Army Suspends Tuition Assistance

[DJTetsui]

Greetings Battles,

So I felt like spreading this word around in case there are some of you that don't know what's going on in Washington D.C.

Apparently, the Secretary of the Army approved the suspension of tuition assistance. If you are currently enrolled in classes, you're good. . .and GI Bill/Post 9/11 GI Bill are also good. But if you're active duty, and you are utilizing T.A. for civilian education - it looks like that degree might be on hold for a while. . .

Felt like letting you know - this is significant for me as I was working on my Biology Degree to transition into the Army Enlisted Commissioning Program or the Intraservice Physician's Assistant Program. . .looks like I'll have to wait for a while.

**The Original Quote**

“The Secretary of the Army has approved the suspension of Tuition Assistance effective 5 p.m. (Eastern Time) on March 8, 2013. Soldiers will no longer be permitted to submit new requests for Tuition Assistance,” read a statement posted Friday on the GoArmyEd.com website. “However, Soldiers currently enrolled in courses approved for Tuition Assistance are not affected, and will be allowed to complete current course enrollment(s).
“This change in the Army Tuition Assistance program applies to all Soldiers, including the Army National Guard and Army Reserves,” the statement read.


Am I angry? - Yes.
Am I sad? - Yes.
Do I want to punch a donkey? - Not yet. Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem, I'll leave the donkeys alone.
Anything you can do to make DJ Tetsui feel better? - A bowl of rice perhaps^_^

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

Greetings Battles,

So I felt like spreading this word around in case there are some of you that don't know what's going on in Washington D.C.

Apparently, the Secretary of the Army approved the suspension of tuition assistance. If you are currently enrolled in classes, you're good. . .and GI Bill/Post 9/11 GI Bill are also good. But if you're active duty, and you are utilizing T.A. for civilian education - it looks like that degree might be on hold for a while. . .

Felt like letting you know - this is significant for me as I was working on my Biology Degree to transition into the Army Enlisted Commissioning Program or the Intraservice Physician's Assistant Program. . .looks like I'll have to wait for a while.

**The Original Quote**

“The Secretary of the Army has approved the suspension of Tuition Assistance effective 5 p.m. (Eastern Time) on March 8, 2013. Soldiers will no longer be permitted to submit new requests for Tuition Assistance,” read a statement posted Friday on the GoArmyEd.com website. “However, Soldiers currently enrolled in courses approved for Tuition Assistance are not affected, and will be allowed to complete current course enrollment(s).
“This change in the Army Tuition Assistance program applies to all Soldiers, including the Army National Guard and Army Reserves,” the statement read.


Am I angry? - Yes.
Am I sad? - Yes.
Do I want to punch a donkey? - Not yet. Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem, I'll leave the donkeys alone.
Anything you can do to make DJ Tetsui feel better? - A bowl of rice perhaps^_^

I'm right there with you brotha. The AF is about to stop it as well. I understand we are in a fiscal climate that is creating drastic decisions but TA is not going to affect many careers, it'll affect many people's choices to join. Just a crock of shit in my opinion...

[DJTetsui]

I just don't understand the concept. Yes you gotta save money. . .I get it. But in order to get promoted, I have to get promotion points. 100 promotion points come from civilian education, which I get from Army T.A. So basically the Army is telling me "Okay SPC Thompson. . .you have two feet. . .go ahead and shoot yourself in THAT one. . ."

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

Yeah AF is heavy on off-duty education. You can't make E-7 without at least a CCAF degree (associates) E-8 on up requires a bachelors to stand a chance at the boards.

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

WASHINGTON, March 8, 2013 – Budget problems have forced the Army and Marine Corps to cancel the tuition assistance program, service officials said today.
Navy and Air Force officials said they are studying the way forward with the program and expect decisions next week.
Thousands of service members take advantage of the tuition assistance program, which allows them to take college courses that prepare them for their jobs in the military or as they transition to the civilian workforce.
However, the current fiscal situation forced service officials to make difficult choices, said Navy Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde, a Pentagon spokeswoman. “Each service is responsible for funding and administering tuition assistance funding,” she said.
The Defense Department’s comptroller issued guidance “indicating that the services should consider significant reductions in funding new tuition assistance applicants, effective immediately and for the duration of the current fiscal situation,” Hull-Ryde added.
Army officials announced today that soldiers will not be permitted to submit new requests for tuition assistance. Soldiers currently enrolled in courses approved for tuition assistance are not affected, and will be allowed to complete those courses, said Lt. Col. Tom Alexander, spokesman for the Army’s personnel chief.
The Army is taking this step because of the combined effects of a possible year-long continuing resolution and sequestration. “The Army understands the impacts of this action and will re-evaluate should the budgetary situation improve,” Alexander said. Soldiers with questions can get answers at their local education centers.
The Marine Corps cancelled its program when across-the-board spending cuts under a “sequestration” mechanism in budget law took effect. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus ordered the Marine Corps to cease new enrollments in the voluntary education tuition assistance program. The Marine Corps falls under the Navy Department.
Mabus said in an all-Navy order that the actions are needed “to preserve support for those forces stationed overseas and currently forward-deployed. Reductions in lower-priority forward operations, and significant reductions in all other operations, training and maintenance are a result of this selection process.”



