be an eligible reservist or National Guard member if:

• after 6/30/85, you signed a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve, AND
• you completed your Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT), AND
• you got your High School Diploma or GED before you completed your IADT, AND
• you are in good standing in a drilling Selected Reserve unit
  
  If you stay in the Selected Reserves, benefits generally end 10 years from the date you become eligible for the program.  You may have longer if you couldn't train because of a service-related disability. 

Your eligibility generally ends when you leave the Selected Reserves.

How Much Does VA Pay ? 

The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training you're in.  If you're attending school, your payment is based on your training time.  The full-time rate for college training is $297 per month.

How Can You Apply ? 

Your unit will give you a Notice of Basic Eligibility (DD Form 2384 or 2384-1) when you become eligible.  When you find an approved training program, fill out VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits.  Send it to forms to the St. Louis VA Regional Processing Office. 

For More Information -- Call Toll-Free

1-888-442-4551

Last Updated May 2, 2007