I've joined the Virginia Army National Guard, what education benefits do I have?

At Enlistment:

Army Continuing Education System (ACES) Tuition Assistance--this program pays up to 75% of tuition for a maximum of 12 credit hours per year.

Distance Learning Tuition Reimbursement--this program provides up to 75% tuition reimbursement for independent study (correspondence course) for a maximum of 12 credit hours per year.

DANTES Testing--free examination programs are available in the following areas:

• High School Completion
• College Admissions
• College Credit by Examination
• Certification
• Interest Inventories

Counseling--education counseling is available to help select institutions and programs of study, and to identify possible financial aid resources.

After Basic Training:

State Tuition Assistance Program--this program pays up to 50% of your tuition not to exceed $500 per semester and $1000 per year (based on available funding).

After Advanced Individual Training:

Montgomery G.I. Bill--this program provides you with up to $7200 ($200 per month) based on the number of courses that you are taking.

Credit for Military Experience--many colleges will award credit based on your military training and experience. You may receive from 4-16 credits through this program.

Congratulations on joining one of the best organizations in the country. Attached are fact sheets describing each of these programs. Feel free to contact the Education Services Office at (804)775- 9290 if you have any questions regarding these programs.

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS/ASSISTANCE

The GI Bill offers over $7,000 in tax-free education entitlements, to eligible participants with a 6-year obligation/contract, for graduate and undergraduate studies.

No cost GED (General Educational Development) testing.

No cost CLEP (College Level Examination Program) testing, both general (5 basic subjects) and subject specific (over 30 subjects), for ARNG personnel and their spouses. Successful completion results in a recommendation for college credits, which saves classroom hours and tuition fees.

No cost DANTES DSST (Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support - Subject Standardized Tests) testing for ARNG personnel and their spouses. As with CLEP, passing scores and recommended semester credit hours are those recommended by the American Council of Education, and acceptance is up to the individual college.

No cost ACCP (Army Correspondence Course Program) not only allows you to gain knowledge in soldier skills, but are also creditable for promotion and retirement points.

College credit recommendations for Military Experience, including BCT & AIT. (Example: BCT = 4hrs, plus AIT for 11B = 2hrs, 12B = 6hrs, 13B = 4hrs). Additional credit recommendations for other 40-40+ hour courses such as service schools and academies.

State & Federal Tuition Assistance and Reimbursement Programs are too numerous to mention in detail. They include programs such as State Tuition Assistance, Federal Army Continuing Education System Tuition Assistance, Distance Learning Tuition Reimbursement, and Academic Evaluation Assessment Fee Reimbursement. Contact your Unit Readiness NCO or the Education Services Office (CPT Bolton 804-775-9155).

For more information, visit the Division Recruiting Station.