Source: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=119478

Sigh the military is headed for some dark times... I know it seems like just TA... but it's going to snowball I think..

[loakii]

Source: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=119478

Sigh the military is headed for some dark times... I know it seems like just TA... but it's going to snowball I think..

I feel the same.... Shits going to get get worse


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[ValhallaCQC]

We were briefed of this 3 hours before it took effect . Giving little chance to register in time.

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[DJTetsui]

We were briefed of this 3 hours before it took effect . Giving little chance to register in time.

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I got an email saying at 1500 telling me I had to fix any T.A. classes I was in before C.O.B. at 1700. . .sigh. . .

[obtainedpilot]

So does this affect the gi bill?

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[loakii]

So does this affect the gi bill?

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No gi bill is your entitlement TA is extra


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[Twizted875]

No gi bill is your entitlement TA is extra


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Till that changes.. They already took break pay

[obtainedpilot]

Ah ok

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[KaNtSt0PMeH]

I can see them introducing a new bill for the new recruits though of some sort.

[NwG_SnakeEyes]

Glad I used all my TA for the year so far before they cut it. Feel bad for everyone that didn't get what they have earned. I find it funny that they are cutting programs that are helping all the people that serve first instead of cutting some Politicians benefits first. How about cutting the outrageous travel and spending of Senators before taking the education away from the soldier/sailor/airman!


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[RitterMarine]

thats BS the military should help everyone better themselves because the job market sucks for people getting out the military.

[Rickety Rob]

I'm glad this doesn't effect those who are no longer in the military

[jxspyder]

I'm glad this doesn't effect those who are no longer in the military

Its only a matter of time.

Sent from the muddy banks of the Wishkaw

[Rickety Rob]

Its only a matter of time.

Sent from the muddy banks of the Wishkaw

True but until they cut the GI bill or post 9-11 bill. I should be good to go. Sucks for those who are currently serving. No more classes for you. Can you even use your GI bill while serviing, or is that something you can only use when you're out?

[Twizted875]

True but until they cut the GI bill or post 9-11 bill. I should be good to go. Sucks for those who are currently serving. No more classes for you. Can you even use your GI bill while serviing, or is that something you can only use when you're out?

They've already cut the gi bill without anyone noticing they out tuition limitations on schools and cut pay during summer and winter and fall break

[Rickety Rob]

They've already cut the gi bill without anyone noticing they out tuition limitations on schools and cut pay during summer and winter and fall break

Oh word! That's BS

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

You can use your GI Bill but it's something I intended to give my son... so it's definitely a crock of shit. I'm hoping after the shock of the sequestration levels out we maybe at least get 50-75% TA back IF the AF and Navy lose it as well.

[Rickety Rob]

You can use your GI Bill but it's something I intended to give my son... so it's definitely a crock of shit. I'm hoping after the shock of the sequestration levels out we maybe at least get 50-75% TA back IF the AF and Navy lose it as well.

So you're planning on doing 10 plus years in the AF?

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

10 and out was the plan since I would have had my Master's by then. Since TA is getting tapped I will be slowing down on school as necessary. Only because my wife will be making good money here soon which will be immensely helpful.

[Rickety Rob]

10 and out was the plan since I would have had my Master's by then. Since TA is getting tapped I will be slowing down on school as necessary. Only because my wife will be making good money here soon which will be immensely helpful.

That's awesome! Kudos to your wife

[River_Rat_459]

Bye-bye retention rate. I know a guy in my old unit who said that the TA being taken away was the reason why he won't reenlist. Can't say as I blame him.

[jxspyder]

Bye-bye retention rate. I know a guy in my old unit who said that the TA being taken away was the reason why he won't reenlist. Can't say as I blame him.

Know a couple as well. I can't help wondering if this was a deliberate goal.

Sent from the muddy banks of the Wishkaw

[Twizted875]

Know a couple as well. I can't help wondering if this was a deliberate goal.

Sent from the muddy banks of the Wishkaw

It usually is.... Same reason they make it hard to get a decent rating decision... In hopes you get frustrated and quit

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

In case you weren't upset enough...

5089

[iamthesgt]

In case you weren't upset enough...

5089

Truth!

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[Rickety Rob]

In case you weren't upset enough...

