The new MGIB...........why stay in the service?

Question

So if you are going to get your tuition paid for, for 36 months of school, plus books, and receive E-5 BAH w/ dep, why would people stay in? There are many studies that show, that someone with a college degree make more money? Seems like the military is giving away freebies, and will be losing good soldiers, marines, sailors, and airmen.......Don't get me wrong, I think it is awesome, my wife and I, decided that I will not re-enlist. It will be much easier to finish my degree, without putting up with deployments, and all the other military obligations that could delay education. We have another 6-7 people in my direct work center, who have pulled re-enlistment papers, and are going to get out to continue education as well. Is this new MGIB to good to be true? Just want to make sure I understand it correctly.

Answer 1

It looks nice, but I'm sticking with the old Chapter 30 GI Bill because the new one won't pay for online degrees. I was excited at first about the BAH covering the mortgage payment, but then I noticed it was too good to be true for all the distance learners out there. If you got a campus picked out, power to ya, but I can't move. Plus my online degree is so much faster than sitting around with recent high school graduates that don't share our military mentality. I wish ya luck. Take care.

Answer 2

Those who stay in aren't in it for the benefits. They stay in because they love their job. Personally, I think the Army has given us a pretty sweet deal and we couldn't maintain our current lifestyle in the civilian world. My husband earned his degree while in the Army, for free, through the EArmyU program, and now I'm using his GI bill benefits to finish my own college education.  

Answer 3

I agree - retire young with a guaranteed pay check and then finish your education and get another higher paying job for a 2nd pension. It's all in what your long term goals are. Besides, right now with the economy slowing down people with degrees are having a hard time finding a job. I'd stay in and get the best of both worlds.  

Answer 4

Because retiring at 38 is awfully hard to do anywhere else.