RE: http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,156254,00.html

I can see there will be difficulties in this new program, but at least they are trying to do something.

Good

How about allowing the spouse to use the members Montgomery GI Bill?

Sure it is great and I am glad that they are doing it. But my problem is why is it only available for those whose spouses are E1 to E5 or O1 to O3? Because they make E6 means that they make a lot more money, yeah right! It should be available to every spouse who needs it.

When I first started reading this, it sounded like just another feel-good, do-good initiative. Then I read this: "The program is intended for spouses with family pay grades of E-1 through E-5 or O-1 through O-3, and the grants total $3,000 per year for each spouse." That made me realize that they were serious, and that they were targeting the right people. They are actually giving grants for education/training for spouses of junior enlisted/officers! Wow! What a novel idea! My wife could have benefited from this 20 years ago

quote:

Originally posted by NSNN:
How about allowing the spouse to use the members Montgomery GI Bill?

That would be too good to be true!

I think this is a great idea, but what about the spouses E-6 and above. My husband made his E-6 fast and he doesn't make that much more than an E-5. Plus we have two children that would need daycare. I hope that the gov would consider this program for the all spouse. Or allow them to use some of their husbands G.I bill.

quote:

Originally posted by 12482700:
I think this is a great idea, but what about the spouses E-6 and above. My husband made his E-6 fast and he doesn't make that much more than an E-5. Plus we have two children that would need daycare. I hope that the gov would consider this program for the all spouse. Or allow them to use some of their husbands G.I bill.

I'm not sure there would be much support in Congress for letting spouses use part of the GI bill, but maybe you can write your congressman (because it would take a change in the law). It would be MUCH easier to expand this new pilot program instead. Great idea--but way too hard at this point.

This benefit is great in theory but it's not really fair that it's limited to the ranks. We have thousands of military men and women who have lost their retirement or VA home loan guaranty benefit due to divorce. They may be in financial hardship which can be compounded if he or she remarries. Is it really right to prohibit the new spouse from receiving a benefit?

quote:

Originally posted by 12482700:
I think this is a great idea, but what about the spouses E-6 and above. My husband made his E-6 fast and he doesn't make that much more than an E-5. Plus we have two children that would need daycare. I hope that the gov would consider this program for the all spouse. Or allow them to use some of their husbands G.I bill.

I couldn't agree with you more. My husband is an E7 and he pays a hefty portion in alimony of his pay to his blood-sucking ex-wife. When we got married, I quit my GS-11 job to marry him- that was a substantial loss of income. It took a long time for me to find employment as well. If anything, I think they should open this up to all spouses that perhaps have been unsuccessful landing a job through AFPC Spouse Employment Assistance.