5089

That's a huge FU in the face to all Americans right there. Especially to the military

[BigFreeze99]

Bye-bye retention rate. I know a guy in my old unit who said that the TA being taken away was the reason why he won't reenlist. Can't say as I blame him.
This is typical of our beloved government. I don't want to be the doom and gloom or hit the board with rumor and innuendo, but these types of cuts are consistant with a draw down during conflict. I have been part of (as many here probably have too) these 'draw downs'.
Right now our sons and daughters, in the service, are favored by our press and politicians, mostly for their own gain. Not for the benefit of the service members.
I spoke with a General officer the other day, and he stated the idea of reducing the USMC force to 145,000 may be a reality soon. Once these current conflicts are finished, I believe more benefits will be decreased and elminated, not to mention the rumblings of the BRAC reconvening.
Once you exit the service, you will know what I mean on this issue. From a first class citizen (while you are in) to a burden to the government (when you are out).

Just a bit grumpy today....

Semper-Fi
Mike

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

I just got a confirmation the Air Force has suspended it as well.

There's a fast growing petition at

Https://petitions.whitehouse.gov and search for tuition assistance. It's approaching 50,000.

[Rickety Rob]

I'm surprised its not higher than it is now

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

It just kicked off. Plus with AF and possibly Navy dropping today it will become huge no worries.

[Rickety Rob]

Its like fuck the military and cut their budgets but lets invest millions of dollars to see what effects ketchup has to the community. I'm being serious about the ketchup thing too

[iamthesgt]

Its like fuck the military and cut their budgets but lets invest millions of dollars to see what effects ketchup has to the community. I'm being serious about the ketchup thing too

True story. Sad, especially considering the military is one of the few Constitutional roles of government.

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[Rickety Rob]

Being in the military is almost like saying we are the illegal immigrants

[comanche_warior]

Its all so damn dumb when US citizens or military members cant get better treatment than illegals, thats what bugs me more than anything else.

[obtainedpilot]

They have made us the bottom feeders now instead of the illegals

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[MikaelTyson]

Air Force TA is gone now too. I only get 60% GI bill because of time spent deployed. Fucking awesome. I love my country, but holy fuck do I hate my government.

[Rickety Rob]

Damn Mike, that sucks. Are you still currently serving?

[iamthesgt]

Air Force TA is gone now too. I only get 60% GI bill because of time spent deployed. Fucking awesome. I love my country, but holy fuck do I hate my government.

True story.

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[JTFRYE]

Usmc ta has been gone especially with me active duty it sucks. I wanted to go to school so I could be competitive.


Sent from my man cave!

[toby2533]

This just made the big news last night and today in the papers, how it take so long for the mainstream media to jump on a story like this piss me off. They have been talking more about Defense workers loosing their jobs then this.

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

The petition got signed fully signed over 100,000. Hoping it at least opens some eyes.

[toby2533]

Let me clarify my last statement Defense workers I mean Defense contractor workers, being in the Baltimore TV viewing area all you hear is about the layoffs coming for the jet markers,

[BigFreeze99]

Senator Kay Hagan, (D-NC) has submitted a bill to reinstate the tuition assistance program. http://www.hagan.senate.gov/ It is on her page.
Not much I agree with her on but she supports the military.
Mike

[BilgeRatBilly]

Not that I'm trying to be a dickwad about the subject, but they didn't cancel TA, they just suspended it. We just had an all call with a 3 star and after hearing what he had to say I'm sure it will be back (mainly for all the same reasons that those currently using it are complaining of). In all fairness the GI bill is the main benefit/entitlement I expected too get when I joined, so while TA was an amazing perk, it wasn't why I joined the military. IDK, like I said not trying to be a dick, but there are other ways for service members to pay for schooling.

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[Rickety Rob]

Not that I'm trying to be a dickwad about the subject, but they didn't cancel TA, they just suspended it. We just had an all call with a 3 star and after hearing what he had to say I'm sure it will be back (mainly for all the same reasons that those currently using it are complaining of). In all fairness the GI bill is the main benefit/entitlement I expected too get when I joined, so while TA was an amazing perk, it wasn't why I joined the military. IDK, like I said not trying to be a dick, but there are other ways for service members to pay for schooling.

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DICK!

[toby2533]

http://news.yahoo.com/pentagon-spent-928m-unemployment-080806303.html

This will really piss you off, now they want to get rid of the unemployment we can take when we get out, ok I did it for 2 months until I got a job and started college. These prick think we walk out and jump right into a job, now I was single then no problem but how about a guy with a family. Remember vets have the highest unemployment rate. Damn the man!!!!

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

The main thing for me if you are using the Montgomery bill is that's fine TA is no big deal but for those of us with kids the ability to transfer the GI bill to our children is the most important thing to me. That means I do not have to worry about paying for my sons education and it gives him a chance for higher education. If I didn't have that I don't think I could have provided my son with that. So if I am tapping the very limited months of my GI I won't have much to give my son.

[jxspyder]

http://news.yahoo.com/pentagon-spent-928m-unemployment-080806303.html

This will really piss you off, now they want to get rid of the unemployment we can take when we get out, ok I did it for 2 months until I got a job and started college. These prick think we walk out and jump right into a job, now I was single then no problem but how about a guy with a family. Remember vets have the highest unemployment rate. Damn the man!!!!

Lol, this article contradicts itself so much it's pathetic. Vets have to follow the same rules of searching for employment that civilians do..........but vets "might not" be searching for employment

What a joke.

Sent from the muddy banks of the Wishkaw

[toby2533]

Honestly with out the unemployment pay which is not that great I would have been in a mess, My dad and I got into a huge fight about 2 weeks out over I had to be home by midnight so we slugged it out and I started to couch surf from friends houses until my Mom threaten to kick him out. But that money kept me feed until the family shit calmed down. What shocked me was the Veterans group that were speaking out in the article against the unemployment pay.

[jxspyder]

Honestly with out the unemployment pay which is not that great I would have been in a mess, My dad and I got into a huge fight about 2 weeks out over I had to be home by midnight so we slugged it out and I started to couch surf from friends houses until my Mom threaten to kick him out. But that money kept me feed until the family shit calmed down. What shocked me was the Veterans group that were speaking out in the article against the unemployment pay.

Yeah, kind of sketchy when the director of public affairs for the VFW is basically bagging on veterans.

Sent from the muddy banks of the Wishkaw

[toby2533]

Probably because they did not have that when he got out.

[RitterMarine]

Heads up to all Active Duty


starting soon all TA for all services might not be available and they will also be getting rid of MyMCAA which is for spouses and family of active duty members.
They are even thinking of cutting a few other military programs that will help people get there citizenship while serving also.

......Figures our government would now rather help illegals get all the benifits and crap on the actual citizens and military members active, reserve, retired and former.

[RitterMarine]

Bye-bye retention rate. I know a guy in my old unit who said that the TA being taken away was the reason why he won't reenlist. Can't say as I blame him.




Well even if he does stay in what else can he do to make the next level?

Nothing because nowadays even in the Corps its hard to make rank unless you start classes and kiss ass

[A1000YrdStare03]

http://news.yahoo.com/pentagon-spent-928m-unemployment-080806303.html

This will really piss you off, now they want to get rid of the unemployment we can take when we get out, ok I did it for 2 months until I got a job and started college. These prick think we walk out and jump right into a job, now I was single then no problem but how about a guy with a family. Remember vets have the highest unemployment rate. Damn the man!!!!

All these cuts to veteran benefits and then you see this video, which drives me crazy!! Check it out. This is a gov website that gives immigrants all the government handouts then need when coming into the country, but the people who fight for this country get there benefits cut as a thanks for there service.

http://youtu.be/IZQli9XrrIQ


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[iamthesgt]

Heads up to all Active Duty


starting soon all TA for all services might not be available and they will also be getting rid of MyMCAA which is for spouses and family of active duty members.
They are even thinking of cutting a few other military programs that will help people get there citizenship while serving also.

......Figures our government would now rather help illegals get all the benifits and crap on the actual citizens and military members active, reserve, retired and former.

What is MyMCAA?

[JTFRYE]

It's something that spouses can use for tuition assistance. My wife is using it


Sent from the hell hole called work

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

It passed under the Senate on Wednesday to reinstate TA. There is no definite plan but they are working on something so that's a positive.

[iamthesgt]

It passed under the Senate on Wednesday to reinstate TA. There is no definite plan but they are working on something so that's a positive.

There's so many other bullshit programs that could be cut. We could probably downsize the military if wed stop getting involved in drawn-out wars and just stick to a strong defense. But entitlements need to go away. Like now.

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[obtainedpilot]

Or we could do away with crap weapons ans hardware projects that go no where and produce nothing

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[RitterMarine]

Or we could do away with crap weapons ans hardware projects that go no where and produce nothing

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But the government can't do that lol because where would thier money go

[WHIT3C3LL]

There's so many other bullshit programs that could be cut. We could probably downsize the military if wed stop getting involved in drawn-out wars and just stick to a strong defense. But entitlements need to go away. Like now.

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I was reading on yahoo that it could be gone again fy 14

[loakii]

I was reading on yahoo that it could be gone again fy 14

Yes it could the congress and senate only passed that the bill for this fiscal year, so use it up till September 30


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[iamthesgt]

Or we could do away with crap weapons ans hardware projects that go no where and produce nothing

You mean like...the RAH-66?

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